Cycling is a miserable old sport.
Flat tyres, punishing climbs, grazed knees and the unpredictable British weather make you wonder why anyone would bother doing it at all.
But if, after miles and miles of endless pedalling and panting, you happen to stumble across a pitstop as perfect as Velolife cafe, you’ll start to understand.
With its wholesome food, thick, hearty desserts, and seriously good brews, it’s the ideal place for any cyclist to rest their weary legs and refill their dwindling reserves with coffee and cake. And it’s a place where I found a home away from home during the time we called ‘COVID’.
Situated in the sleepy village of Warren Row, the independent cafe appears as a mirage just beyond the summit of Remenham Hill, and whether you’re desperate for a break or not, its warm and friendly atmosphere draws you inside. You immediately feel at home as South African owner Lee, his family, plus a few extra welcoming faces, greet you with a wave and a smile.
I first discovered the cafe one day in 2020, when I was desperate to leave the house. It was the first pandemic summer, and after having been cooped up inside for weeks on end, I just needed to do something or see someone.
So I headed out for a long walk and came across Velolife by chance. I then struck up a conversation with the staff, and immediately fell in love with the place. I loved it so much in fact, that I even ended up working my weekends there, despite having a 9-5 job. And bar the odd plonker of a customer, it didn’t feel like work at all.
It’s those weekends that the place comes alive, thanks to its notoriety amongst local cyclists, as droves of two-wheel enthusiasts flock to the cafe and share their passion for their sport and their community. You’ll find riders of all shapes, sizes and abilities from right across the cycling world. Most are only there for a quick visit, but they often ‘accidentally’ stay longer.
When there’s a big race on, you’re sure to find all eyes glued to the TV screen, as visitors spend hours just chatting, watching, sipping and munching. And the onsite bike shop can fix any mechanical problem you throw at them, with puncture repairs taking exactly the same time it takes to finish a latte. If it’s more serious, you can pass the time with an array of cycling-related magazines and a slice of something sweet.
From brownies to flapjacks to their locally renowned Oreo cake, you’ll find all kinds of treats on Velolife’s countertops, as well as all your usual mochas and espressos. And if you fancy something hotter, you could try their signature sausage rolls, but for a real insider’s tip, go for the pork and jalapeño toastie, which has achieved legendary status in my eyes.
The building itself is a beautifully converted old pub full of charm and history, with gorgeous wooden floors and funky tiled walls, as well as the obvious cycling themed knick knacks. It’s a creative space that’s functional yet comfortable with an interesting array of seating, including bar stools at the cafe’s windows so you can watch cyclists and the world go by.
If you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, the outdoor space is the perfect place to soak up the sun and check out all the amazing bikes (some of them are worth a very pretty penny). And it might also be the area’s best dog spotting location, as four-legged visitors are encouraged to head inside and help themselves to a free treat at the bar.
BUT (and this is a big BUT) you don’t have to be a lycra lover to be a Velolife lover.
It’s a great place for everyone to hang out, from ramblers to joggers to Sunday drivers to I’ve-been-at-home-all-weekend-ers-and-want-to-do-something-ers, just like I was. Before going for the first time, my knowledge of cycling was slightly above zilch, so don’t be put off.
During the week the cafe is much much quieter, creating the perfect remote working spot. The whirring coffee machine, slight clinking of coffee mugs and light nattering provides a gentle ambience in a warm and cosy environment. Plus, if you fancy it, the staff are always up for a chat (even if it’s not about cycling). And maybe, you might bump into me.
Due to its success, Velolife has opened two more cafes in the local area, with one in Wargrave Marina, and the other on the banks of Henley-on-Thames. These shops offer something a little different but still share the same values as the original. And it also presents an amazing opportunity: Le Tour de Gâteaux, where you can get on your bike, visit each one, and enjoy a well deserved munch at each stop.
Yet, despite all of these great features, you might be reading this and thinking it sounds like just another hippy cafe. But it’s not. And the only real way of convincing you is to go there. Yes it’s a small cafe, but it’s the life of the village, it’s cyclist central, it’s a remote worker’s dream, a canine’s cathedral and one of my favourite places to exist.
Comments