The Hide in Central Bedfordshire

We were recommended the Hide and were so pleased with this little hidden cafe/ bistro. Really cute with good food, drinks and service. I'll pass the recommendation on.

Stopped here for cake and a glass of wine, both of which were 1st class. Lovely setting, friendly staff and would love to come back again to make a proper evening of it. Have also had coffee here which was great too - locally roasted beans which you can buy a bag of too!

Sunday lunch brilliant. Yorkshpuds to die for, perfect roast beef, lots of veg. Great value, staff friendly and very welcoming. Nice size venue for that personal touch.

Three of us went to Ampthill to do the 'Town Trail (which was brilliant fun). We chose the Hide for our lunch stop as it looked inviting. We entered and asked for a table for three. We were told there wasn't room inside (although there were quite a few empty tables) so we were offered seats outside instead. The outside area was reasonably sheltered and was (not very attractively) covered. The waitress who had shown us to our table turned on a patio type heater, which did provide some warmth but since these are regarded as environmental obscenities, I wasn't very impressed but assumed we'd not be there long as the waitress said 15 minutes, we assumed for food. After a considerable wait, we were asked if we wanted anything to drink. My husband and our friend ordered hot drinks but as I assumed we would be eating soon, I didn't because my digestion doesn't allow me to eat and drink hot drinks at the same time. After a wait, their drinks arrived and we asked if we could order food. Our friend and myself ordered Brie and cranberry paninis and my husband ordered a jacket potato. We waited .... and waited ... and waited. Eventually we asked where our lunch was and the waitress said she'd find out. She returned and told us it would be 15 minutes. We told her we had been told 15 minutes when we first sat down. Eventually, our food did arrive - the two paninis both had a lump of bacon in them. Our friend said she would have hers as she is not vegetarian, but she didn't really want it. I, being vegetarian, definitely did not want bacon. The waitress said she would ask the chef to make another without bacon. I told her I could not wait any longer to eat (my dodgy stomach again) and that I would eat the sandwich I had bought with me as I have been caught out before and have awful stomach problems if I get too hungry. The waitress wasn't particularly apologetic. Before we left someone who we think may have been the manager did come to our table to apologise, and offered a discount on our friends' panini and my husband's potato, but the whole experience was very disappointing and a stupendous waste of time.

We went for the lunch at Hide after hearing great things. We arrived around 12:30 and were told we needed to wait for the lunch menu to start which would be about 45 minutes. We thought fine and ordered some drinks. Around an hour and 30 minutes later, the waitress comes upstairs and asks if we have ordered yet - we tell her we have no menus and we’ve been waiting to order lunch (we only had one waitress the whole time). She gives us the menus then around 30 minutes has passed, she takes our food order. We tell her that we haven’t had our drinks we ordered at this point nearly 2/2.5 hours ago - she tells us “oh yeah I remember let me check” then around 15/20 minutes later comes back upstairs and says sorry what’s your drink order again? Overall - the food was really lovely but the service was absolutely terrible. We waited for so many hours to order and for our drinks - after we ordered our food took around 45 minutes to get to us, by the time we paid etc the cafe was nearly closing. We did tell another waitress at the till when paying but she didn’t seem that bothered about our experience. Such a same because the place seemed great but the service was dreadful and nobody seemed to care how long we waited.

Arrived unannounced, got seated straight away and order taken in minutes. Coffee and breakfast was lovely.

Were not allowed to sit down inside because "we can push tables closer". There were more free tables than taken.

Manageress is full control of her staff and everything around her. She organised some great nosh. All foods are full of vibrant flavours mouth watering indulgence. This cafe deserves a Sheriffs badge in my option mmmmmmmmmm

I had the greatest nosh here and the co owner Sam is over accommodating ❤️

It's a really nice cafe that does excellent cakes and sandwiches. Staff are polite and helpful. Very nice afternoon tea. Only moan is service is very slow during busy times. I feel the kitchen might not be bigger enough or understaffed.

The visit there marks a memory never to be forgotten. The service, atmosphere and details to the food just on point.

The most delicious breakfast! Slightly on the pricey side but well worth the money, I don’t want to go anywhere else for breakfast! We have tried the full English and the pancakes, both are so tasty. We have come here multiple times and have no plans on stopping. Such a lovely atmosphere too

Lovely find, comfortable surroundings really nice staff.

