On the edge of the A249 just before you get to the beauty of the Kent Downs National Landscape sits Detling Diner. You might remember it as a Little Chef from years gone by, but in 2017, Carl Barber and partner Sarah Garrett took on the café and made it into a hub for bikers.
“We had catering vans before that went race meetings or bike and car shows,” Carl recalls as he explains how the diner came about. But bikes have always been in his blood. “My dad was a biker. He was a plasterer and he took all his plastering gear in the sidecar – that’s how you did it in the 60s!
“I was a speedway and grasstrack rider myself and now sponsor people like Joe Screen, Paul Hurry and Tim Nobes.”
Plenty of windows to see the bikes come and go
Although the diner no longer does regular bike nights, Carl hopes to host an evening with speedway star Paul Hurry in the future. But he won’t be the only celeb to have graced the café…
“They filmed The Gentlemen here with Vinnie Jones,” he says, “they filmed Joan, and about six months ago we filmed Sweet Pea. We’ve also had Guy Ritchie here and Geoff Bell.”
Whether it’s a brew or a full meal, bikers are always welcome at Detling Diner
Carl is hoping the café will go from strength to strength, and with bikers stopping by – particularly on Sundays and Tuesday afternoons – why not pop in and join them?
Our recommended route near Detling Diner, Maidstone
A429 then right onto Rumstead Lane. At Hook and Hatchet, turn left then right twice onto Admiral Road. Follow ahead to Newnham then right, right, left onto Kettle Hill Road. Follow the A251 to White Hill and the Wye Downs, then head to the B2068. Turn right through Lyminge and Frogholt then into Folkestone and the sea.
For more inspiration for places to go and things to do on your motorbike, head to our interactive map .
MCN Reporter - Saffron's love for motorcycles began early, growing up surrounded by them and riding as soon as she turned 16. She pursued a BA in Creative Writing and Fine Art, followed by a Level 3 Diploma in Journalism from the NCTJ while gaining work experience at a local newspaper. Saffron's career includes various marketing roles in the automotive industry, but her passion for motorcycles led her to join MCN in April 2021. Since she joined, she has dabbled in off-road riding and track time, but touring remains her favourite hobby. Saffron, often seen traveling for features, rides a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail when not working for MCN.
Biker café expert, rock music aficionado