Cyclist friendly coffee shops

Luxman · 03-10-2018 7:58pm

I normally cyclocross it down the steps as there is seating down there. And a door inside too. Its out of view off the street so safe. Lovely spot, coffee refills, good selection of grub. Looks like a lovely full fry brekky there too.

fat bloke · 04-10-2018 8:44am

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Some places are a bit anal about where you leave the bike, some ask you not to put helmets on the table, some don't wan't sweaty/wet lycra on their chairs, some won't do individual bills for club groups, some want you to remove cycling shoes before entering etc.

(The most blunt I've experienced was a couple of weeks ago in northern Italy. I called into a cafe on a mountain top which was frequented by motorcyclists. There were a few empty tables so I sat at one. The proprietor marched over, took the menu out of my hands and said the table was 'full'. I presumed he meant 'reserved' so I got up and sat and another table. Again, he stormed over and said that table was 'full' . So I went up to the bar area and he followed me and said 'You no understand, no bicycle people. please go".)

I think I'd be the same if I owned a cafe!

. We stopped at that cafe in Hollywood last weekend. Took up a table, drank a coffee each and munched our own jersey-bananas and bars.

The table next was similarly occupied, but by three motorbikers. - They also had three coffees, but were washing down three big fried breakfasts, and no doubt a nice slice of cake after for the road. They were certainly worth a few more dollars to the establishment than we were

.

Lovely cafe though, and crackin' lookin fry-ups to be fair (were I ever again to allow myself such things....)

loyatemu · 04-10-2018 10:57am

Fisher's in Newtownmountkennedy - nice covered area outside with heaters; decent coffee & good big fruit scones, friendly service - it's a regular stop for local club spins.

terrydel · 04-10-2018 2:51pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Some places are a bit anal about where you leave the bike, some ask you not to put helmets on the table, some don't wan't sweaty/wet lycra on their chairs, some won't do individual bills for club groups, some want you to remove cycling shoes before entering etc.

(The most blunt I've experienced was a couple of weeks ago in northern Italy. I called into a cafe on a mountain top which was frequented by motorcyclists. There were a few empty tables so I sat at one. The proprietor marched over, took the menu out of my hands and said the table was 'full'. I presumed he meant 'reserved' so I got up and sat and another table. Again, he stormed over and said that table was 'full' . So I went up to the bar area and he followed me and said 'You no understand, no bicycle people. please go".)

Surprised at that in Italy.
What a prick tho.

Wishbone Ash · 04-10-2018 3:12pm

terrydel wrote: »

Surprised at that in Italy.
What a prick tho.

Yes, very surprising and I was taken aback at how blunt he was. It has never happened me anywhere else in Italy. Doesn't really make sense having an establishment at the top of a high mountain pass and then turning away cyclists. It must be very time consuming!

Mickiemcfist · 04-10-2018 3:13pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Some places are a bit anal about where you leave the bike, some ask you not to put helmets on the table, some don't wan't sweaty/wet lycra on their chairs, some won't do individual bills for club groups, some want you to remove cycling shoes before entering etc.

(The most blunt I've experienced was a couple of weeks ago in northern Italy. I called into a cafe on a mountain top which was frequented by motorcyclists. There were a few empty tables so I sat at one. The proprietor marched over, took the menu out of my hands and said the table was 'full'. I presumed he meant 'reserved' so I got up and sat and another table. Again, he stormed over and said that table was 'full' . So I went up to the bar area and he followed me and said 'You no understand, no bicycle people. please go".)

Italian nutter aside, is asking cyclists to keep sweaty helmets off a table where people eat not a fair enough request?

cdaly_ · 04-10-2018 3:14pm

The cafe at the top of the Col de Tourmalet requires that you buy something if you want to pee. I presume they get thousands of sweaty cyclists wandering in just to use the loo...

terrydel · 04-10-2018 6:53pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Yes, very surprising and I was taken aback at how blunt he was. It has never happened me anywhere else in Italy. Doesn't really make sense having an establishment at the top of a high mountain pass and then turning away cyclists. It must be very time consuming!

