A few miles outside Stratford-on-Avon in Warwickshire lies a meeting spot that is fast becoming a must-go target for car enthusiasts. I first read about Caffeine & Machine in an article by Quentin Willson in Classic Cars magazine. The Sirens have been calling ever since, so a visit to the Midlands earlier this week was the chance to see for myself.
Situated on a long, quiet stretch of Banbury Road just outside the village of Ettington, C&M turned out to be much more impressive than I had expected. Quentin was right: Go if you can.
Caffeine and Machine, on the quiet (for the moment) Banbury Road at Ettington, Warwickshire 
Words of wisdom for the the most blessed pf petrol heads..
The main building has the looks of a roadside pub but it was probably once a private residence, Houndshill House. The surrounding area is huge—no fewer than 12 acres—and is set up as a meeting and display place for interesting motors and their owners. Dozens of umbrella-equipped tables are spread across the expanse of grass, with a natural amphitheater for the choicest machinery formed in front of the main building.
C&M is a sort of cross between Silverstone, the British Motor Museum a pub and a glamping site. There’s lots of stuff to explore, even on a Tuesday
On-site is a bar, coffee shop, restaurant, art gallery, and merchandise emporium. That’s just the backdrop. The real meat is all the delicious cars and motorbikes. You bring your own exhibit to this museum, park where you can and wait for interested parties.
The early birds are encouraged to back into the horseshoe amphitheater to provide a spectacular backdrop for the spectators. Up to a thousand cars and a couple of hundred bikes can be found on the whole site on a busy summer weekend when it’s necessary to book a (free) parking ticket in advance.
Caffeine & Machine HQ is in Houndshill House, Ettington… 
…now transformed into a petrol head’s nirvana, acting as a colourful backdrop for the horseshow display of cars
I chose a relatively quiet Tuesday for my visit. On the one hand, there was plenty of space to park and I managed to grab a slot in the horseshoe (although I confess that I ignored the etiquette, out of ignorance, by driving in nose first). On the other hand, this was a good opportunity to take some shots of the buildings and facilities without crowds of people blocking the view. Another visit, this time at a weekend, is on the cards and I hope to add to the photo record here.
A unique watering hole for the keen driver
In these days when motor vehicles are the enemy, when the lobbyists will not rest until every piston and value has been eradicated from human memory, C&M provides a refreshing opportunity to park up and chat with like-minded enthusiasts. It’s no wonder that C&M is becoming a favourite spot for car club meets.
From a photographer’s point of view, the goings-on at Caffeine & Machine provide a wonderful opportunity. After eighteen months of lockdown, it was refreshing to attend a real event with my Q2. A sense of normality is returning as the lockdown in England ends this coming Sunday.
Relatively new to British shores, Indian Motorcycles have a long and impressive history. This Indian Chief cruiser will set you back up to £15,000. It’s almost enough to get me back on two wheels…
Praise the lowered (suspension) and the promise of hot wings at the weekend (weekday defunct). The place is awash with bons mots
What’s an ITB: “With individual throttle bodies (ITBs), each cylinder gets its own butterfly valve regulating air intake, rather than all cylinders sharing one valve… In an engine with ITBs, atmospheric pressure builds outside each cylinder, so when you open the throttle, air enters instantaneously”.
Hot off the presses at the JLR factory just ten miles up the road from Caffeine & Machine. A new and glistening Land Rover Defender X. Come home, baby!
£95,000-worth of BMW M exotica, just a taste of what you can find here at the weekend
Find all the information to plan your visit to C&M
The Aussie version: Pie in the Sky at Cowan, New South Wales
A cup of coffee works wonders in supporting Macfilos
Did you know that Macfilos is run by a dedicated team of volunteers? We rely on donations to help pay our running costs. And even the cost of a cup of coffee will do wonders for our energy levels.
I am so jealous- I would be there every weekend. I absolutely love the Indian motorcycle.
I’m surprised they let you in with a Tesla. That’s not a ‘real’ car.
Yes, I know. But there was a lot of interest in it and I narrowly avoided having to take some car types for a demonstration ride.
They let you in to see real cars.
Back it up, back it in. With a car that has a computer that does everything any confusion as to what “back it up” means is completely understandable. Hope your drive there wasn’t too hard either.
Heaven! We get the events in the USA, but having a permanent home like this has to make a big difference. I know one friend with a lovingly restored 928 who visits and another with a nice collection of cars who will likely visit.
It’s on my list for my next trip home.