Look Mum No Hands!, a bike cafe and events pioneer, closes

After 13 years, with close to 1,000,000 coffees brewed and 20,000 punctures repaired, the owners of Look Mum No Hands! have announced that the cycle cafe on Old Street has closed.

Partners Lewin Chalkley, Matthew Harper, and Sam Humpheson opened the cafe in April 2010 as a place to enjoy great coffee, good food and get your bike repaired. It quickly became an inclusive space where all flavours of cycling culture could be shared and celebrated.

The first ten years were hugely successful, but as for so many in the hospitality businesses Covid proved to be very challenging. After fully reopening in 2022 it became clear that changing work patterns in the area have resulted in a significant reduction in turnover. Combine this with rising costs and the business proved unsustainable.

Sam Humpheson: “I’m so proud of what we achieved with Lmnh! The three of us were fed up with our jobs at the time and wanted to be excited to come to work, the business achieved this and so much more. I think we showed that bikes and cycling are inherently fun and friendly, as well as being a practical solution to many of our problems such as climate, congestion and health. We set out to not take ourselves too seriously, be friendly and inclusive, and above all to have fun.”

Matthew Harper: “It’s such a shame, but we just ran out of options. I’d like to thank all of our customers over the years. Everyone who bought an espresso or a pint, one of our pies, a t-shirt or a flapjack. If you came to have your puncture repaired or watch the Tour de France, organise an event, or even just to enjoy the free WiFi you were part of what made Look Mum No Hands! tick.”

Lewin Chalkley: “We tried to bring passion into everything we did. Our coffee was great, the food was hearty and I personally made sure our beer selection was up to scratch. I’d like to thank everyone who has worked with us over the years, baristas, bike mechanics, chefs, front of house, marketing, communications and the online shop. We couldn’t have done it without our amazing team. Also, f*ck the Tories!”

There are no plans in the immediate future other than some time off for the trio, who hope only that “maybe there will be an opportunity to go again.”