Tasty Tourist

I’ve never been a great one for window shopping. Although I will trundle merrily around motorcycle showrooms when I’m looking for a bike, I’m generally not of the tyre-kicking and time-wasting persuasion – have been on the receiving end of those fine pursuits far too often. Which is why the increasing trend for motorcycle emporia to add a café to their attractions is so cunning – and welcome. Because simply popping out to meet a mate for a restorative slice of lettuce and a glass of brackish vaguely warm water containing the extract of a single tea leaf can result in an occasional fine surprise.

OK, I was joking about the food. Toast is great wherever it’s encountered, and I have an almost limitless appetite for tea and coffee. North Cornwall Motorcycles, in not-so distant Bude, have a biker café. I like this. A chap parks up outside, consumes whichever dietary fandangos are currently apposite, chats with pals and watches bikes and their riders come and go. Great stuff. Passes the time agreeably. And when it’s quiet, the café serves its other commercial function – it’s only fair to go take an amble around the showroom, isn’t