Booked for lunch on a Saturday as it can be difficult to get a table at the weekend. We have eaten here a few times over the last few years and have always found it to be pleasant for a simple lunch. Unfortunately the experience this time was poor. Staff were very polite but we were shown to our table which was dirty and hadn’t been cleaned. We ordered coffees, which came promptly and then ordered two toasted ciabattas. We then proceeded to wait almost 30 minutes for our food, even though the cafe wasn’t at capacity and they had four staff members standing around doing nothing. We would have liked to have had our drinks with our meals but had already finished them before it arrived. Whilst waiting we were offered more drinks and thought that the delay in the food arriving was probably so they could sell us more drinks. When our ciabattas finally arrived, they were luke warm and the cheese in one wasn’t properly melted. By this time we couldn’t be bothered to complain as we had already waited so long and had other things to do whilst in Ampthill before our car parking ran out. Not sure whether we had been forgotten about but it seemed like a long time to wait for simple food. The Hide is not as good as it was before, so not sure we would return in a hurry.

Nice staff. Service was slow, the cafe was not busy yet it took over an hour for a simple breakfast and coffee/orange juice. The food was slightly underwhelming and not really worth the long wait.

Not a great experience, unfortunately. Visited the Hide with my wife to have a quick bite to eat. It was anything but quick. We arrived at 12.25pm and in all fairness was quickly seated. We ordered smashed avocado on toast and sourdough toast with marmalade as we thought this would be served relatively quickly. At 1pm we were still waiting for our food. It would not have been so bad if the staff had of come over to apologise for the wait. After all it was just a quick snack that should have only taken a few minutes. Maybe the fact that we were seated upstairs could probably go some way to explain why we couldn't find a member of staff as most of the customers were downstairs. Anyway, our time was up and we had to leave. We made our way to the till and I told the waitress ( I think she was the manager) I would like to pay for a coffee and tea. She replied that we also ordered food as well. When I told her that we never received the food and that we had been waiting over half an hour she looked surprised, which certainly goes to show we were forgotten. She immediately told another waitress to check if the food was ready, but we couldn't stay any longer even if we wanted to. At the end of the day it was probably a genuine mistake that I'm sure doesn't happen too often. It would have certainly made my disappointment a little sweeter if the waitress/manager had shown a little more support by perhaps offering the drinks on the house, but no such luck. Overall, the Hide is a pleasant enough restaurant, is spotlessly clean and I'm sure the food is good too. Today's experience was all about the service. I will most probably visit again, but not any time soon.

What a lovely find. Great service, lovely building, good good food and a reasonably priced menu We’ll definitely go back again

Went for breakfast, lovely service and meal reasonable ( poached eggs well cooked) disappointed it was on half a slice of toast paying £9.50 again my daughter ordered a slice of toast, it was just half a slice paying £2. I think this is possibly a little tight. 🤷‍♀️

Pleasant surroundings, tasty food and very friendly, helpful staff

The coffee although pretty average took 20 minutes to come, and that was just Americanos. The breakfast was again a long time in coming, I had drunk my coffee by that time. The bacon and mushrooms were finished off in the microwave, making one really really hot and the other like cardboard! Remember the hide full English doesn’t come with toast!! So not a full English

We booked for 1230 Not realising they don't serve lunch til 1 pm on Sunday As first time here They were nice in saying they could let us order a lunch meal at 1230 Although would have to wait sometime We ended up having a full English The sausage was nice Bacon un edible Rock rock hard Could nor bite it Also the toast as an extra says 2 slices of toast £1.50 FOR TOAST... It should say One piece As It was, yet cut into 2s The service was OK Polite, helpful But. Shocking 😲 78 quid 4 breakfast 2 coffees 4 soft drinks Cake for 3... I don't expect to pay that amount for Breakfast Especially when we were going for lunc Could not wait As needed to get train back to London I thought London prices were bad Not value for money As very small breakfast One sausage 2 bacon Small pot baked beans Scrambled egg

Amazing food, loved the Biscoff pancakes

Teeny weeny toilet with no place to service the baby's butt changing requirements which was a shame as the breakfast and coffee was really very good! Great coffee in fact, which prompted a return visit to the teeny weeny toilet 😊

Lovely lunch and very good sirvice, even though it was busy. Reasonably priced menu too. Lovely environment also.

