The Longholme Cafe in Bedford

Could be the best jacket potato I've ever had! Superb service, wonderful food, dog friendly, very welcoming. I rarely leave reviews, but everything about The Longholme was first class, thank you.

Great place to meet up and have a relaxed chat, cuppa and cake. Genuinely lovely staff- never got round to going there before but I know I will be back 🙂

I come here almost every week - it's one of the most baby-friendly places to eat and drink in Bedford in my opinion. They always have space for us, no matter how big our group or how many babies we have with us - the staff really are stellar. The cakes are lovely and I recommend the chai latte. I don't have any pictures of the food but I take pictures of the surroundings, which are beautiful (right on the Boating Lake)!

Para ser honesto, solo he comido aquí un par de veces, pero la comida y el servicio ha sido ejemplar. Tiendo a tomar café para llevar al caminar por el río, que es bastante frecuente y creo que hacen el mejor café con leche en Bedford bar ninguno!

A little overpriced. From what I saw it appears the cappachino is made with instant coffee and frothed up. Really for £3.30. On plus side friendly staff, and so they should when 10 per cent service charge. Waitress overworked today when visiting but friendly. Also Off putting when you have school children coming to use loo with foul language and trying to jump queue. It should be for paying customers. Staff never asked them to leave. Thank you for your response. I was not aware that your coffee was powdered until I walked upto the counter and saw the young guy putting 3 spoons of powdered coffee into a pot , topping up with milk then frothing up. I drank the coffee I had which at the time didn't taste like bean coffee. For all intents and purposes it looked like instant coffee The people using the facilities were school children iand had friends waiting outside for them. I now that as the young girl said to me can I jump in front of you I'm desperate and need to get back to school They came of the street, and definatly not customers and did not order takeaway As You appreciate a review is a review and it's the reviewers experience at the time of visit

Fantastic coffee, delicious cakes, and we could take the dog

Lugar perfecto para un almuerzo de cumpleaños familiar. Estábamos sentados en la zona cubierta en la parte trasera, que es perfecto para un grupo grande con un rango de edad de 2 a 84 años más un perrito. Excelente servicio de Paula, que era amable y eficiente. Cada uno disfrutó de su elección de comida, que va desde rollos de desayuno, envolturas, tostadas y bagels. Un toque encantador fue sacar un brownie de chocolate con una vela para el cumpleaños de mi hija. Habíamos mencionado cuando estaba sentado que era su cumpleaños, pero nunca esperábamos esto. Qué lindo regalo.

Love this cafe. Had a bacon roll which was really good. Nice coffee too. Friendly staff.

We had lunch here on a nice sunny September day. The service we got from Paula was professional, friendly and prompt. She made us feel so welcome, Checked back with us twice during our meal and was there to say ' come back soon' which we will Paula, thanks!

Nice cafe between the river and boating lake. Good choice of snacks and cakes, coffee very good. Service very slow but it was a lovely sunny day so not a problem.

Had a lovely breakfast at The Longholme. Great food with a wonderful view of the lake. Plus they allow dogs, which is always a bonus!

Had a great time like usual at one of mine & my partners favourite food spots, Paula our waitress was an absolute star like always, shes friendly, welcoming and she came out with a candle in the cake we ordered and sang me happy birthday which I really appreciated. We loved it here and would highly recommend 😀

Food was nice but rather expensive. Service was very poor. Had to wave someone down for cutlery after food arrived and had to go to the counter to interrupt waiting staff's chit-chat to order a drink. Unbelievably they then added a 10% service charge and didn't tell us or give us the opportunity to refuse it. We definitely won't be returning because of the service.

Codswallop, absolutely brilliant food!! Very very good, I'll be back!

Este es un café encantador, excelente comida y comida muy relajada al aire libre. Tuvimos un tiempo maravilloso mientras los adolescentes fueron a paddle boarding en el río. Mención especial para Paula que fue tan servicial

Rude staff member, seems by the previous reviews it wasn’t just myself that has had the pleasure of crossing paths with him. Unless you enjoy feeling like a piece of dirt on the bottom of somebody’s shoe, I wouldn’t bother coming here.