Well they can be a blunt lot but generally they are very pro cyclists given that cycling is such a part of their culture, doubley so in the mountainous areas.
Might have just got him on a bad day!

terrydel · 04-10-2018 6:54pm

Mickiemcfist wrote: »

Italian nutter aside, is asking cyclists to keep sweaty helmets off a table where people eat not a fair enough request?

Depends what helmet you mean :pac::D

terrydel · 05-10-2018 1:50pm

Mickiemcfist wrote: »

Italian nutter aside, is asking cyclists to keep sweaty helmets off a table where people eat not a fair enough request?

terrydel wrote: »

Depends what helmet you mean :pac::D

Only realised now that your user name is mickie!! How juvenile am I?!

Get In There · 06-11-2018 10:43pm

These cafes would be great for a cycling club coffee stop.

Lemon Thyme cafe (in the Ashbrook Garden Centre on the N2 north of Ashbourne) https://goo.gl/maps/wEhysYPrPUD2

Hugos Farm Shop, Slane https://goo.gl/maps/c9ua963DCtJ2

The Brew, Ballyboughal https://goo.gl/maps/eXaemnwoB1z

Londis, Summerhill https://goo.gl/maps/fGQ7yRNUeTp

All four above are relatively safe for bikes as they'd be within view while you'd be enjoying a cuppa - Lemon and Thyme in particular would get top marks in that respect as the chances of an opportunistic scobie walking by is pretty much zero on account of the location.

Wildflower Cafe, Ratoath Garden Center https://goo.gl/maps/M48m4UoVJV92

Safe enough if you bring your bike through the Garden Centre to the small outdoor area at the back of the cafe. Not sure that little area could lend itself to a number of bikes at the one time, especially on a pleasant day. I've only ever stopped there mid-spin with my wife.

Wishbone Ash · 06-11-2018 11:38pm

Get In There wrote: »

...Lemon Thyme cafe (in the Ashbrook Garden Centre on the N2 north of Ashbourne)....

I was just recommending that place to clubmates a few weeks ago.

magicbastarder · 06-11-2018 11:44pm

really? they must have done some work there, the place was always rather bleak in my experience (have not been there in well over a year though)

Luxman · 06-11-2018 11:54pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

really? they must have done some work there, the place was always rather bleak in my experience (have not been there in well over a year though)

Was in it a couple of weeks back. And bleak was the word I would use exactly. Coffee was good. Scone was meh. portakabin style surroundings

Wishbone Ash · 07-11-2018 12:11am

magicbastarder wrote: »

really? they must have done some work there, the place was always rather bleak in my experience (have not been there in well over a year though)

Luxman wrote: »

Was in it a couple of weeks back. And bleak was the word I would use exactly. Coffee was good. Scone was meh. portakabin style surroundings

Each to their own I suppose but I don't do scones (never can see the attraction of them). I got a great big slice of coffee cake and a great cup of coffee served by a very friendly staff member while my bike was outside in full view. Place was busy so I didn't notice any 'bleakness' but, then again, I'd prefer bleak to all that contrived kitschy clutter many places offer.

That said, I've only visited once so I'm probably not in a good position to judge.

Mercian Pro · 07-11-2018 12:14am

Get In There wrote: »

Hugos Farm Shop, Slane https://goo.gl/maps/c9ua963DCtJ2
Londis, Summerhill https://goo.gl/maps/fGQ7yRNUeTp

Hugo's would be our regular spot in Slane though George's Patisserie around the corner on the N2 sounds good too.

Last time we were in Summerhill half the group went to Londis while the rest of us had the mini-breakfast in Shaw's pub next door. Strongly recommend it and they let us park the bikes in their secure yard.

