We know it’s tempting to lounge on the sofa with a Toblerone and do all your Christmas shopping on Amazon while watching Gogglebox, but there really is nothing like actually going into shops, talking to the lovely shopkeepers and supporting local independent retailers. We’ve spent a lot of time in Bedford’s shops whilst compiling the…
From Goldings to All Ears, the Art Centre to the Picture Gallery, Bedford’s independent retailers are what set us apart from other towns. As town centres change, Bedford’s indies have shown incredible resilience in the face of austerity and adversity and they continue to thrive. This year has seen the launch of Maysons’ incredible new…
On Saturday 17th December, the Vintage Suit Hire Company took up residence at 24 Castle Lane – and it’s like they’ve always been there. The building (formerly Animal Studio and Gallery) has been transformed by VSHC owners, Tom and Jessica Answer into the perfect gentlemen’s outfitters (including a bar) and is a welcome addition to Bedford’s cultural quarter….
Congratulations to yet another Bedford indie retailer celebrating their anniversary this month: epanoui. We asked owner Hannah Paine to describe the whirlwind of a year that she’s had: “I’m delighted to be celebrating such a successful first year since the opening of the épanoui shop and studio on Mill Street, Bedford. Épanoui literally means to…
Brothers-in-law Steve Curd and Rob Acheson have recently transformed a neglected unit on Roff Avenue into a thriving barber shop. Originally from London, Steve has been barbering in Northamptonshire for the last 10 years. While Rob has lived in Bedford for 15 years, Steve has recently located here and inspired the duo to open a…
Sometimes even we are blown away by the brilliance of Bedfordians. Take the new business, the Vintage Suit Hire Company. Set up by local husband & wife duo Tom & Jessica, it offers vintage style suits for wedding hire (or a made to measure service if you want a keeper). The couple were inspired…
70 High Street, Bedford MK40 1NN and in Hatters, Bedford tel: 01234 262440 Kitchenaliaonline.com @kitchenalia Twenty two years ago, Kitchenalia first opened its doors in Bedford town centre. From its humble beginnings on Lime Street (the building is now Lost & Found) to a unit double the size in the Arcade, Kitchenalia has remained the go-to place for…
It’s here! The March issue of the Bedford Clanger has arrived and is available to read here if you can’t get hold of a copy. Happy reading!
Time is ticking and the countdown to Christmas is upon us. In need of inspiration and gift ideas, but not sure where to shop or what to buy? Fear not, we’ve scoured the town and picked some of Bedford’s best places to spend, spend, spend and #shoplocal. So, why not make this year a Very Bedford Christmas?…