Ace Cafe Revival

The Ace Cafe is a perfect example of the post-war teenage phenomena. Famous for its fusion of motorbikes and rock 'n' roll, the Ace became the bikers' Mecca for the rising urban youth scene of the 1950's and 1960's.

People came to the Ace to listen to the juke box, drink coffee and socialise.  From this powerful combination of motor bikes and rock 'n' roll came the Ace legend of record racing: drop the coin right into the slot, and race to a given point and back before the record ends.  The North Circular, A406, became Britain's version of America's Route 66.  The youth found freedom.  Their racing, their music, and their very distinctive way of expressing themselves frightened polite society, and sensational press articles fanned public hysteria.  The Ace became famous, but due to the expansion of the motorway network and shift in social order, the Ace Cafe served its last egg and chips in 1969.

But in 2001 the Ace Cafe re-opened with a reunion which saw an attendance of over 30,000 bikers.  This photo essay documents the revived life at the Ace Cafe, with the fires of the past relit and its legendary traditions revived.  The culture of the modern rocker scene, with hot rods and classic British bikes in attendance.  The rockers have returned to their old Mecca, to listen to the juke box, drink the coffee and socialise.  It's still all about rock 'n' roll and speed!