Build it and they (Might) come...By Bike CYCLO CAFE MIDLANDS

[summerdays]

The thing that puts me off your concept design in the, frankly, crap cycle parking. I might expect wheel benders from the local authority but surely a cycling focused cafe could do better?

Other than that, an excellent idea.

He's got a good point, they also look too close together. But cyclists won't stop there if it looks like their bike is going to get knocked over and damaged and can't be locked securely.

 

[coffeejo]

It's an interesting idea. We don't have any cycling-specific cafes around here but the ones which get regular custom from all sorts of cyclists have the following in common (in no particular order):

• good value
• tasty grub (FWIW I'm more likely to get something like a jacket potato or eggs on toast on a longer ride and take my own sweets etc, though I might be tempted by something like a flapjack or other treat that's unlikely to fall apart if shoved into a saddlebag)
• friendly, welcoming service
• toilets

If the queues are too long or there's rarely anywhere to sit, I will avoid the cafe, and ... damn, there was another point but I've forgotten what it was. D'oh! A local coffee shop recently moved premises and although the quality has stayed the same and they've thought to include a tap near the entrance so that cyclists can refill their own water bottles, the toilets are shocking and there's nowhere to leave the bikes. I now go to the more expensive place up the road as it just feels more welcoming.

 

[Poacher]

I agree with the comments about the wheel-benders - use Sheffield stands or lots of railings instead!
Position is going to be absolutely crucial. I probably can't offer any suggestions that you haven't already considered, but it may be worth asking the Notts CTC for ideas - try looking for gaps in their café map!
Two establishments which are not particularly bike oriented but seem to attract quite a bit of trade, and might be worth a visit to see what works:
From a couple of slow rides with the local CTC C group, it seems the Kingfisher Lodge at Portland fishing lakes is even more popular with cyclists than the intended target of anglers. Quite a few cyclists seem to visit it independently of the CTC rides, and probably keep it viable.
Also in the Vale of Belvoir, Dove Cottage is a cyclist magnet; prices for the delicious cakes are on the high side, but it is for charidee.

 

[Slioch]

Love the overall concept. I'd use it.

A couple of other thoughts for potential services that could be offered would be free wifi and docking stations for people to recharge their phones/garmins etc (i.e. you provide the necessary cables micro/mini usb etc).
That way people would be more likely to stop for half an hour & have coffee & cake whilst waiting for their devices to recharge.

Other examples of existing cycle-specific "cafes" are Parsley Hay and Tissington Station on the Tissington Trail in the Peak District.

 

[TIGG STUDIO]

The thing that puts me off your concept design in the, frankly, crap cycle parking. I might expect wheel benders from the local authority but surely a cycling focused cafe could do better?

Other than that, an excellent idea.

A point made a few times, and very valid indeed, managed to bend spokes in poor parking in Normandy recently, it's the things staring you in the face
that are most obvious, thanks for the prompt, it's been a great experience so far getting proper feedback from people with experience as you can't cover all bases yourself, Cheers, Steve w.

The thing that puts me off your concept design in the, frankly, crap cycle parking. I might expect wheel benders from the local authority but surely a cycling focused cafe could do better?

Other than that, an excellent idea.

 

[TIGG STUDIO]

It's an interesting idea. We don't have any cycling-specific cafes around here but the ones which get regular custom from all sorts of cyclists have the following in common (in no particular order):

• good value
• tasty grub (FWIW I'm more likely to get something like a jacket potato or eggs on toast on a longer ride and take my own sweets etc, though I might be tempted by something like a flapjack or other treat that's unlikely to fall apart if shoved into a saddlebag)
• friendly, welcoming service
• toilets

If the queues are too long or there's rarely anywhere to sit, I will avoid the cafe, and ... damn, there was another point but I've forgotten what it was. D'oh! A local coffee shop recently moved premises and although the quality has stayed the same and they've thought to include a tap near the entrance so that cyclists can refill their own water bottles, the toilets are shocking and there's nowhere to leave the bikes. I now go to the more expensive place up the road as it just feels more welcoming.

