Caffeine & Machine – what’s it all about?

“Build it and they will come”, said Caffeine & Machine founder Phil McGovern, and how right he was. Launched last weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, Caffeine & Machine (C&M) isn’t just a café or a restaurant, you wouldn’t deem it only to be a hotel or a workshop, but what it is, is a heaven for anyone and everyone that likes cars or motorbikes.

You don’t have to like cars or bikes to enjoy C&M though, as its design-led, practical approach and homely vibe is part of the charm. Sitting down with a freshly-made coffee inside C&M’s home, located between London and Birmingham, you appreciate the details that make the building so special. Walls are covered in art and photography, carefully framed on the recently restored walls, while the well-used Chesterfield sofas and leather armchairs are made for enjoying a good book, magazine or for just plain old relaxing in.  

Once a disused pub, the custom-made stainless-steel bar is one of very few nods to the former inn that has been turned into a destination for all car and bike lovers. From veteran to vintage, scene to sentimental, rat rod to plain old rotten, not to mention scene stance and one-off supercars, C&M’s ethos is simple – everyone is welcome.

Showcasing a taster of what’s to come, last weekend’s opening was a case in point to show how wide C&M’s arms are open to accept everyone into the ‘club’. Footman James took a tour and was met with some breathtaking cars and stellar people.

Harry’s Garage founder, Harry Metcalfe, and his Jaguar Project 8 was there, Birmingham-based drift car specialists Driftworks showcased a range of cars the team has built and raced, including the brand new E9X V8-powered E30 drift car, housed in the outside tepee. Supercars and social superstars were also in attendance at the launch opening, including influencer James Walker’s (MRJWW) Ferrari F12 TDF, which was parked on the plinth outside, alongside an array of Tom ‘Wookie’ Ford’s past and present mega builds for Top Gear magazine, not to mention the record-breaking Skoda Octavia - there really was something for everyone.

While you don’t have to be a member to enjoy C&M, the organisers do offer the 313 Club. Priced at £313, the membership is said to be ‘an early warning system for those that need to know’. C&M’s annual 313 membership provides access and first refusal to event tickets, talks and shows, as well as the opportunity to attend very special drive days (at extra cost), ‘one-on-one’ experiences and dinners/parties.

Nestled in the Warwickshire countryside, C&M is an event space to watch out for, and we wish the team the very best of luck and thank them for opening the event far and wide, in the true spirit of what C&M stands for.

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