Thirty years ago, back in 1994, rockers, bikers and members of the original 59 Club met up for a reunion to remember the iconic Ace Cafe, which had closed down 25 years before in 1969. That reunion led to the North London biker’s meeting place being reopened in 1997 by current Ace Cafe owner Mark Wilsmore, who has organised a weekend of 30th-anniversary celebrations, kicking off on 6 September, with a special Friday Bike Night event featuring music, food, drink, special guests, and more.
On 7 September, the annual Cafe Racer Ride Out departs at 10.30am to attend a special celebratory service and a Blessing of the Bikes at All Saints Church, Hanworth. A church service might sound strange for a bike meet, but the roots of the Ace Cafe culture lie in the 59 Club, a bike group founded as a local church youth club in 1959 by the late Reverend William Shergold.
Finally, on 8 September, there will be a ride out from the Ace Cafe to Madeira Drive in Brighton to celebrate the legendary Ace Day event. The south coast event will feature more music, stands, displays, and prizes for the best bikes.
For more info on all weekend events at the Ace Cafe website, visit www.acecafe.com.