Open for business - Pop up cafe and kitchen menu available following an arson attack.

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Riverside Cafe Est 2017

Riverside Cafe Est 2017Riverside Cafe Est 2017Riverside Cafe Est 2017
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Lakeside Lates 2025

Fish and Chip Fridays

Pizzas, beers and tunes

Pizzas, beers and tunes

Returning for a select few Friday dates this summer. 'Codswallop' are back frying up a treat. Enjoy a lakeside alfresco experience. Bookings open May 2025 following sold out attendance last year.

Book a table

Pizzas, beers and tunes

Pizzas, beers and tunes

Pizzas, beers and tunes

We're going late on Saturdays this summer. Join us for casual eats with wood fired pizzas, Cicchetti, Drinks and DJ vibes from 6pm - 10pm. 

Bookings open 3 months ahead.


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More about The Longholme

Our unique venue

Hidden back from the main road over the river you can find us on Longholme Island between the upper & lower River Great Ouse. Join us for breakfast, lunch or hire one of our boats. Our humble venue is open to all and has been refurbished to benefit all who use the river & local area. The Longholme Café sits lake side with ever changing views, plentiful wildlife and a guarantee that you and your party take away with you something that we like to call 'The Longholme Life'  - let us look after you, enjoy the view, love the people you're with and let us do the rest. 

Book a Table

Our food and Drinks

With many years hospitality experience, this independent cafe in Bedford won't let you down. We are one of the few places to offer recreational boat hire in Bedfordshire & proud of it. Our food and beverage choices have been carefully selected and lovingly prepared to ensure the best quality at an affordable price. We pride ourselves on good coffee and local fresh foods with regular seasonal changes and special dishes available. Vegan and Gluten free options.

See the menu

A brief history

Established in 2017 the previously known "boating lake cafe" is loved by many for it's location. In the years since we have established a new, hospitality focussed offering with all areas of the property modernised. We peak into our prime through the summer season but remain open all year. Owned and managed by experienced local hands, we operate with the consistency of a bigger brand but keep the personal touches you would expect from your local cafe.

contact / find us

Mini Landmark Golf

Over at our sister location, The Kiosk in Russell Park we have recently opened a new 12 hole landmark miniature golf course. Click below to find out more about this activity - links to website. 

Find out more

Book your tables

Advanced bookings

Take advantage of our free to use booking service for your brunch and lunch visits. Book ahead and secure your tables at peak times, since 2022.

Card details may be required and booking conditions apply. 

Walk up tables

On the day we revert to walk in's only. If we're busy on arrival say hello to the host who will be happy to put you on a wait list if we're full. 

Adverse weather

Please note we are a fully outside / alfresco style venue with covered areas. In freak weather moments, it may not always be possible to relocate everyone. Heaters are available on some tables along with blankets and shade cover for many others. Bookings requests can not always be accommodated.

Group Bookings

Please send a booking request for parties of 8+ people. Groups require a pre order on food to be sent ahead of arrival and a deposit of £10 per person. 

Parties of up to 8 people, please book in via the online system.

Group Booking request

When can we expect you?

Work with us!

Take a look at some open or up coming job opportunities here. Seasonal and full time positions updated on our jobs page.

Find out more

Recent pictures

What to expect

Quality Food

Homemade Drinks

Quality Food

brunch lunch bedford the longholme cafe

Order from our menu or pick from our display fridge. Don't forget our dedicated children's choices & delicious fresh cakes!


See our menu

Great Coffee

Homemade Drinks

Quality Food

"Best coffee in Bedford" The Longholme cafe

Ground to order every time. 

We love coffee and want you to enjoy every cup with us. All varieties served with decaffeinated choices & Organic herbal teas also available. 

our coffee

Homemade Drinks

Homemade Drinks

Homemade Drinks

This summer try our homemade Iced teas or one of our iced coffees. Enjoy them to stay or to take away 

in a biodegradable cup on your walk.


Find out more

Loyalty card

Our Sister site

Homemade Drinks

local cafe bedford the longholme

Rewarding loyalty - 

Collect stamps on hot drinks and get one on us! T&C's apply. 

Gift cards

Dogs welcome

Our Sister site

Our Sister site

dog friendly cafe bedford

With lots of places to roam and run The Embankment is a perfect dog walk, more so with a coffee or light breakfast. Treats available!


Our Sister site

Our Sister site

Our Sister site

smoothies, juice, milkshakes bedford

Fresh juice, smoothies, great coffee

 18 hole putting, table tennis + more 

Across the river in Russell Park.

Visit The Kiosk

Other Services

Boat Hire

The Gelato Cart

The Gelato Cart

Our boat hire is open seasonally from  Easter break - October. 

Opening times and days vary.   

HIRE BOATS

The Gelato Cart

The Gelato Cart

The Gelato Cart

gelato in bedford the longholme cafe

Scooping during high season in fair weather. Grab a scoop of premium ice cream in a crispy waffle cone.

Open peak summer only

Putting

The Gelato Cart

Putting

 Over at The Kiosk in Russell Park we have recently opened a new 12 hole landmark miniature golf course!

 Click below to find out 


More Info

Gift cards and experiences

Give the gift of choice with our cafe gift cards! Perfect for any occasion, these cards can be used for a variety of beverages and snacks at our cozy cafe. Treat your friends, family, or colleagues to a relaxing coffee break or sweet treat. Purchase a gift card today and share the love of good food and great company.

Buy online

 © 2025 The Longholme TM 

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Service Disruption

Due to a recent arson attack that has affected our back of house areas we are offering a limited service only from 21.06.2025. Boat hire is unaffected. This temporary disruption is being addressed and we will have a full service available again ASAP. Our table booking option will not be available during this time. Please walk in during usual opening times for coffee, cake and light bites. Thank you for your support. 

> What's available <