The Longholme

The Longholme is a popular independent lakeside café on Longholme Island in the heart of Bedford, offering a peaceful setting surrounded by water, wildlife and the River Great Ouse. Its location makes it one of the town’s more distinctive places to eat and is ideal for combining food and drink with a riverside walk or a relaxing afternoon outdoors.

The café serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, with a menu that focuses on fresh, seasonal food alongside good coffee, homemade drinks and freshly prepared cakes. There are also vegan and gluten-free choices, as well as a dedicated children’s menu, making it a useful option for families as well as couples, friends and solo visitors.

One of the biggest reasons to visit is the setting. The Longholme sits beside the boating lake, with views across the water and plenty of wildlife around the island. Outdoor seating allows visitors to make the most of the riverside atmosphere, making it particularly appealing during warmer weather. The venue is also dog friendly, so it is a good stopping point for walkers exploring Bedford’s Embankment.

The Longholme offers more than just food. Seasonal boat hire is available from Easter through to October, giving visitors the chance to get out on the water and explore the boating lake from a different perspective. The café also hosts events throughout the year, including live music, evening events and seasonal dining experiences.

Its location makes it particularly easy to include as part of a wider Bedford day out. The Longholme is situated directly on the Embankment, close to Russell Park, the riverside walking and cycling routes and Bedford’s wider network of parks and attractions. Parking is available on the Embankment, while access to the café itself is on foot or by bicycle across Longholme Island.

For families, the combination of food, open space, wildlife and boat hire makes The Longholme a particularly appealing destination. Children can enjoy watching the boats and wildlife around the lake, while the nearby parks and riverside provide plenty of opportunity to explore before or after eating.

Whether you are looking for breakfast beside the water, a relaxed lunch, a good coffee after a walk or a chance to hire a boat and explore the lake, The Longholme offers a distinctly Bedford experience. Its combination of lakeside scenery, independent food and outdoor activities makes it well worth adding to a visit to Bedford.