Ballyboughal and Rathoath are a bit too close to Swords to be of interest (although we did end up in the Seamus Ennis Centre in Naul today).

thekooman · 07-11-2018 12:26pm

Marys Cafe, Main St, Ballycastle, Mayo... BEST... CLOSE the THREAD

ILIKEFOOD · 07-11-2018 12:44pm

fat bloke wrote: »

Took up a table, drank a coffee each and munched our own jersey-bananas and bars.

ugh I can't stand when people do this. It's a bit scabby even if you have bought a coffee..

selwyn froggitt · 07-11-2018 1:53pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Yes, very surprising and I was taken aback at how blunt he was. It has never happened me anywhere else in Italy. Doesn't really make sense having an establishment at the top of a high mountain pass and then turning away cyclists. It must be very time consuming!

A friend of mine from Cork told me a funny story about when he was cycling alone in the Alpes Maritimes on the French Italian border a few years ago.

He stopped at a roadside cafe high up in the mountains for coffee and sat outside.

He told me that the worlds grumpiest waiter must have been on duty that day who came outside and slapped a drinks menu on the table with a choice of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages.

'Americano s'il vous plaît' said my friend meekly.

'êtes-vous sûr' (are you sure) barked the waiter.

A good while later the waiter brought out an 'Americano' cocktail made from Campari,Soda and Vermouth,it even had a straw and one of those crappy umbrellas in the glass.

Cost him a Tenner :pac::pac:

meeeeh · 07-11-2018 2:04pm

He should order long coffee, that would be the closest to Americano. I have more experience of coffees in Italy than France but if someone wants a big watery Americano then they should buy Nescafe in the shop.

Doc07 · 07-11-2018 3:00pm

selwyn froggitt wrote: »

A friend of mine from Cork told me a funny story about when he was cycling alone in the Alpes Maritimes on the French Italian border a few years ago.

He stopped at a roadside cafe high up in the mountains for coffee and sat outside.

He told me that the worlds grumpiest waiter must have been on duty that day who came outside and slapped a drinks menu on the table with a choice of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages.

'Americano s'il vous plaît' said my friend meekly.

'êtes-vous sûr' (are you sure) barked the waiter.

A good while later the waiter brought out an 'Americano' cocktail made from Campari,Soda and Vermouth,it even had a straw and one of those crappy umbrellas in the glass.

Cost him a Tenner :pac::pac:

Haha, that happened to me twice, once in Nice and once in Madeira....lucky the wife was there to drink them both.
I remember to say cafe americano now but mostly get ‘espresso dopio’

Mercian Pro · 08-11-2018 11:29pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I was just recommending that place to clubmates a few weeks ago.

So ten of us dropped into Lemon Thyme this morning on our Thursday spin. Nice food, good value, pleasant decor and friendly staff. Despite this, I don't think we'll be back too soon. Getting there and leaving along the N2 is a nightmare particularly for a group. I am no fan of the old N1 but the N2 is even worse with almost constant heavy traffic and a hard shoulder that varies from adequate to non-existent. Shame.

The Noble Nudge · 09-11-2018 10:46am

The Coole Cafe Rathcoole.....
Stopped on a spin last week nice menu and great coffee..
Outdoor seats and could easily watch the bikes from inside....

Weepsie · 09-11-2018 12:53pm

Mercian Pro wrote: »

So ten of us dropped into Lemon Thyme this morning on our Thursday spin. Nice food, good value, pleasant decor and friendly staff. Despite this, I don't think we'll be back too soon. Getting there and leaving along the N2 is a nightmare particularly for a group. I am no fan of the old N1 but the N2 is even worse with almost constant heavy traffic and a hard shoulder that varies from adequate to non-existent. Shame.

On weekends it's not as bad, but it's as dull a road as you can get. Any of the the numerous r roads that run kind of parralel are a lot more interesting, the l roads more so. It's probably more appealing if coming from Garristown, Duleek or Ratoath direction, but from Ashbourne, the N2 is probably the most direct route.

Wishbone Ash · 09-11-2018 8:17pm

Weepsie wrote: »

On weekends it's not as bad, but it's as dull a road as you can get. Any of the the numerous r roads that run kind of parralel are a lot more interesting....

I'd take the N2 any day rather than that awful Hollystown/Kilbride/Curragha road which runs parallel to the N2. I can't really say why but I just can't abide it.

