Trusted Bedford Indies
We all know there are sound, proven reasons for using local small businesses, such as improved sustainability and in order to strengthen the local economy. Yet there are so many more intangible benefits which are not to be underestimated. As former small business owners ourselves, we know not only the blood, sweat and tears that go into turning a dream into reality, but also the day to day angst which can take its toll. When you are lucky enough to have like minded customers who share your dream or vision (even in some small part), it really does make the whole thing worthwhile. (You also feel vindicated, that this was not some hare brained idea!) As customers, we certainly aren’t looking for the kind of homogenous experience you are likely to receive at a retail park or shopping mall. Independent businesses are the antithesis of that. The chances are that you are way more likely to have a unique experience and to feel some of the warmth, welcome and care that the person is investing in their business. You may also be supporting a dying tradition or craft. Or perhaps encouraging a person’s creativity. You may end up educated or enlightened by the experience.
Beer Fly
45 St Cuthbert’s St, Bedford MK40 3JG
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A cosy little nook for sampling craft beers, lagers etc to drink in, or to take away. A great line in beer snacks and merchandise too. Look out for food/music collaborations.
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The Bear
92 High St, Bedford MK40 1NN
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The Bear – recently (and sympathetically) revamped; The Bear is a Bedford icon. The jukebox may be gone, but the pool table remains and the strains of Kerrang radio are to be heard all around. One of only a handful of “real” pubs left with very competitively priced drinks. Has been an excellent pre Bedford Esquires stop off for more years than we care to remember….We are optimistic about the future for this place and will do our best to support it!
The Polhill Arms
25 Wilden Road, Renhold, MK41 0JP
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Recently reconfigured and beautifully redecorated internally, this cosy village pub with wood burning stove, ticks all the boxes. A concise but perfectly executed menu of homemade soup, toasties etc, this has all you might need for a lost afternoon, or a sociable evening! ( for full disclosure; a family member runs this beaut – but we still wouldn’t say it, if it wasn’t true!!!)
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The Flowerpot
25 Tavistock Street, Bedford MK40 2RB
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Vying for the title of Bedford’s cosiest; this traditional pub punches above its weight with its secret garden and top live music offer. Great for a quiet afternoon or a boisterous night, it’s truly one of the last in town.
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The Wellington Arms (The Welly)
40-42 Wellington St, Bedford MK40 2JX
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A true maverick in pub terms. Bucking the trend with its no food, no music, no screen policy. This handsome boozer is all about drinking and chatting. Great range of ales, lagers, ciders etc. Not to be missed.
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The Mill
32-34 Mill St, Bedford MK40 3HD
A tidy town centre pub run by legendary landlord, Harry. Excellent Guinness as standard. Good for Irish sport, jukebox and a bit of craic. Choice of 2 bars. We generally opt for the front bar, unless it’s Christmas or St Patrick’s Day (not sure of the logic, but that’s how it goes).
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Maison Le Votre
Silver Street, Bedford, England, MK40 1NT
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A brand new, petit slice of French chic, offering beautiful, buttery pastries and sandwiches in their delicious home baked baguettes. We loved the Americano, served French style; in a glass, short and strong, just how we like it.
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Nazar Lounge
17 High Street, Bedford MK40 1RN
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This place is a veritable feast for the senses. Friendly and welcoming their 2 course lunch is very good quality and excellent value. We loved the veggie moussaka and the kleftiko, served with salad and rice. Halloumi, taramasalata and prawns are all good too. Top tip. You can add a bottle of house wine (at lunch) for £15! The other great thing is the lunch deal is available until 5pm!
Greek Bites
2 Althorpe St, Bedford MK42 9HF
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Somewhat off the beaten track, this bright, cheerful and brand new cafe is bound to become a firm favourite. Offering a wide range of handmade, Greek patisserie delights; from vegan baklava to feta and spinach pie, exquisite cheesecakes to delicate biscuits by weight. Everything looks beautiful.
Additional food items, including sandwiches to come. We loved the coffee, the nautical decor touches, the friendly welcome and boy, is that feta pie delicious! Moreish!
A Casa di Anna
​108 Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3QR
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The latest food offering in the Castle Road area. The lovely owners relocated from Italy (via London) to open this little trattoria style eatery. Offering homemade cakes, pastries and also handmade pasta, there is sure to be something for everyone. Open from 8am and offering a great range of panini in between lunch and dinner service.
