A new lakeside café opened at Billing Aquadrome in Northampton on May 23, marking the latest development by Meadow Bay Villages as part of its broader investment in the holiday park.
Branded the “Lake Club,” the venue is positioned along the edge of Willow Lake and is expected to offer gelato and other locally sourced food and drink options in a setting designed to appeal to visitors seeking a nature-adjacent leisure experience.
The café’s opening follows a series of substantial investments made by Meadow Bay Villages since acquiring Billing Aquadrome in early 2023.
Over the past year, the company has committed millions of pounds to upgrading and diversifying the site’s offerings, which now include luxury glamping pods equipped with hot tubs, a splash park, a bike track, and an inflatable assault course, among other amenities.
In a statement, Meadow Bay Villages said: “We are delighted to announce that our brand new Lake Club will officially open on May 23. Serving the best gelato and lots more.”
The Lake Club is already listed on the Billing Aquadrome website under its food and drink section.
The description highlights its lakeside setting and appeal to a broad range of guests:
“New this May! Nestled on the waters edge of Willow Lake, the lakeside cafe offers the perfect escape for coffee lovers, foodies, and families alike.”
”Whether you’re looking for a peaceful morning brew, lunch snack or sweet afternoon treat, our cafe is designed to bring you close to nature while indulging in delicious locally sourced delights.”
Alongside new attractions and amenities, Meadow Bay Villages has also invested heavily in flood defenses to protect the site, which has experienced multiple flooding events in recent years.
These floods have had significant impacts on caravan owners, with some left temporarily homeless, according to Northampton Chronicle & Echo.
In response to ongoing risks, the company is also in the process of shutting down its sister site, Cogenhoe Mill, located downstream, citing the continued threat of flooding as a key factor in the decision.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality industry, this development highlights a growing trend: reinvesting in existing sites with an emphasis on diversified amenities and environmental resilience.
Meadow Bay Villages’ approach reflects a broader strategic shift toward enhancing guest experience through food and leisure offerings, while also addressing climate-related risks—an increasingly important consideration for park operators across the UK.