Servicio fabuloso, café fabuloso, vista fabulosa. Somos asiduos y siempre impresionados con el servicio y la calidad del café. Paula es una gran persona, muy bueno en su trabajo, acogedor y un gran servicio. Definitivamente 5 estrellas!

Nice food but expensive for what you get. The staff all seem rude and under trained.

The food was delicious and the customer service was excellent.

Magníficamente situado junto a un lago de navegación, el Longholme Café va más allá, para garantizar que su clientela disfrute de su visita. Generosas porciones de comida con café recién hecho reemplazaron nuestras expectativas, qué joya de un lugar.

Love the spot and the coffee is lovely but you do have to wait to be served and sometimes they need reminding!

Went for one of the fish and chip suppers with 2 friends as usual didn't disapoint, lovely food good service, staff always so friendly and helpful. Sitting by the lake on a lovely summers evening what could have been better.oh yes because we booked on line the wine was good too

Service is poor, we got told to go up to order or use barcode but table next to us got waiters asking them for their order. Manager is not very considerate of guests. We got told to join a waitlist to move table under the shade.. why is it so hard to move an existing customer when the people waiting for a seat won’t know the difference??? I’ve worked as front of house and from going to cafes they wouldn’t make a fuss over that, stupid and unnecessary to be honest. Food and location are decent

First trip here beautiful views excellent food great price ! Big plates of food well presented defensively recommend & coming back thx staff friendly was served by Paula beautiful lady x

Although coffee machine was broken prices were fair instead of overinflated like other coffee stalls at Bedford Festival. Ice cream was delicious and fairly priced too. Service was excellent

Visited for bottomless brunch during the River Frstival. Food was amazing and I was plied with endless Prosecco. It was simply the best way to enjoy the River Festival. Paula was an amazing host. Highly recommend.

Fantastic cafe, best scone EVER, fab service Paula, Sarah, & young man (sorry I can't remember your name!) Defo be back 😊

Great place for a light bite and watching the boats on the river and boating lake

What a lovely little gem, the staff Paula and Sarah are just so polite and friendly and chatty. Never been before but will definitely be back

Fantastic food/staff, but when the heavens opened, I got wet. I understand that you can't control the weather. Idea: If you collect old umbrellas, you could collate them together as rain protection for those seated by the opened side?

Awesome venue. Visited several times and the food and service is amazing. We were lucky enough to attend Ade and Sharon’s wedding recently, which was just perfect. The location makes it very special. If you are going for a walk I’d really recommend you stopping for a coffee or a glass of wine and trying one their lovely sandwiches. Oh I forgot to mention they do boat hire as well. I’m looking forward to taking our grandsons soon. Cheers

Wonderful location; service always with a smile; excellent food and very good value. Would definitely recommend and will definitely be visiting again. Thank you

The Longholme was set up with Marquees and they created an amazing and beautiful private setting for a very special wedding. The excellent service and hard work of all the staff coupled with great food, drinks and special company made this a truly wonderful day that will live forever in the memory. Thanks so much to Tom, Andreas and all your amazing Team.

What can I say! Absolutely beautiful surroundings for a private wedding, food delicious, from the canapes to the delicious sandwiches and locally made patisseries, hot food and ice cream to the included drinks. The day was magical and the dragon boats were available for guest use. The attention to detail was amazing. Much nicer than being stuck inside a function room at a hotel.

We were very lucky to attend a wedding reception here . It was absolutely wonderful, the setting was sublime on a warm June evening. The food and drink stunning. We went out on the boats which was a real treat. Staff couldn’t do enough. Would 100% recommend a stunning venue

I loved the food and service ,Lucas served me and he was extremely friendly and helpful.

Beautiful café by the river, the staff was friendly and helpful, specially Lucas, who served me today.