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The Old Curiosity Cafe
2 Bromham Rd, Bedford MK40 2QA
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The Old Curiosity Cafe is Bedford’s latest (and potentially greatest) independent coffee shop/cafe. At time of writing (Jan 2024), the cafe has just opened its doors and has yet to offer it’s full menu, but we can report there will be a full brunch menu, some delicious sounding Danish open sandwiches on rye (yum!) and Octavia’s legendary afternoon teas…
There is already a wide range of homemade sweet treats and an impressive range of coffees, including cafe bonbon and affogatto (again, yum!).
This place is full of cosy nooks; eclectic, atmospheric and super friendly; we think you will like it!
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Project 229
227-229 Bedford Road, Kempston
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Project 229 is a super impressive community cafe in Kempston. A friendly drop in hub for all manner of workshops, community groups and classes. Also perfect for lone coffee drinking/dining. We love a Friday lunchtime when a restaurant quality soup is served up to all for a donation (regardless of their means). Warming, in so many ways.
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Roosters
25 St Cuthbert’s St, Bedford MK40 3JG
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A handsome spot to enjoy all manner of deli style sandwiches, homemade soups and impressive daily specials. Look out for celebratory specials such as the St Patrick’s Day “Ronan” and Irish stew (which both got the thumbs up) and their forthcoming supper club…
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Mill Yard Coffee Lounge
1-2 Mill Yard, Mill Street MK40 3HD
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Very good freshly cooked vegan and veggie breakfast options in this low key, tucked away cafe. (Also noteworthy they are serving quality locaI bacon, for those who partake). Illy Coffee. Simple menu, with nowhere to hide. A friendly (& hardworking!) owner with a nice outdoor seating area.
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La Piazza
St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ
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A Bedford establishment, run by Libby for more years than I care to remember! Serving simple, fresh, quality food and drinks at reasonable prices – It is easy to see how this place endures! A great place to meet friends and soak up the market atmosphere. We love a Sunday morning when you can watch the moped tribe assemble…
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Fancy Bakery
35 Roff Avenue Bedford MK41 7TH
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A nirvana for any lover of cakes and sweet treats, Fancy is located off the beaten track in PrimeMinisters area (Black Tom to Bedfordians of old).
Owner Saffron has been baking in the area for over 20 years and offers a tantalising and ever changing array of cakes, pastries, scones, all in house. She also bakes a mean sourdough loaf. A small deli section at the back of the shop offers some fab Spanish brands such as Ortiz seafood, Torres crisps and our favourite picante Perello olives.
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Eats & Treats
137 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3PT
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Traditional neighbourhood cafe/deli. Good for all your Italian meats, cheeses, olives etc. drink offer. A real hive of activity and chat; Joe will keep you up to date with local goings on. We go as much for the craic as the coffee!
You For Coffee
7 Howard Street, Bedford
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Formerly The Gallery and expanded from the pop up in the fabulous Arc emporium, this well put together space will suit all comers from “cofficers” (who have their own designated spaces) to those with buggies (a helpful ramp makes this place truly accessible) and everybody in between. With the cutest little mugs, style is very much at the forefront here. One of our favourite features is that it opens on Mondays. We hear evening events, drinks licence also on the cards. So stay tuned….
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Bernie's Cafe
4 Greehill Street, Bedford MK40 1LX
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Tucked away beside the bus station (next to the post office/newsagent) you will find possibly the friendliest cafe in Bedford. This charming mother and son duo have served home cooked meals and cakes to the good people of Bedford for over 14 years. You will instantly feel at home here and will enjoy the cheerful chatter of satisfied customers. One customer told me that the secret of Bernie’s success is the she cooks what people likes – can’t say fairer than that!
Il Basilico
12 Mill St, Bedford MK40 3HD
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You’ll be assured of a friendly welcome and excellent service at this family restaurant. Their mid week lunch deal is too good to miss, with their beautiful homemade bread pannini.
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Kazoku
9 St John’s St, Bedford MK42 0AH
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Newbie Japanese with longest menu. Don’t be put off; the friendly staff will advise (the first 6/8 pages are sushi, so skip those if you’re not in the mood). Stand out dishes thus far have been the miso cod and tempura prawns. Also great gyoza, prawn skewers and delicious miso aubergine. Many more dishes yet to try.
