A look inside the cafe

ANDY Meakin and Jamie Wallace run The Lodge Cafe in Bowling Park. They spoke to us about the popular eaterie.

Q: When was The Lodge Café established?

A: The Lodge Café opened in 2018 as part of a wider community project to restore the historic lodge building in Bowling Park and bring it back into use as a welcoming space for everyone.

Q: Who was behind it and how did it come into being?

A: The café grew from a community-led effort to save and revitalise the old park lodge. Local people were determined to turn the building into something positive for the area. Over time, it developed into the café and community hub it is today run by community interest group ASH Yorkshire.

Q: How did you find the premises, and Is it a good location?

A: We are based at the entrance to Bowling Park in Bradford – the location couldn’t be better. We are surrounded by green space, close to walking routes, the playground and Bolling Hall Museum. Many customers pop in after a walk, a parkrun or to meet friends.

Q: How would you describe the interior?

A: The café interior is a warm and cosy atmosphere. Our customers compliment the stylish decor and lighting. The space mixes natural materials with soft ambient lighting to create an inviting, relaxed atmosphere. Woven rattan pendant lamps cast a golden glow, while delicate string lights draped across the ceiling add an intimate touch. The prominent green accent wall brings freshness and pairs nicely with the many hanging and potted plants, giving the café a subtle indoor-garden feel, which is great for the park location.

A look inside

There’s lots to keep children amused

Q: Do you have outside space?

A: Yes, we have outdoor bench seating, located with numerous plants and trees, which is very popular in warmer months. Being next to the park means customers can enjoy the fresh air and green surroundings while they eat and drink.

Q: What sort of food do you serve?

A: We serve freshly prepared breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes, along with great coffee and homemade cakes. Our menu includes hearty cooked breakfasts, lighter brunch options such as pancakes, sandwiches, wraps and soup.

Q: What dishes are among the most popular?

A: Our signature Lodge breakfasts are a firm favourite, along with our brunch dishes. Our sweet chilli halloumi wrap and onion bhaji Wrap are most popular at lunch, while our homemade carrot cake is our best seller.

Q: Do you have any specialities?

A: We are particularly known for our quality brunch dishes and generous breakfasts. We focus on fresh ingredients and dishes that are a little more interesting than standard café fare.

Q: Do you change your menus seasonally?

A: Yes, we regularly update our menu and introduce seasonal specials throughout the year.

Q: Who does the cooking?

A: All our food is freshly prepared on site by our kitchen team, who bring experience, creativity and real care to what they do. We take pride in our homemade cakes which are also all baked on site.

Q: Do you have many regular customers?

A: We are lucky to have lots of local regulars who visit frequently. We know many customers by name and know their regular coffee and food orders by heart. Many comment on the friendly atmosphere, welcoming staff and the sense of community here. We take pride in our customer service which brings the regular custom back time again.

Breakfasts are a hit with customers

The Lodge Cafe in Bowling Park

Q: Do visitors come from further afield?

A: Absolutely. We often welcome visitors from outside the area who discover us while visiting the park or through recommendations. A lot of customers will visit the cafe after travelling to visit Bolling Hall museum. Many describe us as a hidden gem.

Q: Do you host functions?

A: Yes, we have a function room available for community groups, meetings and small events. The lodge has become a place where people can gather for different occasions, we host everything from birthday parties to baby showers with onsite catering available.

Q: How do you cater for children?

A: We are very family-friendly. Being in the park makes us a natural stop for families, and we aim to provide a relaxed space where children are welcome. As part of our menu we created a ‘Build your own Breakfast’, this enables families to only order as much as their child eats. Our pancake stacks are also very popular with children. As part of the cafe, we have a bookshelf filled with books and games to keep little ones entertained.

Q: Do customers bring their dogs?

A: Yes, we are dog-friendly, and many walkers call in with their dogs after enjoying the park, some even treat their dogs to a puppychino.

Q: Do you feel part of the community?

A: Very much so. Community is at the heart of what we do. The café was created to serve local people, and being part of the area’s daily life is incredibly important to us. We also host community events to bring people together – at Christmas we hosted a pop-up market and a wreath making workshop.

We are also proud to be launching Chatty Café sessions, taking place every Wednesday from 10am until 11am. These sessions are designed to bring people together, encourage conversation and help tackle loneliness.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: We plan to continue developing our menu, hosting more events and strengthening our links with the local community. We are always looking for ways to grow while keeping the friendly, welcoming feel that people love.

Q: Have you received any awards?

A: We are incredibly proud to have won Café of the Year in the 2025 Telegraph & Argus Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Awards. It’s a real testament to our team’s hard work and the support of our wonderful customers.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

A: We are proud of what The Lodge Café has become – a place where people can relax, connect and enjoy great food in beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time, you’ll always receive a warm welcome.

*The Lodge Café, Bowling Hall Road, Bradford BD4 7TL

bowlingparklodge.org