All good points, toilets especially, and the tap is a good addition, and might be a reason to stop even if just to fill up and socialise briefly. All adds to the footfall and they could be tempted by whats on offer and purcase. great stuff, thank, Steve

 

[TIGG STUDIO]

the char

Love the overall concept. I'd use it.

A couple of other thoughts for potential services that could be offered would be free wifi and docking stations for people to recharge their phones/garmins etc (i.e. you provide the necessary cables micro/mini usb etc).
That way people would be more likely to stop for half an hour & have coffee & cake whilst waiting for their devices to recharge.

Other examples of existing cycle-specific "cafes" are Parsley Hay and Tissington Station on the Tissington Trail in the Peak District.

The Charger points are an excellent idea, have had a dead Garmin on a few rides and it's quite irritating, especially as you loose the metrics and distance data fro the remaining ride+ mapping. I will look into speed charge points like in London, good spot...cheers Steve W

 

[TIGG STUDIO]

Thanks again to everybody who has contributed idea's and opinions so far, it's been a great help in nailing down the proposition, and it's the simple and unique touches that will grab peoples attention and custom I'm sure. If people are involved in other forums, clubs or facebook etc, twitter would it be possible to post this forum, https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/build-it-and-they-might-come-by-bike-cyclo-cafe-midlands.181473

or my email:contact stevejwtdesign@yahoo.co.uk, to spread the concept and to ask others what they think.

It will be a great help, and thanks all again.

Cheers

Steve

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/b...ome-by-bike-cyclo-cafe-midlands.181473/page-6

 

[furball]

If your expertise is in cycling make sure you do your research on the food safety side of things. If you haven't done it already it would be a good idea to arrange food hygiene training. Speak to the food section in Environmental Health about your plans. They should be able to advise you about what you need in the food preparation area. Better to know this before you start rather than have them come along and tell you you've got it wrong. You will need to register as a food business also check with your local authority to see what planning permission you need. Does your plan include toilet facilities? Generally if you are inviting customers to sit down to eat and drink you need to provide toilets.

 

[TIGG STUDIO]

All good points, it's easy to ignore the basics in the heat of trying to make it a great proposition. There is intent to provide toilet facilities, not just to adhere to the law but as a key facility for cyclists. Think the local authority's will be a close partner on this due to it's nature and it's reliance of good alternative infrastructure. All correct boxes will be ticked in the detail phase I hope..I also have food hygeine and bar/cafe training services through a company related to my job. Thanks again, Steve

If your expertise is in cycling make sure you do your research on the food safety side of things. If you haven't done it already it would be a good idea to arrange food hygiene training. Speak to the food section in Environmental Health about your plans. They should be able to advise you about what you need in the food preparation area. Better to know this before you start rather than have them come along and tell you you've got it wrong. You will need to register as a food business also check with your local authority to see what planning permission you need. Does your plan include toilet facilities? Generally if you are inviting customers to sit down to eat and drink you need to provide toilets.

 

[AndyRM]

Something similar exists in Newcastle, look up The Cycle Hub. You need to be involved with local clubs, be in a great location, put on events and have knowledgeable mechanics, among other things! It might be worth seeing if you could meet folks like them who'd set up similar ventures, you'd not be poaching any customers!

If done properly it could be great, good luck!

 

[e-rider]

it would be nice to see something like this but I wouldn't invest my own money (if I had any) as I can't see it making much money - depends if you want to make money or create something really cool - I don't think this idea would ever do both!

 

[Dave 123]

https://www.biciclettavelo.com


http://magliarosso.co.uk

Two from round these parts.

My brother lives in Keyworth and says that there is need for a cafe in the vale of Belvoir. Apparently an old lady has packed up hers now the lease has ended...?
Though that may have been a bit more CTC.....