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Mooch
65 Harpur St, Bedford MK40 2SR
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Mooch is dedicated to the art of coffee roasting and drinking. We particularly like the exposed brickwork and industrial aesthetic. Filter coffee is a good (and different) option. Also some lovely flowers on sale here (a nod to the building's former inhabitants). Looking forward to seeing and smelling the roaster in action....
Raw Boys Club
Latecomers to the charms of oysters, we are making up for lost time and these guys with their pop up oyster cart are catering to our every need. Catch them at local events such as the Bedford Flea or Find.Ampthill and sample half a dozen (or more) of their freshly shucked Irish oysters with seasonings of your choice. Friendly and knowledgeable they will happily impart knowledge and ideas. Watch out for their latest offer of miso mussels, but don’t hang around – they regularly sell out (fast)!
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Chaat Haus
32 The Broadway, Bedford, MK40 2TH
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The latest addition to the Asian restaurant scene is a winner (and a bit of a looker too!) Local boy, Dishoom trained, Anwar Miah is cooking up a storm with his small street food inspired plates, that we think are ideal for sharing. We love the dhaal with spinach pakoras, the Bombay firecracker prawns, Manchurian tofu and Hakka chilli paneer (to name a few).
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Foods of Italy
75 Bower St, Bedford MK40 3RB
Excellent neighbourhood deli selling a wide range of deli items, homemade pasta dishes and cannoli. Also stocks a wide range of fresh Italian breads and an impressive range of wines and spirits. We love the creative take away sandwich menu which will surely quell even the largest of appetites. Our favourite is the Rebecca; aubergine, sunblushed toms, provolone and chilli paste in a lightly toasted Italian sub.
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Paneficio Chirico Bakery
Bedford stalwart, Chiricos has been trading as long as we can remember. Head down to the Saturday market to pick up freshly baked Italian loaves
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Our favourite is a Greek!
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Not Another Jungle
58b Silver Street, Bedford, MK40 1NT
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Just a beautifully curated house plant shop. Offering all the favourites and a range of more unusual plants to keep the aficionados happy. Friendly advice also given freely.
Workshops are on the way….
GCH Fishmongers
Mill Street, Bedford
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Small hours is the latest venture by The Gallery’s Baker in Chief, Kelsey. Serving their iconic sourdough, as well as a range of pastries and high end vittles, this is sure to be a resounding success.
The Arc
7 Howard Street, Bedford
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Eclectic is probably the best word to describe this emporium of delights. This is a go to destination, not only for art supplies, but also quirky prints, jewellry, homeware, retro and vintage finds, the list goes on…. Gift ideas aplenty! Check out the octopus mural that now regales the carpark and keep an eye out for workshops and special events….
Bedford Esquires
60A Bromham Rd, Bedford MK40 2QG
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Legendary live music venue. Anyone who is anyone on the indie/alternative scene will have played here. Well known on the circuit, international acts as well as homegrown talent such as Tom Grennan credit Esquires in their path to success Look out for “FoodDrunk” (street food) events, new music events such as “Ceremony” all dayer and Sunday sessions.
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The Castle
17 Newnham St, Bedford MK40 3JA
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Possibly Bedford’s cosiest place for a pint. Good wine list too. Nice collaborations with local pizzeria and Thai restaurants too.
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Brew Point
Cut Throat Lane, Bedford MK41 7FY
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Not really sure if this fits (my own) brief, but I feel its well worth inclusion. A landmark Wells & Co development on the outskirts of town (in the charmingly named Cut throat Lane), offering the freshest of beers, ales and lagers (brewed on the premises), brewery tours, beer garden. Watch out for live music and special events such as movie nights, Oktoberfest and the legendary “Barrioke”.
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Noble Rot
56 Tavistock St, Bedford MK40 2RD
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Bedford’s most louche late night bar. Full of local characters with an atmosphere all of its own. Charlie will entertain you with great tales and tunes – just don’t turn up after the pubs have closed…
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The Devonshire Arms
32 Dudley St, Bedford MK40 3TB
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Aka The Devvy. Located in Dudley Street, this is one of Bedfords last back street boozers. Perfect on a winters night by the roaring fire. Also has a cute beer garden for alfresco drinking. A good community pub, hosting a wide range of events including regular live music.
