At the iconic Ace Cafe in Stonebridge, London, a sense of foreboding looms as dark clouds roll in from the south, reminiscent of the German bombers that once flew over the area during World War II. The cafe, originally a transport stop, fell victim to a high explosive bomb that was meant for a nearby railway line. This historical event, along with the threat of London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Ulez policy, has sparked concern among the cafe’s patrons.
The Ace Cafe holds a special place in the hearts of petrol heads, serving as a haven for enthusiasts of classic motorcycles and cars. While some travelers visit London to admire architectural brilliance or enjoy the theater, for lovers of combustion engines, a visit to the Ace Cafe is a pilgrimage. Inside, visitors are transported to a bygone era, with rockabilly music playing on the jukebox and traditional mugs of tea available for a mere £1.40. The menu offers delicious breakfast options and main meals that won’t break the bank, making it an affordable gathering place for car and motorcycle aficionados.
Managing Director of the Ace Cafe, Mark Wilsmore, acknowledges that despite being currently outside of the Ulez zone, his business has already suffered from the impact of the policy. The walls of the cafe are adorned with photographs celebrating its rich history, including the post-WWII era when ex-service men would meet up and race to the next transport stop along the newly constructed North Circular Road. These daring individuals aimed to reach speeds of 100 miles per hour, challenging the limitations of physics and fueling debates within Parliament about the noise pollution caused by motorcycle modifications.
The Ace Cafe continues to be a popular gathering spot for classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts, who come together to display their prized vehicles and share their mutual love for internal combustion engines. Understandably, the impending expansion of Sadiq Khan’s Ulez zone is a hot topic of conversation during these meet-ups.
The history of the Ace Cafe is filled with ups and downs. After its closure in 1968, rumors of its exceptional culture persisted. In the mid-1990s, a group of dedicated individuals decided to resurrect the venue, successfully reopening it in 2001. Today, the Ace Cafe serves as a refuge for those who appreciate the intricacies of engines, where terms like “suck, squeeze, bang, blow” hold meaning beyond mere innuendo.
While the cafe currently sits just outside the Ulez boundary, the impending extension of the zone on August 29 will significantly impact its patrons. This additional charge, imposed by Sadiq Khan, has sparked concerns among owners of classic cars, who fear the doubling of their expenses for an evening out. Mark Wilsmore, along with other owners, raises money for charity through the display of their vehicles, and the Ulez charge threatens to undermine their philanthropic efforts.
Despite their grievances, Mark expresses sympathy for Sadiq Khan, an uncommon sentiment among the cafe’s patrons. He recalls the pollution he witnessed while commuting through London in the past and believes that both government policies and individual contributions are responsible for the current environmental issues. Mark also laments the lack of support from the Metropolitan Police in diversifying his business by hosting meetings for electric scooter enthusiasts, highlighting the disconnect between legislative measures and practical solutions.
Amongst the classic car enthusiasts present at the Ace Cafe, one standout is Mark Jones and his pristine 1989 Astra GTE. Unlike many of its counterparts from the 1980s, which met untimely ends due to reckless driving, this vehicle exudes a level of care and maintenance evident in its original tax disc and meticulously documented history.
In conclusion, the Ace Cafe remains an iconic venue for classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts, housing a history that intertwines with significant events and debates. However, the specter of the expanding Ulez zone threatens the vibrancy of this cherished meeting place, casting a shadow over the future of both the establishment and its patrons.
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