Business Details
4 Years
experience
Riverside Pub & Accommodation in Bedford
The Kingfisher is a historic riverside pub with rooms located on the River Great Ouse in Bedford. Our passion lies in serving modern British cuisine crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, complemented by curated wines and cask ales. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming atmosphere where 'everyone's a local', offering diverse experiences from casual dining to special events. Our Grade II listed building combines historical charm with contemporary comforts, featuring 48 bedrooms, private event spaces like the 800-year-old Tithe Barn, and unique seasonal offerings such as riverside fondue evenings. With accolades including Bedford's Business of the Year 2025, we deliver exceptional service across dining, accommodation, and events while maintaining strong community ties. 
Services
Riverside dining
Wedding venues
Boutique accommodation
Corporate events
Seasonal menus
Private parties
Afternoon tea
Local ales
Historic venue hire
Catering services
Details
- Year established: 2022
Highlights and features
- We serve modern British cuisine using ingredients sourced within 15 miles
- Our 800-year-old Tithe Barn offers unique historic event space
- We offer 48 boutique bedrooms with riverside views
- Awarded Bedford's Business of the Year 2025
- We host seasonal experiences like riverside fondue evenings
Associations and certifications
- Meetings Industry Association (MIA)
What people say
Excellent service
Delicious food
Beautiful riverside views
Unique atmosphere
Memorable events
Services
Riverside Dining
Enjoy seasonal British cuisine with ingredients sourced within 15 miles, served in our riverside setting. Our menus feature daily specials, afternoon teas, and a kids' menu. The warm atmosphere combines historical charm with modern comforts for a memorable dining experience.
Wedding Venues
Host your special day in our 800-year-old Tithe Barn or other unique spaces. We offer bespoke packages with catering, styling, and accommodation for guests. Our dedicated team ensures every detail creates perfect memories in our historic riverside setting.
Boutique Accommodation
Stay in our 48 stylish bedrooms with river views, including doubles, kings, and unique suites. Rooms feature Temple Spa amenities, tea/coffee facilities, and modern comforts while maintaining historical character in our Grade II listed building.
Corporate Events
Host business events in our versatile spaces accommodating 30-90 guests. We offer delegate packages from 35pp including meals, venue hire, and modern amenities. The historic setting provides inspiration for productive meetings and conferences.
Seasonal Experiences
Enjoy unique seasonal offerings like riverside fondue evenings, Christmas parties, and themed dining experiences. Our events combine creative menus, atmospheric settings, and special touches to create unforgettable memories throughout the year.
Questions
What dining options are available at The Kingfisher?
We offer seasonal British cuisine using local ingredients, daily specials, afternoon tea, and a kids' menu. Seasonal experiences include riverside fondue evenings and themed dining events.
Can I book accommodation at The Kingfisher?
Yes, we have 48 boutique bedrooms including doubles, kings, and unique suites with river views, starting from £149 per room for two people.
What event spaces are available for hire?
We offer multiple spaces including the 800-year-old Tithe Barn (90 guests), Riverside Tavern (60 guests), and Northill/Southill rooms (40 guests each) for weddings and corporate events.
Are there special offers or packages available?
Yes, we offer seasonal packages like our Kingfisher Signature Stay from £149pp and delegate rates from £35pp, plus special event experiences throughout the year.
How do I make a booking?
Book through our website for dining, accommodation, or events, or contact us directly via phone or email for personalized assistance with reservations.
What accessibility features are available?
We have ground floor bedrooms, accessible toilets, wide doorways, and disabled parking spaces. While we don't have lifts, our staff will assist guests with mobility needs.
Reviews (7)
Steve Mecrow
Sep 23, 2021
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Arrived with confirmed Hotel.com booking - only to find the hotel closed due to a flood sometime ago. Gutted!
Laura Shone
Mar 22, 2021
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After booking our wedding for next year 2022 we were extremely sad to have to cancel our plans after unforseen financial issues (as most of us are facing after the past year) we relayed our circumstances to management and just got a continuous 'our deposits are non refundable' we stated we were not told this upon booking over the phone this was NEVER stipulated to us and was only in the terms and conditions we were sent after paying which we still to this day have not accepted or signed. There is no verbal or documented contract but they still will not give us our deposit back. We have never dealt
Dave W.
Feb 13, 2021
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The barns presents itself with a country hotel feel despite being located on the outskirts of Bedford and close to a busy carriageway. I have stayed here a number of times and find the staff to be friendly and helpful to any requests. The rooms are a reasonable size and their presentation is nothing of significance to make me feel overly excited. There are often wedding events here which depending on the type of guests attending you could be in for a noisy night in the corridors or not. Recommend for business travel in the area
Robert Greenwell
Dec 12, 2020
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Stayed for two nights and would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to the staff for making us so welcome. We cannot fault the hotel or the location. the safety precautions were well managed and we felt safe at all times. Would highly recommend.
Sarah Potter
Nov 16, 2020
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We have just spent a lovely weekend at this hotel. All the staff were friendly and helpful. We stayed in the Manor Suite which was a luxury room and extremely clean. Over the weekend we had bar snacks, evening meal and breakfast, all of which were very tasty and well presented. We ended our weekend with a lovely Afternoon Tea. We will definitely being revisiting this hotel.
Thomas Palmer
Nov 07, 2020
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Fantastic hotel - service from all staff was fantastic. The room and hotel were both well kept and the hotels covid policies were also excellent. Ate at the restaurant and can also recommend, quick service and good food. Thanks for a fantastic stay.
Patricia Smith
Sep 11, 2020
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Very nice cream tea for the bargain price of 5. The Barns was clean, nicely decorated and as lovely as ever. If you're looking for a fab wedding venue, look no further. Our daughter married here four years ago. It was a fantastic day, mainly due to the outstanding service at this beautiful venue.
