Hometown Hotspots

Hometown Hotspots

Bedford, Bedrock, B’Town, call it what you will…there is no denying that Bedford has some excellent
independent eateries. All my favourite spots have a few things in common, namely; laid back friendly
atmosphere, welcoming hosts and top quality food. Here is my top 5;

Herd – You’ll like this spot for its lively atmosphere as much as its 100% organic local beef, made into burgers on site. Look out for Reggae Roasts and Smooth Sundays (serving up the best roast dinner for
miles around – including bottomless roast potatoes!!!). Keep an eye out for special events such as the
recent Fish and seafood barbecue (in conjunction with GCH Fishmongers). Also serves my favourite
Moving Mountains vegan burger and offers a great mid week lunch deal. Ideal for music lovers; prepare
to make new friends here.

Cochin – My favourite Indian by a country mile. Specialising in South Indian cuisine. Ideal for vegans and
vegetarians as well as meat lovers. Attentive hosts, soothing music with scenes of Kerala on a
background screen. My go to dishes are the Massala Dosa {a huge lentil based pancake stuffed with
spiced potato and served with chutneys) and the Cochin seafood platter (squid, kingfish, prawns,
fishcake). Keep an eye out for the staff shirt – this will tell you all you need to know about their attitude to customer care…..10/10

Toucatelha –Authentic Portuguese cuisine. My dish of choice is Bacalhau a Bras, which is so much more
than a sum of its parts (salt cod, olives, shredded potato and egg). Look out for the authentic cataplana
dishes and the changing daily specials (oxtail stew and suckling pig on my last visit!). Best coffee in
town. Best homemade chips! Portuguese football nights to be recommended, for friendly atmosphere,
great beer and craic! (Oh, they also have vinho verde on draught!)

   

Tana Thai – Bagsy a cosy booth in this beautiful piece of Thailand. More charming hosts, you will not
find. Whitebait, squid both expertly prepared with a good hit of fresh spice. I generally opt for my
favourite green curry and Brian goes for the Pad Thai. They also serve an excellent G & T here, which I
find goes very well with the spicy food…. Look out for the incredible flower tea. Also, from time to time
Tana offers a Pad Thai cooking class which I can personally recommended highly.

Mama Concetta – Pizza! The best kind. Cooked in front of you in a wood fired oven. Top quality
ingredients. Great casual dining. Fun, family atmosphere. Moretti beer on draught. Serves a mean
Aperol Spritz too! Im sure there is a vast array of dishes/toppings but ive never got beyond a Napoli
pizza – why bother, its perfect! Watch out for the real Mama Concetta who is still known to do the wash
up of a lunchtime. Great spot for a party. Booking now essential due to popularity.

Finally, a special mention for Beerfly – an unusually simple drinking concept. Serves Beer – lots of it!
Carefully selected, ever changing, on tap, plus a guest ale from time to time. A vast array of beautiful
cans chilling nicely in a number of fridges that you can peruse at your leisure. You can take cans away or
pay an extra 50p to drink in. Take away flagons also available. Superior range of bar snacks; my
personal favourites are Snyders of Hannover Jalapeno flavoured pretzels! Watch out for the inaugural
“Hops and Dreams” beerfest at Bedford Harpur Suite, organised by these guys, this autumn.