Thetownend.com

Bit of a random weekend in store. Driving over with 4 friends after work on Friday night. Spending 2 evenings in Bedford which is where the car driver is fron.

Anyone been? Any recommendations? I am imagining that its a bit of a hovel.

Going to see Peterborough v Plymouth on the Saturday. Going to have to bite my tongue if they read out the Town score and we are beating Franchise.

I imagine Bedford Red is your man.

I went for a few days for a training course - we stayed here http://www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk/ but apart from that, I genuinely don't know what else is there and the Town centre bit I saw did look like a bit of a dive (sorry Bedford red, no offence meant) - could be other parts that are nicer though!

 I'd get a copy of Pilgrim's Progress and do the the John Bunyan thing.....rock and roll.

 He who would valiant be gainst all disaster

 Let him in constancy follow the master

 There's no discouragement

 Should make him once relent

 His first avowed intent

 To be a pilgrim

Bedford's the same as Swindon tbh, the town centre is mostly charity shops or pubs.

We have the largest number of different nationalities outside london in the uk, you can go in some places and not here an english voice around you.

We have an embankment which is probably the best part of Bedford, mind you there's not much to do there apart from walk along it and have an ice-cream.


Plenty of pubs in the centre of Bedford, none any better/worse than the others. It's been quietier the last couple of years with the recession, they are not as half packed as they used to be.

A nice pub not in the centre of Bedford is the White Horse in Newnham Avenue, that won't mean much to you but your mate should know it. It's my local and always a good atmosphere in there. They do some decent food too especially in the evenings.

We have a decent rugby team but you'll be at the football Saturday afternoon.

Um, that's about it really. When you live somewhere for a long time you take it all for granted, we're just a fairly non-descript town

used to be an ace indie club at esquires.

If you like Mexican food, check out Fajita's Restaurant in Ampthill. Well worth the 5 minute drive out of town.

Bedford is an instantly forgettable place IMO. It makes Stevenage look classy.....

But at least it better than Milton Keynes.

I work in Bedford for the local brewery so am a bit bias towards pubs however - agree with Bedford Red: White Horse is a safe bet. There is a pub called The Devonshire Arms down Dudley Street which is really building a reputation for quality cask beer (if thats you thing?).

I had a bad view of the town before I started working there .......That view has changed (slightly)! There are some nice areas!  

Thanks all for the feedback, especially Bedford Red.

Wouldn't say I was looking forward to it but will be good to have a weekend in England somewhere different for a change.

To be fair, plenty of outsiders would say the same about Swindon.  Or worse.

As I remember my dear, departed friend Andy once saying, every town has something interesting to tell about it.  If you can't find it, you're not looking hard enough.

Correct,Bedford reminds me of Luton a little.

The rag trade in past days encouraged immigrant asian workers to the town.
But like most towns with a diverse culture i like to drive around places like this when i am delivering.
Bedford like Luton and countless other towns similar are a little ropey in places but for me this adds to its appeal.

It has a Dominos...i had to do a cooking trial there once!