The Cake Stop lives on

It is a rare person who goes for a bicycle ride and does not also want some tea, coffee and cake. From the turn of the first ever bicycle pedals cake has been as essential as air in the tyres.

Whether your choice is a Victoria sponge, a flapjack, or a slab of bread pudding, a stop for a cake and a good natter can be the highlight of the day.

As more discover the health, environmental, and cost benefits of the bicycle more are exploring the countryside and seek out the cycle friendly cafés who cater for the needs of the wheeler.

That need for a café stop continues
Today, the large ‘club runs’, once a tradition of the cycling club world who shared enormous pots of tea, are less prevalent. Such traditional club runs still exist but with changes in lifestyles, road conditions and other commitments, groups tend to be smaller. However, that essential base requirement remains – cake although espressos and americanos have become more popular. The cyclists’ café stop lives on.

The very best cafés have always tended to be some of the cycling world’s best kept secrets shared by word of mouth, but with web/app access they are becoming more well-known.

In Whitchurch…

There is an excellent reference resource created by cyclists which lists recommended cafés including a map. Whitchurch has two entries – The Silk Mill and Kudos.

The Silk Mill is very popular with groups, has bicycle racks, a friendly policy towards bringing bikes into the grounds, and is a cyclist Refill Station. Kudos, in the town centre is an independent coffee shop serving quality coffees and cakes and is very popular with smaller groups.
Whitchurch also has three pubs in the centre and convenience stores that can also provide refreshments.

The Cycle Coffee & Cake Stops Map can be seen here:
https://cafes.cyclingmaps.net

White Hart support for Cycling

 New cycle parking has been installed at the White Hart in the centre of Whitchurch.

Cycling levels have increased considerably recently, with Whitchurch becoming a popular destination. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, gentle lanes and river valleys and with a selection of shops and cafés, it has hit the cyclists radar as can be seen by the numbers who visit.
Research has shown that investment in cycling facilities can increase revenue considerably resulting in forward looking businesses supporting the activity.

Owned by family brewers Arkell’s, the White Hart provides excellent food, drinks, and accommodation, with a very friendly welcome and is highly recommended. Dedicated cycle parking is low in the town after the Town Council removed parking provision from the centre although it is looking to relocate it elsewhere. That exercise is believed to be ongoing.

An important requirement by those who cycle is that parking should be very close to and convenient to where they are visiting. The White Hart achieves this with the parking incorporated into its new outdoor area.
A visit to the White Hart should not be missed.

New cycle parking.