To write what must be London Cyclist’s most delicious blog post ever I tried out London’s first bicycle valeting restaurant. All in the name of journalism of course! Cue mouth watering image of food..
It’s called Cafe Luc and is located on the Marylebone High Street. A very nice part of London with lots of good pubs and restaurants.
It was founded by a pair of keen cyclists who thought wouldn’t it be great if someone just takes your bike away and locks it for you. And yes, it really is great.
Arriving at the restaurant we waited by the door until we spotted a waiter and asked if they could lock our bikes. They were a bit confused so it was obvious this was a new idea they were trying out and we were the first customers to request it.
The manager welcomed us in while two of the staff tended to our bikes. Taking our comfortable seats we were instantly impressed by the look inside the restaurant.
After a quick chat with the manager about the whole bike valeting idea and what he thought of it we ordered our food. Absolutely all of it was delicious and it soon disappeared from our plates. The restaurant offers a different set of menus depending on what time you visit. Main meals cost around £18 and the set menu offers very good value. To checkout what is on offer head to the Cafe Luc website.
Finishing the dessert we wanted to see if the cyclist friendly approach was something that ran deep into the business. As it was early days there were no facilities yet to encourage the staff to cycle to work. Though, with two keen cyclists behind the business, I wouldn’t be surprised if this was to follow.
Leaving the restaurant our bikes were brought to us but we were keen to see where they were being stored. To our surprise it was just on a bike parking stand with one lock. We were quick to dispense the double locking advice as well as suggest more hefty locks.
However, since our visit I’ve been told a new store room has been cleared so that the bikes can be stored inside the restaurant which is much safer.
If you are around Marylebone and looking for a good restaurant then I can highly recommend a trip to Cafe Luc. The bike valeting is a fun little extra and its the first time I’ve heard of this kind of service.
Finally, I can’t resist one more delicious picture of food:
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It’s a hard job, but somebodys got to do it!
A great concept, as having to lock and re-lock your bike as you pootle around town can be a real PITA. I’m glad to hear that they’ve cleared a designated store room for the bikes as this sounds much more satisfactory.
Great idea that deserves to catch on in a big way!
I must be getting confused in my old age, because I thought it was going to be a restaurant that cleans your bike for you while you have your lunch!
That would be good! They’ll pump your tires for you..
Yup, that’s how I read it too! Which would be much more useful than just having someone to park it for you. I would be sure to go regularly, even if you had to pay a fiver extra for the cleaning.
What do you think Neil, is there a gap in the market….?
Interesting idea but really how many people cycle to a decent part of town to a restaurant. Sweaty and out of breath is not the best way to start your meal out.
Hopefully more and more!
Slowing down is a good way to arrive without being sweaty or out of breath!
Isn’t Marylebone High Street the place that scores highest in all of England for air pollution caused by NO3 and particulates. Sorry you won’t find me in that street. It’s bad enough having my house less than 2 miles from the M25
You are thinking of Marylebone Road! Interesting your fact about CO2 pollution. I sense a blog post..
Also remember that if they offer such a service, they have a duty of care to keep your bike safe, even if they have a notice saying “Customers use our bike parking service at their own risk”. Unfortunately, using the risky one lock approach would probably satisfy this duty of care.