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Herd
25 St Cuthbert’s St, Bedford MK40 3JG
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Famous for it’s top notch burgers.
Our favourite place for a Sunday Roast and some top tunes. (Watch out for Reggae Roasts!)
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Marcio's Brazilian Food
3 Mill Street, Bedford
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Marcio’s Brazilian Food is an offshoot of his Castle Road based Italian restaurant, run by his daughter, Nicole. A truly family affair; this cafe serves a wide range of homemade Brazilian cakes and delicacies such as Pasteis; a light and tasty samosa like pie and a delicious soul soothing homemade chicken soup. I have heard that the sone in laws speciality burgers are a real taste sensation too…​
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The Cafe Grill
14 Bunyan Road, Kempston, MK42 8HP
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We have been bowled over by the friendly service in this immaculate little spot. Great to see such care and attention, coupled with quality ingredients. We loved the “Build your own” breakfast option – halloumi is beautifully charred. Great coffee. Friendly customers assure us the sausages are proper butcher’s style and we have no reason to doubt this. Breakfast sandwiches look amazing. We hear they also do jerk chicken and sides and have extended summer hours. A real keeper.
Cakes Re-volution
Bedford Market
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A market stall selling authentic, handmade Italian pastries, cakes, tarts and biscuits. We love the orangey, ricotta filled sfogliatelle and the almond studded biscotti
Marcio’s Delicacies
101 Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3QP
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Family run, cosy and inviting. Chef patron Marcio serves up everything from a New Yorker breakfast (scrambled egg & smoked salmon), to a chicken and pancetta salad. He specialises in Italian food and does a mean version of my favourite; spaghetti aglio e olio, which really packs a punch!
There is an excellent 2 course lunch for under £15 and its also open for relaxed evening dining. Look out for Brazilian flair and touches.
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Gallones
1, 2 The Arcade, High St, Bedford MK40 1NS
Although Gallones is primarily an ice cream parlour, we would wager that it is possibly the most community minded coffee shop in town. Hot drinks are £1 (yes, really!) making this place accessible to people on all budgets. Owner Martin and his right hand man, Aaron make sure that everyone feels welcome here and long may it continue! (Plus, we love the coffee and toasted tea cake offer – currently only £3).
Italian Touch by Ivano
St Cuthberts Arcade, Bedford
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Yay! Ivans back after a several year hiatus, bring us excellent, Napoli style pizza including the legendary Giullietta with cubed potatoes, Italian sausage and gorgonzola. What is really setting this place apart right now are his panuozzo “sandwiches”. This freshly baked megawich, stuffed with all manner of beautiful ingredients will blow you away! Also equally noteworthy is his excellent espresso. A taste of Napoli on our doorstep. Join the Tiktok generation and check out those sarnies!
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Etna Pizza Co
1a The Broadway, Bedford MK40 2TJ
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You won’t want to miss this seriously good, quality pizza take away. Authentic, slow proved dough with top notch toppings. We love a simple marinara or the gorgonzola, mushroom and truffle oil pizza. Lip smackingly good.
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Giuseppe Deli
94 Queens Dr, Bedford MK41 9BS
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Now incorporating a sandwich shop with a couple of outdoor seats. This is a longstanding, authentic and very friendly spot. Pick up all your favourite deli items, specialist Italian drinks, fresh bread and homemade pasta dishes. Or just have a chat with the friendly owners, over an espresso.
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Mangal BBQ Grill & Meze
3 Springfield Centre, Kempston
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Firmly off the beaten track, this Kempston based Turkish take away has an impressive menu. Alongside italian style pizza, they offer the Turkish version, pide. Traditional style kebabs, ribs, wings all cooked over charcoal and served with a choice of rice or couscous and tasty Turkish flatbread. A good few dishes for the veggies too, including the tasty Satma Beyti; oven cooked aubergine, potato, mushrooms and cheese wrapped in the aforementioned bread. Then topped with tomato sauce and served with yoghurt, salad, couscous or rice. Portions are seriously generous – you definitely wont need to order a side of chips here!