When I walked in for my solo birthday treat, I was pointed towards a high stool up a corner. Embarrassment ensued for me when I had to ask for another table, this time with a chair I could reach. Apart from that, the food was good. The serve staff were lovely.

Great atmosphere, love this place so much!! Best place to visit in Bangkok!!

AVOID I have never been so humiliated I appreciate when a place is busy food can be delayed , told 20 minutes was 45mins still not an issue Drinks arrived separately had to reorder 1 drink 3 times Ordered main and dessert at same time 2 desserts arrived not third BEFORE the main … when I queried I was told by 2 members of staff that I was in the wrong and should of specified how I wanted to be served Never got the third dessert even after main ………. 1 member kept returning to patronise me because I had queried the order When I said while paying that they forgot the dessert staff did not want to admit they were wrong I was told I was rude Yet there staff raised their voice at me I asked her not to shout as I was stood right there Several members stood gossiping at bar about us (not that busy then) Absolutely disgusting rude narcissistic staff middle aged woman that obviously never had costumer service training or waitressing before NO MANNERS AWFUL PEOPLE ….. BULLIES The younger members were well mannered efficient professionals they should leave now

Arrogant older members of staff that have no costumer service skills Incredibly rude and incompetent at their jobs Removing costumers from tables in an impolite way no apologies for the inconvenience No apology for messing our order 4 times The worse people I have ever encountered, most appalling treatment I have ever experienced

Lovely place. Never knew it was there until we drove past heading to the park. Walked down and had lunch. All very good and friendly staff! Nice little find

Very friendly staff and comfortable seating.

Fantastic find. I cannot recommend this place enough. The food was truly scrumptious. Anyone who knows me will know I love my coffee...and this cappuccino was perfection! Service was outstanding. We were a group of 12...we did call ahead of our visit for a Sunday morning breakfast. The place itself had a nice Sunday chilled vibe, and the decor was fabulous. The staff were so friendly and helpful...if you're in the area, this place is a must visit.

Wow, first time here and stopped for brunch. Recommend the sausage and egg muffin and the mint tea was refreshing. Good options available. Will be back again:)

Lovely food served by polite and articulate staff.

Nice friendly welcoming place. Good atmosphere

Spotlessly clean and with a great ambiance.

Just visited on the off chance for some lunch and succumbed to the delights on offer. Very friendly staff and good service. Lunch was top notch. Great Cocktails too!

Great service, cake and coffee.

Had an amazing brunch here with a friend. It was pretty busy on Saturday morning so it’s a good job we booked and would recommend others doing the same just in case. The food was completely delicious and the bacon in the breakfast muffin was next level! I had a fresh mint tea and my friend had the premium hot chocolate and both were excellent. Everything we ordered was amazing value too! I’ll definitely be coming back!

Lovely food lovely staff just a shame you cant change a baby as no facilities. I also like that if they are short of staff they are very honest and forward regarding there menu

Nice comfortable environment to have a drink but wouldn’t recommend so much for food. Went for breakfast (they had a limited menu due to staffing I presume), ordered a sausage and bacon muffin, which was really dry (didn’t seem to be any butter in it) and even after adding ketchup it was dry. On the side was probably the tiniest portion of salad I’ve ever seen (a few cm of salad leaf and balsamic reduction). My sister who is vegan couldn’t tell if the vegan sausage and egg muffin was totally vegan, due to the wording on the menu not specifying if the whole muffin was vegan or only the sausage. After clarification the muffin was not vegan due to the egg. This could do with reviewing. No sugar etc was offered for the coffees ordered and had to go and ask for this. We reserved a table for breakfast for 9:30 and upon arrival the sign outside said closed, so we stood outside for a moment to determine if they were open or not. We could see staff inside the restaurant looking out but nobody came to see us, so we used our own initiative and opened the gate. Luckily, they were open. The staff were friendly. It took too long to receive our food and particularly drinks considering the simplicity of our order and the emptiness of the cafe/bar at the time. Unfortunately a disappointing experience.

