The Longholme

Lakeside Lates 2025 - Supper club

This summer we have a series of evening 'supper clubs' starting July 18th - August 30th 2025. On Fridays - Join us for a premium lakeside Fish and Chip meal with live, mellow acoustic sessions from talented artists. Saturdays it's pizza time! relax, enjoy draft beer, chilled wines, or maybe an Aperol Spritz with your meal. Accompanied by the flowing house beats of DJ Picqui - Each date runs from 6pm - 10pm with last tables at 20:30! book now to guarantee your spot.

See you in the sunshine :)

>Book Tables Here <

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

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