The Fly-By Cafe

Tring Rd, Whipsnade, Dunstable LU6 2JP, United Kingdom
+44 7886 226354
$$$ Cafe
(28 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

If you're looking for a cozy nook to unwind, The Fly-By Cafe in Whipsnade is your gateway to a delightful experience intertwined with charming glider flights. Nestled on Tring Rd, this cafe not only serves fantastic food but also offers a stunning view over the active airfield of the London Gliding Club, making it an ideal spot for aviation enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Upon stepping through its welcoming doors, you'll be greeted by a warm atmosphere and helpful staff, eager to make your visit memorable. The cafe's concept revolves around simplicity and comfort, creating a perfect setting for family outings, casual catch-ups, or a peaceful retreat to enjoy a good book while watching gliders ascend into the blue skies.

The menu at The Fly-By Cafe caters to all taste buds, offering a range of choices from hot drinks like a rich Café Latte (£2.80) to refreshing cold beverages such as freshly squeezed orange juice (£1.60). If you're craving something hearty, their All Day Breakfast is a crowd favorite—savor the sizzling sausages and golden-brown bacon alongside perfectly cooked eggs and toast, all invigorated by the scenic backdrop of the rolling Downs. For a quick snack or a light meal, try their Ham Sandwich (£3.95) or indulge in crispy Chicken Nuggets and Chips, each prepared to satisfaction.

Many customers have left glowing remarks about their visits. Beverley Hurren describes The Fly-By Cafe as “lovely” and appreciates the generous portion sizes at reasonable prices, while Kim Hewlett shares her experience of enjoying a delicious breakfast, complimented by the attentiveness of the staff. However, not all experiences have been perfectly smooth, as some visitors noted a lack of enthusiasm from staff during busy times. Yet, it’s these small details that present the cafe as a work in progress, always striving towards improvement and customer satisfaction.

Whether you're stopping by for a quick caffeine fix or a leisurely breakfast while watching gliders soar overhead, The Fly-By Cafe promises a memorable experience wrapped in a warm, community-oriented atmosphere. In a world where cafes can often feel generic, this hidden gem proudly showcases the local charm and the breathtaking essence of gliding, making it a must-visit for anyone in the Dunstable area.

So, why not make a plan to visit today? The Fly-By Cafe is ready to serve you a slice of comfort and community. With every sip and bite, you’ll be taken on a delightful journey that you won’t forget!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Free water refills
Quick bite
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:30 AM - 02:00 PM

Tuesday

08:30 AM - 02:00 PM

Wednesday

08:30 AM - 02:00 PM

Thursday

08:30 AM - 02:00 PM

Friday

08:30 AM - 02:00 PM

Saturday

08:30 AM - 02:00 PM

Sunday

08:30 AM - 02:00 PM

28 Reviews
Beverley Hurren

18 Sep 2025

Lovely cafe, nice view over the airfield, nice staff. Plenty of food options, vegetarian and gluten free catered for, plus a kids menu. Very good portions for a reasonable price - will certainly be back.

Eric Phillips

22 Jul 2025

Busy, but a great place to watch the gliders land and take off. The food and milk shakes were very good.

N S

09 Jul 2025

Came on a Sunday to try out for the first time. On arrival was quite difficult to find where the cafe was, there was some sort of car show so lots of people milling about. On arrival at the cafe, the food was nice just a shame the staff looked like they did not want to be there. No smiles or engaging in conversation, that is the only reason I wouldn't return.

Kim Hewlett

02 Jul 2025

We had the All Day Breakfast which was delicious. Great views of the Downs too. The staff went over and above to help my father. We will definitely be back. Thank you so much!

Kait Smith

25 Jun 2025

Lovely little cafe at the London Gliding Club. Great to sit and watch the gliders take off. Staff always helpful and friendly. Noticed prices have gone up quite a bit since our last visit, but still good value. Annoyingly only get one egg now with the standard breakfast when you used to get 2, and you get two of everything else. The eggs however were the only disappointing part of the breakfast. They cook them in some kind or round mold, and they were very overcooked. Fried eggs should have a runny yolk. Otherwise food was great.

Paul Bassil

13 Jun 2025

I work as a mentor for SEND children. One of the kids I work with loves coming to this cafe as it provides a calm and quiet environment to learn. Food is great and the staff are lovely.

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