Delicious food and priced reasonably. Every member of staff was very friendly and polite.

Great food and coffee/drinks here. I wish they would go back to a larger menu like they had pre-covid, there are not many breakfast options now but food is always fresh and hot.

Pleasant staff excellent food good prices lovely place to relax for a drink coffee etc

Popped in here for coffe/tea and two toasties. Met by an older woman who was very patronising. “Have you booked “ was our greeting. “ No “ we replied so , after discussing our request with a young waitress and checking the computer, we were directed past unoccupied tables to “upstairs “. Leather sofa with large tear in an arm and no other customers(punishment for “not booking “?). Then a young man took our order for one tea and one coffee. We ordered two toasties. After 25 minutes and no additional visits from the staff no such toasties had arrived. Two other customers had arrived and after their order was taken I , politely, asked if our toasties were ready as our car was on a time limit car park. “ Oh we only have room to do two toasties at a time “. So we took them as a take away ! “With some complimentary crisps” which were supposed to be provided anyway!!! Useless cafe. If you do hospitality then BE HOSPITABLE and 25 minutes seems just a little slow for two toasties!!!! Some people really are in the wrong jobs.

Lovely cosy venue, friendly staff, fab cocktails!

Beautiful inside .Good food great cappacino .friendly staff .a lovely place .

Fantastic bistro. Great staff and owner

Had a breakfast meeting here the other day We both had the cooked breakfast, I had extra black pudding with it Food was good Service was slow but they were very busy

Been here twice and it's always slow to get food, 20 minutes plus and for a cafe that's too long. In a restaurant, fine, but cafes are about getting in and out. I'm done with this place.

The food was lovely, reasonably priced, very friendly and helpful, will definitely return.

After visiting the hide regular for some time, the last few visits have not been good, food mediocre and they asked for table back even though we had not finished ordering after our breakfast who does this when the cafe is pretty empty ! . We did leave and went to cakestand and crumb at kings arms yard, very welcoming really good food and they were more than happy to have our custom which they will get in the future, won’t ever return to hide just not a welcoming business.

Great location. Nice lunch menu.

Love this place! The décoration is nice and vintage, the staff is always helpful and polite. Good variety of drinks and lovely breakfast. I definetely recommend the avocado breakfast with some additional mushrooms! 🥑🍳🍄

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed an impromptu lunch yesterday at The Hide with 3 dogs. We were warmly welcomed and thrilled to secure the last outdoor table. We were offered olives, nuts and crisps to enjoy with our drinks and then our sandwiches were scrumptious- prawn mayo for me and brie, cranberry bacon for my husband. We rounded the meal off with fantastic flat white coffees. Thank you to Andrea and her team for providing us with such a wonderful experience. We will be back!

Lovely place really friendly people. Very relaxing

A lovely upmarket cafe /bar the menu limited but enough options for vegans and gf , service on this occasion was slow but wouldn't put me off eating there again as the food and atmosphere was very good

Good atmisphere, cocktails a bit pricey.

Lovely for coffee and cake in the sunshine

Great atmosphere, friendly vibrant bar, great food and drink selection.

Would probably give 5 out of 10. Not the warmest welcome but pleasant enough I guess. Took them 10 minutes to take our food order and 25 minutes for eggs on avocado, with veg sausage to arrive. Eggs were rock hard and avocado was bland but the sausages were awful, like the microwave ones people get when they’re students. Wouldn’t go back.

