From Ashes to Success: How a Riverside Cafe Rose After an Arson Attack

A tragedy struck The Longholme cafe on Bedford’s Embankment when a devastating arson attack occurred on June 18, leading to significant damage in the kitchen. As the fire, which was deemed deliberate, started in a bin and rapidly spread, it left the kitchen area uninhabitable due to toxic smoke damage that affected all appliances and surfaces. Thomas Healey, the café’s manager, revealed that the incident resulted in the loss of all food and consumables, forcing the team to throw everything away.

Remarkably, with determination, the cafe staff were able to improvise and adapt, reopening by the following Saturday, just in time for the town’s Kite and Motoring Festival. They managed to serve patrons using a generator, a coffee trailer, and a pop-up kitchen outfitted with equipment stored off-site. Although the reduced menu limited sales, Healey expressed relief that they could still provide service during this difficult time, stating, “We have managed to improvise a decent menu… the team has adapted with passion and a desire to put everything right again.”

The property underwent a substantial cleaning and is set to be renovated after being stripped down completely. Healey credited his step-father, Adrian Allen, for stepping in to help lead the recovery efforts, as without his involvement, the path to restoration would have been significantly longer. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous messages of support flooding the café’s social media pages.

Additionally, it was noted that Bedford Borough Council is handling insurance claims related to the fire damage after the cafe had recently invested £6,000 in flood defenses—a wise move given its proximity to the lake. As the café works towards a full recovery, the resilience and community spirit displayed provide hope for its future.