Lovely place with views onto the water and great food. Perfect for a sunny day! We had a veggie breakfast and a halloumi homage! Paula served us and was really lovely

I was unaware that they were hosting a fish and chip evening so I asked for iced latte, he told me it would be a 10 minute wait in a very condescending and rude manner, he made it very obvious that I wasn’t welcome. He seemed to be giving great customer service to everyone else, the only difference is our ethnicities so hopefully that wasn’t reason. Treat your potential customers with kindness, i understand the stress of a busy day but don’t take it out on people helping a business out.

the server sam was amazing! very smart polite boy

Sever Samuel was amazing, made sure everything was going great, lovely lad

nice lunch, Paula was lovely :)

What an amazing find in such a tranquil location. There was a lovely atmosphere and warm welcome from Paula, great coffee from Seb and an excellent breakfast from Abii. We will be back!

Worth a visit, supporting local as well

A nice river view, friendly staff and tasty food. The food took 40 minutes to arrive after ordering, wait staff did advise 20 minutes. I think the wait was too long for the bean on toast and sausages which we ordered.

No joke excellent toilet 😉 food is great 👍 TOP breakfast

Great venue for drinks and a catch up boat hire fee bit steep. Now they have cut back the read around tje boating lake you can see alot more.

Brilliant eatery on the banks of the river with a great menu and fantastic service!

The food is always good here and great staff

I attended a party on Wednesday 8th May ..food was amazing. Service on point ..a special mention to Sam he was very attentive and polite well done Sam you keep smiling goes a long way especially from someone so young ❤️

We are traveling, from America, throughout the UK. We met an online friend "in real life" at this cafe yesterday. It is in such a beautiful place and it's very dog friendly! The service (and food) was fabulous. We will recommend it to all. Thank you.

Always seems busy and popular. Didn't try food this time but had some ice cream.

Had a lovely time, beautiful food and service! Paula was a brilliant server and was super helpful

Popped in after a long walk along the river for a coffee and a sandwich.

Lovely coffee in the sunshine and Paula was super friendly and helpful .

We were served by Paula who was superb and very friendly. Food was excellent with a good veggie selection on the menu. I had a grilled cheese sandwich which came with a very nice side salad. Everyone enjoyed their food, we won’t hesitate to return.

Here for breakfast this morning. Lovely location and beautiful weather made this all the better. Food was fantastic and the waitress (lovely South African/Geordie lady) was fantastic and attentive throughout. Thank you. 5*

Lovely place for a cup of tea and a chill out. How great it is to sit beside the water, with the sight and sounds of nature for company. The food is great and the service excellent (particularly mention for Amber and Paula). Recommended for your refuelling stop on your riverside walk

The menu is good and varied, staff are pleasant and helpful if you have special requirements. Very dog friendly. Lovely views

Lovely lunch sitting in the sunshine at the Longholme on Monday. The Longholme hash was delicious and the service excellent - thank you Paula and the rest of the team.

I visited for brunch with a friend and ordered a vegetarian breakfast. I very clearly asked for gluten free toast, as I have severe IBS which is triggered by wheat, amongst other things. When my food arrived the whole meal looked delicious, and particularly the toast looked far too appetising to be gluten free and so before eating I checked with the waitress that it really was gluten free. She assured me it was and that she does 'Keto' (I didn't really know what this was but she was super reassuring) and orders this bread specifically and that it's delicious. I had never seen gluten free bread look so good so I was excited to tuck in. It tasted amazing, far too good, but having been assured it was gluten free I ate half a slice and had made a start on the second half when the waitress came rushing over and told me that the bread wasn't actually gluten free. I was mortified. For almost 20 years I have been gluten free as I have severe IBS which is triggered by wheat, which I have avoided this entire time. And so to have inadvertently eaten wheat was so upsetting and this was evident as I was quite teary. They were really apologetic and took the toast off my plate and offered to make some gluten free toast, which I declined. They didn't charge me for the food but I was so upset that I just wanted to leave and pretend it hadn't happened. Another member of staff came over and apologised and said they were training up a new chef. I really just wanted the whole situation to stop and to leave and so I tried to just brush it all off. But almost immediately my IBS flared up and I was experiencing all the horrible symptoms that I've successfully managed and avoided for so long by following a gluten free diet. To experience it all again was incredibly distressing and upsetting. I really hope this was an isolated incident. I could not have been more clear of my need for gluten free bread and I would hate for this to happen to someone else, especially someone who has an allergy and where the consequences would be far more serious than mine. If you have any plans to visit and you are coeliac or gluten intolerant make sure you are 100% certain that what you're eating is gluten free. My instinct was that the bread seemed too good to be true (because we all know that gluten free bread is nothing like 'real' bread) but I took their word and very much regret that now. Sadly I would not visit here again nor recommend it.