Hurrache · 13-11-2018 12:12am

Brian wrote: »

Shaggy Dog coffee van in the Cruagh Woods carpark serves great coffee from Upside. Only there at the weekend though.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkc3DihnZ7a/

I had a coffee and brownie there the weekend. The brownie was one of the nicest ones I've had in years. Bought a couple and just finished the last of them with a cuppa this evening.

magicbastarder · 08-12-2018 11:05am

not the sort of place you might be stopping off at mid-ride, but the cafe in the rediscovery centre in ballymun is very good. coffee and a sandwich for €8.50 and they do an excellent - and sizable - ham and cheese sandwich.
plus, they sell bikes upstairs, they do a job akin to what rothar used to do.

plus, the main bike chap there was telling me they head to DCU once a week and do free bike maintenance for staff and students. i guess the sort of work that doesn't need replacement parts, etc.

Wishbone Ash · 08-12-2018 1:20pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

... the cafe in the rediscovery centre in ballymun is very good...

Is there anywhere reasonable safe to leave the bike?

magicbastarder · 08-12-2018 1:24pm

there are stands in the car park there, i've locked my (cheapo) bike there before without issue.
as to whether it's safe to lock anything very valuable there, the fact that the stands can't be seen from within the building is not perfect.

Exiled1 · 08-12-2018 1:39pm

Down Kilkenny way it must be Billie's in Ballyhale. A hugely successful community run cafe (with bike rack outside). Worth a diversion.

AndrewJRenko · 09-12-2018 1:44pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

plus, the main bike chap there was telling me they head to DCU once a week and do free bike maintenance for staff and students. i guess the sort of work that doesn't need replacement parts, etc.

THat's a great idea. I suspect it would be a huge support to encourage people to cycle, the people who have fairly crap bikes with poor/no brakes or clicking gears etc.

Thinkingaboutit · 10-12-2018 10:03am

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Is there anywhere reasonable safe to leave the bike?

No. Nowhere in Dublin. My brother's bike was one night locked outside the Ranelagh home of then Justice Minister Michael McDowell, robbed, but luckily recovered later, that said, it was left outside the home of a politician... :pac:

Cycle Superstore around Kilnamanagh has a café (likely mentioned already), which looked good enough, sort of auto-mated coffee machines, but they're fine if it's kept clean.

magicbastarder · 22-12-2018 10:36am

magicbastarder wrote: »

not the sort of place you might be stopping off at mid-ride, but the cafe in the rediscovery centre in ballymun is very good.

this has just closed down. i think they set the place up to give people an experience of what it's like to run a cafe, who then head off and go into business elsewhere. they say they're going to be reopening again at some point soon with a new bunch.

FreudianSlippers · 22-12-2018 2:02pm

scott.s wrote: »

So, I have next week off work and plan on getting in a lot of cycling.
Looking at longer spins with coffee stops so I would like to know of any cyclist friendly coffee shops in Dublin/Meath/Wicklow/etc.

Places that won't mind me turning up with a bike and chilling out front of the shop, without fear of the bike being nicked.

I've heard good things about Fixx but not sure if they're suitable when I have the bike with me.

Cheers

All coffee shops.

Hope this helps.

wheelo01 · 23-12-2018 2:57am

FreudianSlippers wrote: »

All coffee shops.

Hope this helps.

I presume your trolling didnt catch enough fish yesterday?

magicbastarder · 23-12-2018 10:03am

mod note - FreudianSlippers is unable to respond to your posts, so please leave his or hers lie.

Mercian Pro · 23-12-2018 1:38pm

Our club spins during the year took in a good range of cafés, restaurants and hotels all about 40-50km from Swords in an arc from Drogheda to Clane. Unfortunately we don't get to the Dublin and Wicklow mountains often enough as crossing town in a group isn't really on.

For the last few years we have run a poll to decide who gets our prized Coffee Stop of the Year award and this year's winner by a good margin was Timeless in Kilcock. The combination of really nice food and drinks, good value and excellent service was unbeatable even by the Coffee Mill in Maynooth, our winner in 2016 & '17.