Great atmosphere competifly priced with a great bar service

Edited Review: Although previously enjoying the atmosphere and food at The Hide and visiting on numerous occasions, the last two visits have been disappointing and unpleasant due to an unfriendly member of staff. The first occasion was when I visited for breakfast with friends and I felt that the server was irritated by me and was hurrying me to make a breakfast selection, even though I had not had a chance to look at the menu. This resulted in the server suggesting I should pick a particular dish, which I felt pressured to do, even though it is not a dish I would usually select. Me and my group of friends felt it was an uncomfortable situation and that the lady was a little unfair to me. On the latest visit, I arrived with two friends during the afternoon, hoping to enjoy some drinks and the same member of staff hurried out of the doors as we walked up towards the entrance. Without barely giving us a chance to say hello, the lady asked if we had booked and when we said we had not, she loudly and abruptly told us that if we had not booked, then there was no availability for us. We were taken by surprise at the hostile and unwelcome attitude of the lady. It was as if she took one glance at us and decided we would not be allowed in. We felt embarrassed because the server ensured to turn us away in a manner so that other customers could obviously hear and see this and I noticed a number of guests stopping their conversations to stare at us. It is odd as previously I had read on social media that walk-ins at The Hide are accepted and I had never had this issue before when I haven't booked in advance. This female staff member had a 'don't care' 'you are not welcome in here' 'I am better than you' attitude and the words of my friends were that 'we felt like we had been jumped on' as soon as we turned up. Such a shame as I have previously really enjoyed visits but would feel very apprehensive about visiting again as clearly I am not welcome. I would also like to add that from reading other 1* reviews on Trip Advisor and Google, it seems a number of other people have also had an unpleasant interaction with this female member of staff! Although disappointing, I feel slightly better in the knowledge that it is 'not just me' but this woman has a genuine problem and customer service is by no means a skill of hers. To the managers at The Hide, I hope you realise you are turning good and loyal customers away whilst this person is employed at your establishment. I have visited The Hide at least 7 or 8 times prior to this and now will not be able to visit again. I'll also be sure to let friends and family know of my experiences.

Edited Review: Although previously enjoying the atmosphere and food at The Hide and visiting on numerous occasions, the last two visits have been disappointing due to an unfriendly member of staff. The first occasion was when I visited for breakfast with friends and I felt that the server was irritated by me and was hurrying me to make a breakfast selection, even though I had not had a chance to look at the menu. This resulted in the server suggesting I should pick a particular dish, which I felt pressured to do, even though it is not a dish I would usually select. Me and my group of friends felt it was an uncomfortable situation and that the lady was a little unfair to me. On the latest visit, I arrived with two friends during the afternoon, hoping to enjoy some drinks and the same member of staff hurried out of the doors as we walked up towards the entrance. Without barely giving us a chance to say hello, the lady asked if we had booked and when we said we had not, she loudly and abruptly told us that if we had not booked, then there was no availability for us. We were taken by surprise at the hostile and unwelcome attitude of the lady. We felt embarrassed because the server ensured to turn us away in a manner so that other customers could obviously hear and see this and I noticed a number of guests stopping their conversations to stare at us. It is odd as previously I had read on social media that walk-ins at The Hide are accepted and I had never had this issue before when I haven't booked in advance. Such a shame as I have previously really enjoyed visits but would feel very apprehensive about visiting again as clearly I am not welcome.

Great breakfast scrambled egg Was delicious, bacon crispy, good qualiy products make a good breakfast. Great welcome by staff and Ellie (my dog) welcome too even a blanket for her to sit on.

Lovely staff - excellent food & drinks. Nice atmosphere.

I had a brunch date there with some family; I hadn't been before but the decor already was promising. I had the egg muffin and although it's a humble dish, the scrambled egg was the best I've had in a very long time. The atmosphere was nice and relaxed.

The Hide is a delightful small bar, with a bar, terrace, right in the town centre. The hot chocolate and Victoria sponge cake were excellent, as was the attentive service. The COVID measures were evident, so we felt safe to enjoy some delicious treats at fair prices. Highly recommended.

Lovely food and polite staff. However a long 45 minutes wait for sandwich and soup.

Could have more vegetarian choice .

Been here several times recently for lunch. The staff are very accommodating and the food is lovely.

Visiting this place again after 2 years.. I was a little worried to visit again, for a small gathering after a minor incident (in Dec 2019). It turns out to be a “friendly hide out” - nice place to spend a quiet Friday night.. Arrival in the late evening. I came across the bar & cafe very quiet & relaxing atmosphere. Bar ladies very friendly & helpful. I commented about the cafe being so quite. They did explain they did have a party on the next following night.. I have forgotten what a fab variety of cocktails are on offer. You could spend hours drinking soo many! Never lasts long… Definite return for once in a while.

Nice bar, great staff. One of the barmaids made me a perfect Bloody Mary.

