Reca Community Biker Cafe: By bikers, for bikers

Published: 27 April 2017

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Stealthily located within an industrial business centre close to the heart of Maidstone is one of the friendliest hangouts in the southeast, the Reca Community Biker Café.

Owned and operated by the endlessly energetic Rick Evans, this increasingly popular venue came about by something of an evolution; “I’d set up a motorcycle breakers’ in the unit opposite with the idea of trading through eBay,” says Rick.

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“It was tough work as I was mainly on my own, but over time I started getting regulars popping in and hanging around. This was great, but they were drinking all my tea and coffee, so I said,‘OK, if you want to come down and hang out, bring a pint of milk or put 50p in the pot’. At some point someone suggested making bacon sandwiches and it wasn’t much longer before I’d set up some tables and the breakers’ had become a café!”

When the opportunity arose to move into the current, larger premises Rick enlisted the help of the community that had grown around him and within six days they’d renovated a damp, mouldy and dilapidated unit into the thriving rendezvous that it is today. It’s not just biker friendly – it’s built by bikers, for bikers and of course, run by bikers.

Although it’s a popular destination for various groups, Rick also has the individual very much in mind. “No one is excluded and we aim to welcome everyone. If you’re new to biking come down and order a tea – chances are you won’t be sitting alone for long and if you don’t know anyone when you arrive, by the time you leave you will. By the second visit you’ll be hooked up on Facebook and making arrangements for rideouts, that’s pretty much how things work down here.”

Beyond the café there are live music nights featuring anything from mod bands that see an army of scooters turn up to acoustic sets for those who prefer things a little more mellow. If you’re in the south east, Reca is definitely worth the ride!

Where is it?
Unit G4, Powerhub Business Centre, St Peter’s Street, Maidstone, ME16 0ST

When is it?
6am-9pm Tuesday and Thursday, 9am-4pm at weekends

Contact
Reca Community Biker Cafe on Facebook and Trip Advisor. Call 07778 552889

Looking for the perfect two-wheeled companion? Visit MCN Bikes For Sale website or use MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.

By Justin Hayzelden

Products Editor, shed enthusiast and tournament winner. Justin has been a regular contributor to MCN since 2009, serving as a road tester, roving reporter, and feature writer. He has extensive experience testing the latest motorcycles and evaluating motorcycle gear under real-world conditions. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Justin began riding at 16 on a Suzuki TS50X and has since owned numerous bikes. His time as a London courier honed his skills on busy roads, and as an instructor, he has trained many novices. When not testing products, Justin is often found in his shed, maintaining, restoring, and rebuilding bikes and other mechanical items.