Lovely view of the water and perfectly cooked scrambled eggs with lots of luscious smoked salmon. Would Def go back

A lovely spot by the river, it’s nearly always busy but they didn’t keep us waiting long for a table. The tables are all outdoors with covered areas. Our dogs were welcomed with a biscuit and a fuss. The brunch was really tasty, as was the coffee and cake chasers! Thanks to Paula, Ollie and Seb for great service and good food.

Lovely cafe in a lovely peaceful location. Food and service was amazing. Great choices and large menu. Coffee and cakes great too.

Wow, we totally loved it here today! The best service from Paula and Amber - we shall be coming back soon! Great food and vibe with exceptional views and fresh air- 10 stars :) Thanks!

Beautiful location, lovely set up and fantastic food & drinks. Thank you to chef Ollie, barista Seb and Paula who served us. Friendly, helpful staff who went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful experience. Thank you, we will be back very soon. Emma & Jo

My most favorite spot for coffee, breakfast or lunch. We always have a chat and a laugh with the staff who are so friendly.

We had a really lovely lunch at the Longholme. Especially with the heater and blankets making it a cosy affair. Our waitress Paula was absolutely brilliant. Great food and such a nice place to go. Would highly recommend.

Absolutely loved this place . Had the bacon butty gorgeous. Served by Paula who was just a shining star of the place . She made us feel very welcomed . Ollie was the chef fantastic job cooking . Seb was the Barista who done great job . Will be back again and again

Had a brunch and the scrambled Eggs were lovely and fluffy also enjoyed my Cappuchino all in fresh air but under a cover with great views of the river on one side and the Mill stream on the other and as river was in flood had water on 3 sides but was dry in the Cafe

Love this cafe. Lovely setting, great food, my fav is the House Advocado, and great service by Paula! Would wholly recommend all year round

Expensive. Nice mocha . Great scenery

It was lovely to met friends here for some brunch. Food and atmosphere was lovely, and the service was great from Paula and Charlotte. Will come back.

We have been going to Longholme since it opened and are very grateful to have this quality on our doorstep. All staff, but especially Paula makes us feel welcome and greets us with a big smile every time, which is another reason why we go. The full English is amazing, Alex & Nancy

We found the Longholme cafe quite by chance and so glad we did. Even on a Saturday when it was busy, the service was quick, the coffee excellent, and the food fresh and tasty. A sausage bun was super tasty and the chicken chorizo panini was excellent. The side salad was the best I have tasted anywhere. Highly recommended.

Had a lovely lunch here with a friend at The Longholme sat right by the boating lake. My first time and wasn’t sure what I to expect but it was fantastic. Chocolate milkshake and an egg and bacon roll, no photos as ate it too quick! 5* special mentions to the staff Paula, Ollie and Charlotte. Will be visiting again soon! *Edit* spelling mistake

We went with our dog Albert today . Our server think her name was Damia south African lady was so lovely ... friendly and was super with our dog. My scrambled egg was the best ever it was perfect tasted amazing think she said chef was Ollie. Thanks chef ... all round wonderful brunch highly reccommend for service and food .

The Longholme is one of our favourite brunch spots in Bedford. Paula served us and was lovely and our food was delicious. Ollie the chef did a great job. Highly recommend the Longholme hash

Called in for coffee and cake after a stroll along the Embankment. It was nearing closing time, but we were welcomed outside and sat under a heater to keep us warm, most welcome. Coffee and cakes were delicious

The food was delicious, the staff were lovely and the location was great. Thanks especially to Paula who was lovely and very chatty.

Lovely brunch with our puppy who was welcomed and loved. Location is cute and beautiful, staff is friendly and the food is prepared with so much care and effort - I love it!

