Classic Motor Hub: October Coffee & Classics

Outside, the arriving cars created a wonderfully broad display. There were old Land Rovers, classic Aston Martins, Mercedes-Benz models, Ferraris, modern exotica and everything in between. Several car clubs were in attendance, including a localish Ferrari owners’ club and Porsche owners, so there was plenty to admire whether your tastes run to patina, performance or pure theatre.

I did not count the cars, partly because counting is terribly unglamorous and partly because there must have been several hundred. The main yards and the area in front of the showrooms filled quickly, which brings me to the most important piece of advice: arrive early. The best positions are claimed early, and by the time I arrived fashionably late in the Mini, I had been directed to general parking. Still, the display was excellent from every angle.

The atmosphere was relaxed, smart-casual and enthusiast-led. This was not a family-focused event in the loud, bouncy-castle sense, though I saw no restrictions and dogs were welcome. It felt more like a gathering of collectors, serial enthusiasts and people who appreciate a good car properly presented. Civilised, friendly and pleasingly free of screaming passengers.

Coffee was the standard sort, with oat milk available and seasonal specials including gingerbread and, for the pumpkin-spice loyalists, a spiced pumpkin latte. The specialty lattes were under £5, which is rather more agreeable than the average high-street coffee transaction. There were bacon rolls, breakfast items, sandwiches and more on sale, though by the time I arrived much had sold out and the queues were impressively deep. That is not a complaint. It simply proves people were voting with their wallets.

My only small suggestion would be to park some of the display cars back to back, which would extend the available space and allow even more machinery to be shown. Otherwise, the event ran beautifully, with plenty of marshals keeping everything moving.

One final note from the marshals, and it is worth repeating: have your ticket ready on your phone or printed before you arrive. Holding up the queue while hunting through your emails is not a good look, darling.

Whether you arrive in a Mini, a classic Land Rover or a new GT tourer, this is a must-do Cotswolds morning. Wonderful cars, a beautiful setting, well-organised marshals and the faint possibility of a bacon roll, provided you behave like a sensible person and get there early.

Vivian’s verdict: Approved.