Luxman · 23-12-2018 4:45pm

Mercian Pro wrote: »

Our club spins during the year took in a good range of cafés, restaurants and hotels all about 40-50km from Swords in an arc from Drogheda to Clane. Unfortunately we don't get to the Dublin and Wicklow mountains often enough as crossing town in a group isn't really on.

For the last few years we have run a poll to decide who gets our prized Coffee Stop of the Year award and this year's winner by a good margin was Timeless in Kilcock. The combination of really nice food and drinks, good value and excellent service was unbeatable even by the Coffee Mill in Maynooth, our winner in 2016 & '17.

I do like that cafe. However I prefer the coffee mill as the bike can be brought downstairs. I am always a bit nervous leaving it outside the window (even with a small lock on it)

Wishbone Ash · 23-12-2018 4:49pm

Luxman wrote: »

I do like that cafe. However I prefer the coffee mill as the bike can be brought downstairs. I am always a bit nervous leaving it outside the window (even with a small lock on it)

There's a yard around the back (although the bikes can't be seen when in the yard).

The club must select Timeless on the days I'm working as I can only recall being there on one occasion.

Wishbone Ash · 27-03-2019 12:43am

A new one for me today and I suspect most of the lads - Quirc in Straffan (Co Kildare). Best pancakes and bacon that I've had to date. Strange sort of place - a sort of home design place with a small coffee shop. A little bit more upmarket than your average coffee shop.

Their web page doesn't seem to mention the coffee shop but I'm open to correction -

https://www.quircinteriordesign.ie/

Wishbone Ash · 27-03-2019 12:46am

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

..Their web page doesn't seem to mention the coffee shop but I'm open to correction -

https://www.quircinteriordesign.ie/

Brain switched on now:

https://www.quircinteriordesign.ie/why-does-an-interior-designer-open-an-artisan-cafe/

fat bloke · 27-03-2019 9:50am

Ah here. Anywhere selling delicious pancakes and bacon is no friend to cyclists!!!

It's hard enough as it is to pretend to be enjoying my formed rectangle of cashew nut & date paste :mad::pac:

Weepsie · 27-03-2019 10:06am

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Brain switched on now:

https://www.quircinteriordesign.ie/why-does-an-interior-designer-open-an-artisan-cafe/

Their chairs were designed by Kartel from Milan, founded by Giulio Castelli!!!*

*Not the same Castelli but a tenous link all the same

columbus_66 · 27-03-2019 11:56am

Quirc is also the most expensive cafe around!

There is a new cafe in Dunlavin which is fantastic, coffee €2, Sweet Taste.

Wishbone Ash · 27-03-2019 1:08pm

columbus_66 wrote: »

Quirc is also the most expensive cafe around!....

Yes, it's a bit pricier than the average coffee shop.

C3PO · 27-03-2019 6:55pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Yes, it's a bit pricier than the average coffee shop.

But we’re worth it!!

Mercian Pro · 27-03-2019 9:23pm

C3PO wrote: »

But we’re worth it!!

Yes, we were:

Mercian Pro · 07-05-2019 4:17pm

First time back in the Forge Field Cafe in Termonfeckin in quite a while. Great food and service and the waitress even offered to delay the coffees until the mini-breakfasts were ready. A lot of other venues seem unable to do this even when specifically asked!

terrydel · 07-05-2019 4:59pm

Mercian Pro wrote: »

First time back in the Forge Field Cafe in Termonfeckin in quite a while. Great food and service and the waitress even offered to delay the coffees until the mini-breakfasts were ready. A lot of other venues seem unable to do this even when specifically asked!

Drives me mad when you order a drink (tea/coffee) with a sandwich or cake and the drink arrives ages before and is cold or gone by the time the food arrives. Not just a cycling specific thing but more a general gripe!

Eamonnator · 07-05-2019 5:12pm

terrydel wrote: »

Drives me mad when you order a drink (tea/coffee) with a sandwich or cake and the drink arrives ages before and is cold or gone by the time the food arrives. Not just a cycling specific thing but more a general gripe!

I think they do it, so you'll buy another one.

Cyclist friendly coffee shops

Comments