The Golden Sausage: Help us find Britain’s best biker café

Refuel on the coast in Whitby before enjoying the North York Moors

There’s plenty to discover on the North Yorkshire Moors, where the purple peppered hillsides and wild rolling valleys provide a perfect backdrop for some truly great riding roads. This region has some fabulous destinations, too and this week we visit Whitby’s Whistlestop Café. As its name suggests, the café can be found at Whitby railway station and is housed in the old waiting room. It’s not the biggest of venues, but a warm welcome is guaranteed. “Anytime you drop by, there’s always someone to talk to,” says regular Mike Harris. “And for half-an-hour you’re best buddies.” Dave Thomas from Sheffield adds: “It’s the place to meet likeminded people who ride motorbikes and like a bit of a laugh. Plus the breakfast is good and the tea even better.” That’s the great thing about the Whistlestop; start a topical conversation and others soon chip in with their views. Dom and John Box from Castleford both ride Fireblades and the Whistlestop is their destination of choice for a break and a bite: “It’s a great location with nice food and a real personal touch to the service,” John tells MCN. “Exclusive parking for motorcycles and visor-cleaning facilities show they really care.”

With a long ride ahead we dive in for the Full English, complete with crispy bacon, perfect eggs and a generous portion of locally sourced black pudding that really sets us up. The Whistlestop has been family-owned for 15 years with Paul Lonsdale and his wife Gemma at the helm. “We’ll see at least 300 bikes on a Thursday,” says Paul, “and we even keep a toolkit in case anyone needs it.”