First look inside new bikers’ cafe and pub near Matlock Bath – launched by Derbyshire dad with life-long passion for bikes

Low on Fuel, a cafe and pub designed with the biking community at heart, has opened its doors at Matlock Road in Brackenfield village on Friday, April 24.

The venue has already proved to be very popular with a successful opening weekend and nearly 1500 Facebook followers.

Andy Martin, a Derbyshire born and bred biking enthusiast who is at the helm of Low on Fuel, said: “The opening weekend was a real success.

"The response from the people was fantastic and we met lots of really cool, lovely people.

"We couldn't be more pleased.”

Andy, a dad of two, decided to launch the cafe after he spotted that the former Plough Inn building in Brackenfield was up for sale about a year ago.

He said: “I was driving past when I spotted it was for sale and I fell in love with it.

"We have worked on it for about eight months before we opened and we are still refurbishing.”

Low on Fuel is a real labour of love with Andy, who has worked hard to bring the 16th-century listed building pub up to scratch, with the help of his partner Kerry Martin, son Charlie and daughter Chloe, as well as the local community.

Andy said: “We are really enjoying renovating the building and getting back to what it looked like before.

"We have met some really helpful local people who gave us supplies, helped with their skillful work and knowledge of the building and its past.

"We couldn't have gotten to the stage we are at now without the the generous help of the local community.”

The previously empty building has undergone a transformation with unique decor featuring retro signs and bikes displayed on the walls.

Andy said: “The decor is inspired by my passion for motorbikes and related memorabilia as well as my passion for music and general nostalgia.

"We have got a few bikes on the walls at the moment.

"They look really decorative, and it's a little bit of a wow factor.

"You don't usually see motorbikes hanging off walls so it's quite fun to the eye to look at."

Speaking about his life-long passion for biking, Andy added: “I first picked it up from friends and got into bikes as a boy and I’ve never got out of it.

"It’s my life long passion and the biking community is amazing.”

To help bring bikers together, Low on Fuel is set to run weekly bike nights at 6pm every Friday, when bikers can enjoy a chat with like-minded people.

Andy said: “Every Friday, we are going to have a bike night, welcoming bikers to talk general bike stuff.

"The idea is to bring the biking community together and give people a chance to meet and talk about their passion.”

Low on Fuel was designed as a place where bikers can stop for a nibble and a drink, but the cafe is not only open to bikers – with plans to involve families in activities throughout the summer.

Andy explained: “Although it was designed with bikers in mind, everyone is welcome.

"We are looking forward to welcoming families in the summer with picnic blankets and dog bowls on the ample lawn at the back!”

Low on Fuel is currently open between 10am and 9pm from Friday to Sunday with plans to potentially extend the opening times in the future.

The venue serves both food and drinks including snacks, cakes, soft drinks, coffee, beer and more, with Andy hoping to expand the food menu and feature as much local produce as possible.