Some 2025 Highlights
Pancake Week
Pancake Week
March 1st - 9th 2025. In house recipes curated by Chef Shannon. Join us for the main event on the 4th and get a complimentary hot drink on us!
Mothers day
Pancake Week
March 30th 2025. £28 includes 2 course lunch for mum with Prosecco. Mini golf for 2. Daffodils and duck food! Booking required to validate.
Bank Holidays
Lakeside bliss at The Longholme for the best bits, the everyday highlights with your nearest and dearest.
Boat hire & Mini golf @ The Kiosk.
Kite and Car Festival
June 21st and 22nd 2025. Popular family event with car shows, kite shows, food, drinks and it's FREE!
Hosted by Bedford Borough Council.
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.
Fish and Chip Fridays
Pizzas, beers and tunes
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What to expect
Quality Food
Homemade Drinks
Quality Food
Order from our menu or pick from our display fridge. Don't forget our dedicated children's choices & delicious fresh cakes!
Great Coffee
Homemade Drinks
Quality Food
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.
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.
Loyalty card
Our Sister site
Homemade Drinks
Rewarding loyalty -
Collect stamps on hot drinks and get one on us! T&C's apply.
Dogs welcome
Our Sister site
Our Sister site
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
Fresh juice, smoothies, great coffee
18 hole putting, table tennis + more
Across the river in Russell Park.
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.
The Gelato Cart
The Gelato Cart
The Gelato Cart
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
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.