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If you’re looking for the perfect blend of coffee, car culture, and community, then a trip to Caffeine & Machine’s The Hill is just what you need.
It’s the first permanent home of the brand, which has since gone on to open two further sites in Bedfordshire (The Bowl) and Hampshire (The Hut). I was intrigued to see what makes Caffeine & Machine so different to any other meet-up.
As a first-time visitor, I was keen to explore what makes The Hill such a unique destination, and I left with plenty to share.
Finding Your Way to The Hill
The journey to Caffeine & Machine is an experience. As you navigate the winding country roads, there’s a sense of excitement and curiosity about what awaits.
For us, we set off from Cardiff to make the pilgrimage one Sunday morning. The weather was looking mixed but had promised to be mostly dry. We decided to take the scenic route up through Monmouthshire via the A449, which would take us just over 2 hours (around 100 miles). It isn’t the quickest route, but it is one that offers views.
As you get nearer, there is a sense of anticipation. Not only because we’ve spent hours in the car talking about the place, but because you hear the roar of vehicles on the roads – making you wonder if they had just been to visit The Hill. There is also something special about catching your first glimpse of the location – the white Georgian building set amidst rolling hills.
Parking is straightforward, and the layout is intentionally open, allowing visitors to walk among the cars and admire them up close. It’s almost like stepping into a living, breathing automotive museum – with new exhibits arriving and departing throughout the day.
You need to book ahead of time and they have slots available with three hour intervals, so they can manage the car park. When you arrive, they will ask for confirmation of your booking and they do recommend that you arrive as near to your booking time as possible. We were fine, although it did take some planning having come from miles away.
The Atmosphere: More than Just a Car Meet
The first thing that hits you is the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Unlike some car meets that can feel a bit exclusive or intimidating, The Hill feels welcoming to everyone. Whether you drive a classic, a supercar, a project build, or even just a daily runaround, there’s no judgement. The cars and bikes that arrive here are as diverse as the people who bring them, and that’s part of the magic.
When we booked, it was for an event called the Thunderbolt Weekend – an event dedicated to hot rods and V8s. Although there was a number of these when we arrived, it was mainly Lotus, Porsches, VWs and a couple of other British classics.
Caffeine & Machine is designed as a space to connect over a shared passion – whether that’s cars, motorcycles, art, music, or just good coffee. On my first visit, I quickly realised it’s as much about the people as it is about the machines. The open layout encourages conversation, and you’ll find yourself chatting to strangers about the finer points of engine modifications, paint jobs and dream cars.
What I didn’t expect is that for a random Sunday morning, there was such a great atmosphere. It wasn’t packed, but I imagine with a speaking event it would be, but there was enough of a footfall to see the coming and goings of some very interesting vehicles.
The centre piece of the venue though is the mural on the wall, which had a fresh coat and makeover by Jim Zoot (@seven9signs) in the week leading up to our visit. It’s so cool.
Grab a Coffee, Grab a Bite
The café is at the heart of the experience, helping to keep everyone fed and watered. The menu is well thought-out, offering great coffee options, tasty pastries, and a variety of hearty meals. I started my day with a cold coke to get the caffeine flowing, but each to their own. If you’re planning on sticking around for lunch, their burgers come highly recommended – they’re perfect fuel for a day of wandering around admiring cars. My friend Luke picked up one of these, whereas I opted for one of the hand-stretched pizzas.
The indoor café area provides a cosy spot to relax, but if the weather’s good, I recommend grabbing a seat outside like we did. The outdoor area allows you to be right in the middle of the action, watching cars roll in and out while sipping your coffee (or cola).
The Cars (and Bikes) of The Hill
What truly makes The Hill an exciting place is the constant arrival of new vehicles. Throughout the day, cars and bikes of all kinds show up – classics, sports cars, modified builds, off-roaders, and everything in between. You never know what might pull up next, which keeps things fresh and exciting. Whether you’re into pristine restorations or rough-around-the-edges project cars, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of their themed events. Themed days are particularly special, focusing on specific makes or models, such as JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars, British classics, or motorbikes, and they tend to draw a crowd of like-minded enthusiasts. As mentioned, we caught the Thunderbolt Weekend whilst we were there, which had some interesting vehicles.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
- Plan Your Arrival: The vibe at The Hill can change throughout the day, so think about what experience you want. Mornings can be a bit quieter, perfect for a relaxed coffee and conversation, while afternoons and evenings can get lively with events, live music, and bigger gatherings of cars and bikes.
- Check the Events Calendar: If you’re hoping to catch a particular type of car or bike, make sure to check their calendar. Themed events are well worth planning your visit around, and they often require advance booking.
- Engage with the Community: Don’t be shy about striking up a conversation. The whole point of Caffeine & Machine is to bring people together. Ask someone about their car, share a story, or get involved in one of the communal events.
- Bring Your Camera: Trust me, you’ll want to snap photos of the cars, bikes, and the stunning setting. The Hill’s relaxed policy allows you to take photos freely, and the ever-changing line-up of vehicles means there’s always something new to capture.
- Stay for a While: Plan to spend at least a few hours. Just remember to check your ticket as usually they have a set duration. There’s always something happening, and the atmosphere changes as more cars and people come and go. Plus, once you’ve settled in with a good cup of coffee and some great cars to admire, you won’t be in a hurry to leave.
Final Thoughts
Caffeine & Machine’s The Hill is a celebration of all things automotive, social, and caffeinated. As a first-time visitor, I was struck by how laid-back and inclusive the environment was, whether you’re a car aficionado or just someone looking for a unique spot to hang out.
The best part of visiting The Hill is that no two days are the same – the cars, the people, and the vibe shift with every visit. It’s a destination that draws you in and keeps you coming back for more. So, whether you’re a hardcore petrolhead or just want to enjoy a coffee surrounded by some of the most interesting machines around, The Hill at Caffeine & Machine is well worth a visit.
Visit the Eventbrite page to check out the upcoming events at The Hill.
If you’ve been to The Hill, what was your experience like? Any tips or must-see moments to share? Let’s chat about it in the comments below!
