Carlisle's The Buttered Cat gearing up for biker night

The Buttered Cat, in Treasury Court, Carlisle, had its own ‘bike night’ on June 4 as a trial, and welcomed a small group of motorbike enthusiasts for a brew to get together.

They’re looking to do so again tonight with an aim to make events more diverse and regular for the future after what has been several successful months for the relatively new business.

Owner Andrew Davenport, a tattoo artist who recently celebrated the one year anniversary of his business Get Modified (opposite The Buttered Cat), said motorbikes are a new hobby for him, and from the outset found the community to be welcoming and helpful.

Roughly 10 bikes turned up for the first one, with some new faces, and Mr Davenport said it brought people to the courtyard to spread the word that ‘maybe Carlisle is not dying out’.

Sign welcoming bikers to the cafe (Image: Supplied)

He said events like these add vibrancy to the city centre, and it’s good for business, having taken in roughly £100 through the tills, but it’s also good for socialising.

“It’s nice to get people together and have a chat, and people can see the town centre is really busy.”

He added that the Treasury Court is a hub of supportive businesses that work with each other, and this event was made to be mindful of the surrounding businesses.

“I've only been riding a motorbike since last year when I passed in February, and they’re such a lovely bunch.

“They look out for each other and there’s camaraderie.”

First bike night at The Buttered Cat (Image: Supplied)

He said he didn’t want to make The Buttered Cat a strictly ‘biker café’, and made sure the event had no negative impact on surrounding businesses – hence holding it on a Tuesday night and asking visitors to ride carefully through the arches and park their bikes in a safe location.

Rather, he’s hoping to put on other events, like live music, in the future, and is open to suggestions.

On how business is doing more generally, Mr Davenport said: “The café has been taken really well.

“We’ve got great staff members, and we will hopefully be open seven days a week by the end of the month.

First bike night at The Buttered Cat (Image: Supplied)

“The only pet hate we get from people is we don’t have a sit-around table, we just have bar searing at the back, but I think it’s just being different.”

He said some cafes aren’t best-equipped for takeaway and customers on the go end up feeling in the way.

“We’re a takeaway that offers seating, that’s the vibe we went for,” he said.

Tonight’s Bike Night will be held between 5.30pm and 7.30pm when the gates to Treasury Court close.

Entry is via the archway next to Ashbridge & Brown on Fisher Street, and riders are asked to dismount their motorbike once inside the courtyard.