Lovely place just off the boating lake, easy to overlook but good breakfast and gorgeous views. Seating is outside so wrap up but they do provide Blankets. We went in a cold snap in January and it was still pleasant. Worth a visit.

Lovely setting and lovely food. Unfortunately my experience was spoiled by the lack of distance between smoking and non smoking tables. Did not enjoy breathing in someone's second hand smoke for the entire duration of our visit.

A lovely place next to Bedford Embankment. Very busy today (New Year’s Day) but staff are coping well and providing a grade A service. Coffee brilliant, bacon bun was absolutely divine. My girlfriend informs me her pot of tea and scrambled eggs were delicious. Been here loads of times and will be back soon!

Nice outdoor cafe with good views across to the river. Most of the tables have shelter under an awning. Had coffee, hot chocolate and teacake.

I'm Gluten free and was well catered for, staff where knowledgeable smiley and friendly, I highly recommend and will be back for another visit.

Stunning views of the pond/small lake. Very helpful staff. Reasonably priced coffee and tea and amazing cakes!!

Food cooked by Olly was lovely and Maddie was great as our barista. Service from Paula was great with lots of laughter and fun.

Friendly, cosy atmosphere from showing to seat and offer if blanket if cold to great service from all Thanks to Paula waitress for cheerful service, Ollie chef for tasty food and Charlotte for wonderful coffee

Longholme is a regular stop for me. Sometimes just me and my furry friend, sometimes with friends or family. Great food, service and very friendly staff. Today was made pleasant by Paula, Andreas, and Maddie.

A lovely visit yesterday lunch time. Our favourite place to go. We were served by Maddie who greeted us with a warm smile and look after us so well. Poppy the barista served us amazing coffees and yummy food as alway from chef Andreas. Be back again soon.

This is a beautiful spot on the embankment by the river in Bedford with great food and drink all locally sourced. We always feel warmly welcomed and had great service from Maddie our server and Doppy our barista. The chef Andreas always serves a delicious meal. Today we had the classic longholme hash which hit the spot on a cold November day.

I love this little gem cafe. The menu is available all day & so everyone’s needs are covered. I had the Longholme hash - the portion size was good & it was delicious! My friends had breakfast baps which went down equally well. Our server Paula was friendly & service was quick. We were provided with cushions & fleecy throws. The setting is idyllic and it’s the perfect place to stop during your walk along the embankment. We will be back!

Gorgeous cosy little cafe with stunning food and super friendly helpful staff! Always leave with a big smile on my face. First come here in the summer and come back regularly now and bring my family and friends. Thank you to our waitress Paula! Such a lovely lady. Thank you Ollie the chef - the food NEVER disappoints and Thank you to Charlotte the coffee/smoothies are always perfect!!

Nice location just by the boating lake with seating both inside and outside, good selection of food and drinks and it's also dog friendly. On this occasion I got a couple of coffees to takaway and received great customer service as always.

Great food, coffee and atmosphere. Very well looked after by Paula :)

Love it here, it’s a great spot by the river and very cosy throughout the year with heaters and blankets provided. It’s also dog and child friendly with some great food options for kids which is a huge bonus. Had a lovely bagel brunch recently which looked beautiful and tasted delicious. Thank you to the chef Ollie, and thanks Paula and Charlotte for the quick and friendly service. The only thing I would improve on is the inclusion of some specials on the menu - the menu is fantastic but hasn’t changed much over the last few years.

The food was excellent from Olly, service from Paula was fantastic and Charlottes coffee was brilliant. I can’t recommend this place highly enough. Everyone was incredibly friendly and nothing was to much trouble. Well done Longholme.

A great spot with lovely views of the lake and river. Brunch was fabulous - very fresh and tasty, as well as a generous portion. Thanks to Olly the chef for a delicious meal. Paula served us, she was great and knew the menu inside out. Charlotte made us lovely coffees and indulged my need for chocolate sprinkles! My friend's dog was made very welcome and given treats. All in all, a really lovely couple of hours - we will be back soon.

This small boutique cafe on the bank of the river Ouse provides a spectacular menu that sets itself above the average brunch venue. The service supports the hihg quality of the ingredients; choice of dishes; presentation of the food and general atmosphere where one can...