Ace Cafe London Opens First China Location in Beijing

When a legendary British motorcycle café with nearly eight decades of history sets up shop in Beijing, coffee and culture fans alike want to know: what exactly is Ace Cafe, and why is it landing in China now? This isn’t just another coffeehouse—it’s a cultural institution on two wheels.

Ace Cafe London, founded in 1938, is officially entering the Chinese market in summer 2015, with its first physical location debuting on July 12 at Beijing’s 751 Art District. The brand, already established in countries like the US, Japan, Finland, and Germany, brings its signature mix of café, live music, motorcycle culture, and fashion to a new audience.

What Is Ace Cafe and Why Does It Matter?

Ace Cafe London began in 1938 as a 24-hour truck stop and quickly became a legendary gathering spot for motorcyclists, especially during the post-WWII British biking boom. Over the decades, it evolved into a global brand synonymous with café racer culture, rock ‘n’ roll, and community-driven events. Today, it’s far more than a café—it’s a platform for motorsports, live music, dining, and fashion.

The Beijing Launch and Global Expansion

In 2015, Ace Cafe announced its official entry into China with the grand opening of its Beijing flagship at 751 Art District on July 12. The launch event included a partnership with the well-known Globebusters motorcycle team, who rode 12,000 miles from the original Ace Cafe in London to Beijing over 80 days, arriving right on opening day. This ride symbolized the transcontinental connection between the brand’s UK roots and its new Chinese home.

Beyond the 751 location, a second Ace Cafe outlet opened in Beijing’s Sanlitun 3.3 building. While both spaces embody the Ace Cafe ethos, the 751 venue emphasizes motorcycle and car culture events thanks to its larger space and industrial setting, while the 3.3 location focuses more on coffee, food, and music.

More Than a Café: Building a Cultural Platform

Ace Cafe’s expansion into China isn’t limited to food and drink. The brand plans to collaborate with local music labels and customization culture brands through joint ventures or capital partnerships. The goal is to create a multidimensional cultural hub that bridges UK biker heritage with modern Chinese urban lifestyle. The café will serve as a stage for exhibitions, club meetups, themed events, and culinary offerings—all rooted in the Ace Cafe identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ace Cafe London?

Ace Cafe London is a historic UK café and cultural hub founded in 1938, originally a stop for truckers and motorcyclists. It became famous for its role in the motorcycle café racer scene and has since grown into an international brand combining food, music, motorcycles, cars, and fashion.

When did Ace Cafe open in China?

Ace Cafe officially entered the Chinese market in summer 2015, with its Beijing 751 Art District location opening on July 12, 2015.

Where is the first Ace Cafe in China located?

The first Ace Cafe in China is located in Beijing’s 751 Art District. A second location also opened in the Sanlitun 3.3 building in Beijing.

What special event marked the opening of Ace Cafe in Beijing?

The opening was celebrated with the arrival of the Globebusters motorcycle team, who completed a 12,000-mile ride from London to Beijing in 80 days, starting April 24, 2015, and arriving at the 751 location on July 12, 2015.

What kind of culture does Ace Cafe promote in China?

Ace Cafe promotes a mix of UK motorcycle culture, live music, café dining, fashion, and car culture. In China, it aims to build a multicultural platform through collaborations with music and customization brands.