Aconchego Portugues
Church Arcade, Bedford MK40 1LQ
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Literally translates as “cosy” cafe and mini market, where I heartily recommend a delicious coffee and a pastel de Nata (Portuguese custard tart) whilst you peruse your purchases from the neighbouring shops! You would be seriously hard pressed to find a friendlier and more hardworking host than the lovely Ana. This is the kind of place where you find yourself striking up a conversation with the next table, such is the bonhomie!
Mamma Concetta
35-37 Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1LA
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We love this super friendly, family owned pizzeria. With vintage styling and an impressive pizza oven centre stage, you will find yourself transported to Naples or Rome. We love a cheeky Aperol Spritz and a Pizza Napoli, but there are loads of authentic combos to be found!
Putnoe Cake Shop
12 Library Walk, Bedford Mk41 8HF
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Old school style Cafe opposite the library, with calming decor. A good range of sandwiches, jacket potatoes and pastries. The cakes look very impressive too. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a good option for a spot of lunch, if you are in the area.
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Jemz Caribbean Cafe
76 Ampthill Rd, Bedford MK42 9HP
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A super friendly welcome and a wholesome portion of delicious homecooked food at very reasonable prices. Jerk chicken, escovitch fish, rice & peas, dumpling - they got all the good stuff! Little stubbies of Red Stripe, rum cake and fun - what's not to love?
Baladi Chic
Whitehouse, Manx Rd, Milton Keynes MK8 1ET
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Authentic Egyptian food, MK based, but keep your eyes peeled they may be popping up near you any time soon. Think freshly baked baladi bread stuffed, felafel, meze and various salad bowls. A beautiful combination of fresh herbs and warm spices pulse through every dish. Our favourite is Messaka’s Abul Sid; slow cooked aubergines and peppers in a tangy tomato, garlic sauce. We see no reason to dispute their claim that #egyptiansdoitbetter!
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Naughty Pizza
Unit 2b Merchant Pl, Riverside Square, Bedford MK40 1AR
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Aptly named.
Some very indulgent creations here… Love the Amalfi themed interior too.
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Vanilla Tree
29 St Cuthberts Street Bedford MK40 3JG
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Established in 2017 and recently given a cheerful face-lift, you will find top notch coffee, loose leaf teas (in cute teapots) and excellent home made bagels. We favour the super tasty vegan bagel, but have heard the handmade hot salt beef knocks it out of the park!
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West Indian Club
2 Woburn Road, Bedford, United Kingdom
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This is for true adventurers and lovers of Caribbean food. A hole in the wall (well, a plastic covered doorway), at the side of the club, offering authentic homestyle cooking. Think jerk chicken, pork or chicken curry, served with rice & peas, dumpling, coleslaw all for the princely sum of £10 (you can get a combo for an additional £2). Friday and Saturday afternoon/evenings only (as far as we know)
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Denmark Fish and Chip Shop
34 Denmark Street, Bedford MK40 3TQ
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The original and best. Now safely back in the hands of the original family owners. Friday night queues tell you all you need to know.
Yay!Sushi
Now based in MK (will still deliver to Bedford for an extra charge).
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Trained by a sushi champion, Anna delivers top quality sushi to your door. Working according to the Omakase principle (meaning according to the chef’s suggestion), Anna will curate selections according to what is freshest/best at market (Billingsgate, in this instance). Preorder 24 hours in advance to ensure you don’t miss out! (Tel 07590 891753).
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GCH Fishmongers
2 Newnham St, Bedford MK40 3JR
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The place for all things seafood.
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Also a nice line in condiments, quality tinned fish and sushi making ingredients.
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Absolutely Shabbylass
108a Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3QR
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Recently, relocated from Ampthill, this fab new shop sells beautifully upcycled furniture using Annie Sloan paint (very far from shabby!), lovely gift items and an eclectic range of “oh, go on then” things for the house…also offering a range of crafty workshops in the upstairs room.
Rudi's Shoe Repair & Keys
7 Mill St, Bedford, MK40 3EU
A lovely chap who sorts all our shoe based woes. Wouldn’t go anywhere else.
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Lavender Moss
5B The Arcade, Bedford, MK40 1NS
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Lavender Moss a beautifully curated selection of jewellery (a silver/goldsmith in house), plus a range of colourful upcycled clothing and hair accessories. A great option for those hunting a gift. Will be interesting to see how this evolves....
