Top Ten cycle cafés in the North West

At Formby Cycles, we are totally passionate about getting out and about on our bikes. But we also love being able to chill out with a drink and something to eat at one of our favourite cycle cafés. Here are some of our top picks to try for yourself: 

1. Tastebuds at Fettler's Wharf Marina

Station Road, Rufford L40 1TB

This is a great old-fashioned café selling amazing cakes and hearty lunches - perfect after a long ride! Our team loves the cooked breakfast, the excellent coffees and the almond cakes in particular. The interior is small and cosy and the atmosphere is friendly.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am - 4pm Sat-Sun 9.00am – 5pm.

 2. The Eureka Café

Parkgate Rd, Two Mills, Chester CH1 6EZ

This is a famous cyclists' café used by groups, clubs, tours and individuals throughout the year - and has been since word first got out in 1929! There is plenty of room for bikes and the café is particularly well-known for its excellent home-made cakes. It's a great start to meet up with fellow cyclists before a run, or to finish after a day out, and the sticky toffee pudding is a particular favourite with our team.

Opening hours: Weds 8.30am- 5pm Fri 9.30am – 3pm Sat & Sun 8.30am -5pm Bank Holidays 9.00am - 4pm.

 3. Cobbled Corner Café

2 Club Lane, Chipping Preston, PR3 2QH

This is another lovely old-fashioned café on a cobbled street and it's legendary for its Sunday teas. The value for money is excellent and the fresh scones are a must. All the cakes and sandwiches are home-made on the premises and guests often comment on how good the service is. A great place to linger and refuel.

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10.00am – 5pm.

 4. The Roots Café

Blackleach Farm, Roots Lane, Catforth, Preston PR4 0JB

Another café that is strong on using quality local ingredients, we love the all-day paninis, breakfasts and cakes on offer, alongside a great selection of fresh drinks and great quality coffee. You'll find it hard to resist the array of freshly-baked cakes sitting under glass on the counter as you arrive, and there is also a small arts and crafts shop on site.

Opening hours: Weds–Fri 10.00am – 4.00pm Sat-Sun 9:30am – 3:30pm.

 5. The Saddleback Café

135 Main Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA15 5NJ

With fantastic views of Skiddaw, this is a real favourite with cyclists. We love the fresh milkshakes. There's plenty of space outside for bikes and dogs are allowed inside too. Look out for superb cakes and home-made food, which includes gluten free options. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and there are various cycling related items and artwork for sale inside.

Opening hours: Summer open Mon-Sun 9am - 5pm; Nov-Mar open Mon-Sun 10am - 4pm, closed Tuesday & Wednesday.

 6. The Courtyard

The rear of 92 King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6ED

This is such a quaint and quirky place that it's worth visiting for the interior alone. Look out for the suspended bikes and the electric train set amongst other features. It's a small venue so be careful not to miss it, but once you're in you'll love the fantastic coffees, speciality teas and delicious menu.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9.30am -4.30pm Sun 10.00am – 4pm.

7. The Popup Bikes Café

Arch 5, Corporation Street, Manchester M4 4DG

Enjoy food and drink, cheap bike parking, repairs, advice and more at this fantastic pop-up bike destination under the arches. It's popular with all ages and a great spot for cyclists.

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 7.30am - 7.30pm Sat 9.00am - 6.00pm

 8. Rivington Village Green Tea Room

Sheep House Ln, Rivington, Lancashire BL6 7SD

A former chapel, this is lovely in summer for the grass and superb in winter for the crackling log fires. It's dog friendly; muddy boots and kit are not frowned upon; and the all-day breakfast and home-made cakes are just two highlights on the menu.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am – 4pm Sun 9.30am – 4.30pm

 9. The Wizard Tearooms

Macclesfield Road, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK10 4UB

A larger venue, this is an old pub with great beer, food and atmosphere. Plenty of space outside for bikes and seating, and the cheese and onion pie is a particular favourite with our staffers. Just be mindful that this is a listed building so access can be trickier for disabled visitors.

Opening hours: Sat-Sun 10am - 5pm

10. Cheshire Ice Cream Farm

Newton Lane, Tattenhall, Chester, Cheshire CH3 9NE

This needs no explanation or sales pitch - a farm, devoted to ice-cream, at the end of your ride. Beautiful, fresh, artisan, rich ice-cream, with drinks too and snacks on the side. What else do you need to enjoy your favourite sport to the max?

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10.00am – 5.30pm