onionbagblog

Published as part of the Hidden Kiosks Project.

The first night of the Bike Guru’s Cafe and Cycle Workshop at the Hidden Kiosks in Colchester opened up the possibilities for what lies ahead. Friday evening proved the point that there is the demand for a social space in the town that can cater for something slightly different to what you might experience along the High Street.

Matt Lawford, aka the Bike Guru, has taken up a three-month tenancy in the kiosks by the old bus station. His plan is simple: serve fine coffee and cakes, fix bikes. If Friday evening was any indicator, the Bike Guru can expect plenty of custom.

The support from family and friends was expected; the passing trade on a balmy Colchester evening was a bonus. Folk about to board busses, firstsite curios and even the skateboard kids trying out the new space at the back of Queen Street - all showed an interest in what the Bike Guru is hoping to achieve.

This can often be a forgotten part of the town. It is in a transitional phase, with the opening of firstsite and the relocation of the bus station. The Bike Guru cafe and workshop sits neatly in-between, straddling something of the old and the new.

The suitably named Station, one of the leading emerging bands currently in Colchester, provided music on the opening night. Colchester Film Makers Club showed an interest, recognising the unique occasion in which to record and document. Cycling films on the big outdoor screen were kindly provided by Moving Image of Wivenhoe.

I felt a fraud asking for a cup of tea. Coffee usually isn’t my cup, but the extra strong special served up by the Bike Guru certainly hit the Friday night hot spot. Matt has sourced a classic coffee machine for the cafe. Locals will appreciate the Bibby name that has been given.

There was a slight concern that the Bike Guru is opening up the cycling and coffee space just when the cycling season is coming to a close. Friday evening couldn’t have been blessed with better weather. As autumn starts to descend around Colchester, early morning starts and the evening journey home can now be livened up with coffee and cake.

And so that was the opening night. The Bike Guru begins trading as from Saturday morning. The cafe is open Monday - Saturday from 9am to 6pm. The bike workshop is offering a drop in service on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The enthusiasm from the opening event can hopefully be sustained throughout the three month run at the Kiosks. This is very much experimentation - Matt has plans for a more permanent base, should the business prove to be successful.

You’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else in Colchester that will serve you the finest coffee whilst you have your puncture repaired. Or even vice versa.

Ah - but which came first? The coffee shop or the cycle workshop?

Cycling synergy.