Classic News
All you need to know about our upcoming British Cafés tour, and why Fuzz Townshend’s back at PC.
The votes have been counted, the route has been decided and the classics are being prepped. The Practical Classics team, along with partner Footman James Insurance, will embark on a 1600-mile road trip in early May, taking in Britain’s 12 best roadside cafés – as voted for by you.
The trek begins on May 5 at the Ace Café, where London-based readers are invited to gather for a classic breakfast to see the team off on their journey north.
‘We’re raring to go – and we want you to meet up with us all along the route,’ says
PC editor Danny Hopkins. ‘Have a look at the schedule (opposite page), grab a napkin and bring your classic!’
After leaving London, the team will veer off the A1 for lunch at the Garwick Café near Sleaford, Lincs, and then continue north for an overnight stop in Alnwick courtesy of Classic Lodges Hotels. The journey continues to Perthshire’s Ballinluig Moto Grill before the team turns south for afternoon tea at the remote Hartside Café, 1900ft up in the Pennines.
‘We are so excited about this first leg of our route,’ says Danny. ‘It’s going to be a long drive on some days but the areas of outstanding scenery and the quality of the food will more than make up for that!’
The gang’s adventures in the north continue with a Sunday classic convoy across the stunning Yorkshire Dales to the Oil Can Café in Holmfirth. Next day, there’s a breakfast at the Yondermann Café near Buxton and a drive to the Super Sausage Café near Towcester. It’s then time to head for Wales through the Cotswolds to Cardiff to meet classic nuts at the Body & Soul Autoworks Café.
A convoy of classics will later lead the gang across the old Severn Bridge to Cornwall’s Smokey Joe’s Café and then to the Haldon Forest Diner near Exeter.
PC assistant editor James Walshe says: ‘As a West Country boy, I can’t wait to show the chaps what a real pasty tastes like!’ The team will stop for food at the Railway Carriage Café and Bashley Manor Tearooms before crossing the finish line at Beaulieu for the Spring Autojumble and a subscription to Weight Watchers.
Classic Lodges Hotels
As the name suggests, our partner chain of 15 classicfriendly hotels welcomes classic car owners and clubs. Each hotel has its own character but each also shares friendliness and charm, along with a little bit of old- fashioned style. Visit classiclodges.co.uk for more information.