More tasty treats at the latest biker café to fight for Golden Sausage honours
Jack’s Hill is a superb old-school biker stop-off close to Silverstone
From anonymous wooden huts to glass fronted art deco edifices, the no-nonsense transport café was once a familiar sight at truck stops throughout the land. As popular with motorcyclists as they were with hauliers, these once ubiquitous havens have largely fallen victim to faceless motorway services and global fast food chains. However, there are a few notable survivors. And this week our quest for Britain’s best takes us to one of the original roadside rest stops, Jack’s Hill Café on the A5 near Towcester. From the outside Jack’s Hill
still appears very much as it did back in 1955, its architecture a trademark of the longdefunct Tower Café Group. The nostalgia continues with the layout and decor inside, but this is no rebuild or restoration,
Jack’s Hill has remained a fully functioning truck stop for the past 63 years.
As is the tradition we take our place in the queue and swiftly shuffle towards the serving hatch where we order the
Bumper Breakfast and a mug of tea before sharing a table with a complete stranger. Transport café etiquette provides a great opportunity to meet people. “I’m down here all the time,” says Brian Blackman. “The atmosphere is brilliant and the staff are always up for a laugh.” “The food’s pretty good too,” adds Bob Summers and we have to agree. Our breakfast hit the spot and the fried potatoes were a tasty touch.
Jack’s Hill is as traditional as it gets, but there’s more to it than just a friendly pit stop. Their monthly bike nights are hugely popular and the annual Ton Up Day sees thousands descend for a great day of biking excess and top grub.