The Motorist

Don’t forget, Easter Hours may vary. Check social media for updates.

Closed

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Monday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Local time
28/03/2026 9:37 pm

The Motorist Gallery

A Two-Wheeled Oasis: The Motorist in Sherburn-in-Elmet

The Motorist, situated just on the outskirts of Leeds near Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorkshire and the Humber, has rapidly transformed from a simple airfield pitstop into a premier pilgrimage site for northern petrolheads. While its name might suggest a four-wheeled bias, the venue has arguably become one of the most welcoming hubs for the motorcycling community in West Yorkshire..

Built for the Rider

The first thing any rider notices upon arrival is the infrastructure. Unlike many inner-city meets where you’re fighting for a patch of uneven pavement, The Motorist offers a massive 800-space hardstanding area. This is a game-changer for bikers; there is no anxiety about sinking side-stands on soft grass or navigating treacherous gravel traps.

The venue is designed with a “rolling in, not roaring in” philosophy, encapsulated by their Drive with Compassion initiative. This creates a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere where a learner on a 125cc is treated with the same respect as a veteran on a custom-built café racer or a gleaming Ducati Panigale. It’s a space where the gear—helmets, leathers, and boots—is part of the décor, and you’ll never feel out of place walking into the restaurant mid-ride.

Food: From “Sarnies” to the Arnage

Food is the fuel that keeps the community coming back. The culinary heart of the venue is split between the casual Driver’s Lounge (often referred to as Mo’s Kitchen) and the more upscale Arnage Restaurant.

For the Saturday morning rider, the pull of a high-quality breakfast roll and an artisan coffee is hard to resist. The menu has evolved significantly from its early days, now offering a diverse range of “proper” food. You can expect:

Hearty Classics: Towering burgers and fresh fish and chips that provide the necessary calories for a long afternoon in the saddle.
The Mid-Week Special: On Wednesday evenings, the Mid-Week Motor Meet draws huge crowds with deals like their famous pizza, fries, and a drink combo—perfect for those summer evening ride-outs.
Refined Dining: If you’re looking for a Sunday Roast that rivals a high-end gastropub, the Arnage offers a glass-fronted view of the car park, allowing you to keep an eye on the bikes while tucking into Yorkshire puddings.

A Community Without Elitism

What truly sets The Motorist apart is its lack of pretension. It is a “broad church” of automotive passion. On any given weekend, the car park is a living museum. You might find a vintage British Triumph parked next to a modern Japanese superbike, with owners exchanging tips on maintenance or discussing the best local B-roads over a brew.

The community spirit at The Motorist is cemented by a relentless event calendar. While they host massive car shows, they frequently hold dedicated Bike Meets—notably the popular Good Friday meet. These gatherings aren’t just about showing off machinery; they are social hubs where solo riders find groups and novices find mentors.

Beyond the bikes and the burgers, there is The Store. It’s a curated treasure trove where you can pick up everything from specialized detailing kits to artisan local beers and unique motoring gifts. It adds a layer of “lifestyle” to the visit that makes it more than just a car park with a café.

Whether you’re stopping for a quick caffeine hit during a solo blast through the Yorkshire countryside or meeting fifty of your closest friends for a Wednesday night social, The Motorist has mastered the art of hospitality for those who live life on two wheels.