Great little venue for meeting friends and having a glass of wine

Lovely little Hideaway for Brekky or Lunch .Staff are always very helpful and always with a smile would highly recommend a visit 😊

Popped in with my mum and dog after being out for a walk, staff were very welcoming and made a real fuss over my dog, they had dog biscuits and water for him and made us feel right at home. I just had a cup of tea and a slice of cake but my mum had a baked potato and said it was delicious. Would definitely visit again

A relaxing breakfast with my daughter -a full English and a scrambled egg on muffins. Food was ok and wasn’t to expensive but service wasn’t great. An ok place to eat but nothing special

Chinatown is not as good as it use to be food ok but last couple of visits not to impressed

Always a warm welcome but popularity means you have to book in!

Recently met a friend for lunch who suggested we try The Hide. I'd never heard of it but was pleasantly surprised by the comfortable surroundings. Staff were friendly and the club sandwich was amazing. All very reasonably priced too, will visit again!

Lovely little hidden cafe. Been before on visits home to Bedfordshire, friendly helpful staff. Good breakfast and good cup of tea! Thank you

Enjoyed a tasty lunch, really good coffee

My go too place for brunch, absolutely love it

Relaxed friendly atmosphere, a place where friends meet

Lovely little hidden gem breakfast was delish service was fab staff so friendly

Love this place, staff are so welcoming and friendly. We didn't book but they were happy to find us a table, best Vegan hot chocolate 🍫☕ I have had too.

Really like this little cafe - they do the basics well in terms of the offer, have good staff, a nice setting and all in all, a really solid nuts and bolts operation...... It does exactly what it says on the tin!!!!!

We love this place! It's done up very nicely and the staff are always very attentive and friendly. The only reason it loses a star is because the coffee is bitter and cloudy. As black coffee drinkers we're very particular about our coffee! It's got to have a crema on top. Also, the sausages weren't that tasty. Aside from those two things, the rest of the food was lovely and in previous visits the food has always been very tasty. The toilets here are always very clean, as well as the rest of the venue. Our favourite place to eat in Ampthill.

Lovely little bar. I often pop here after work and it has a really nice courtyard garden. Staff are friendly and the place is always clean and well maintained. Drinks selection is great too :)

Beautiful cafe bar with smart courtyard seating area, complete with heaters. Good food too. My ciabatta was brilliant as were my friends jacket potato and chilli nachos. Friendly service to boot. The menu could have been a little more extensive and seating area more comfortable....

A lovely location for a delicious brunch with friends! The staff were so friendly, and food was delicious!! We called in hoping to get a table at 09:30 when they just opened, we were lucky enough to get the last one! The courtyard had a...

Pleasant late lunch. Very tasty jacket potato with brie.

We’ve been here quite a few times (in the small window between us moving to Ampthill and lockdown happening) and I can honestly say this is a stunning venue with great drinks and a fab atmosphere... Roll on lock down easing so this amazing and...

Such a nice and relaxing place to stop and unwind for that well earned coffee break, the coffee and walnut cake to die for. managed a breakfast in Dec and do hope next one will be soon

I miss this being open I live catching up with my girlfriends in a Saturday over a cheeky lunch. Food and cocktails are fantastic in a cosy friendly place. Can’t wait to return

Lovely place still serving takeaway. Great coffee!

Just had takeaway, bacon sandwich, brie, cranberry and bacon ciabatta plus coffee. Sitting in Ampthill park watching a Robin. Simple pleasures. Best takeaway breakfast we have had this year ( and we have had a few!)

Another 5 star meal at this delightful restaurant! Breakfast this time and it was just as amazing as lunch and the coffee was really great. We were greeted promptly and politely. Staff were very accommodating with the lady I support's requests where possible which is a great help. The food was also delicious. Stellar all in all

First time visiting with friends today, lovely setting food was great and not rushed at all.

Had a lovely lunch here, the staff were very attentive but not intrusive. The food was delicious and the coffee was fantastic. We sat outside which was fine. Great atmosphere here, I would recommend to a friend.

Popped in for breakfast this morning and as ever The Hide delivered a beautifully cooked very tasty offering - the coffee was perfect and the staff impeccable in all areas of service manners and appearance - all socially distanced measures made us feel comfortable with...