Celebrating 75 Years

What do Chilli Chips n' Cheese, Bangers and Mash, Knickerbocker Glory and Petrolheads all have in common? Ace Cafe London. 

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Photographer: Jeremy Hoare

The former transport cafe for truck and lorry drivers, in Stonebridge, North London opened in 1938 to accommodate traffic on the new North Circular Road. It was open 24 hours a day and quickly became a place where motorbike riders gathered. Based on the traditions of motorcycles, cars and rock n' roll, the cafe was designed by petrolheads as a way of expressing themselves. They opened a filling station on adjoining land in 1939, with a showroom and repair shop. The building was damaged during the Second World War and had to be completely rebuilt in 1949.

It wasn't a greasy spoon, it was a restaurant where home-made food was cooked. With an increase in traffic, it became the place to meet. It closed in 1969 though, due to the growth of the car market, and re-opened in 2001 on the original site after a complete re-build. So the legend of the Ace lives on......"See you at the Ace"