Studio Seven
22 Newnham Street
Tucked away, this is a beautiful new design space stocking an eclectic range of crafted goods from Uganda, Ukraine and also closer to home. A friendly studio where you can pick up the perfect gift. We are loving the recycled plastic plant holders and the African prints.
Rewind Entertainment
18 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS
“For nostalgia nerds and movie lovers” their words not mine! A great little shop/arcade set in the lovely Edwardian arcade, full of unique and quirky items and home to a retro gaming arcade. Booking for game playing), advisable but not essential. Perfect gifts emporium for the nostalgia need in your life!
The Collective Club (pop up)
The Arcade, Bedford
An airy space showcasing the wares of a variety local, independent producers (we love this concept!) From soy candles to floral art pieces. Sustainable, handmade homeware to bath products and baby products. There is truly something for everyone here. (I love my purchase of brass earrings).
This is a pop up, but word is that business is going well and this lovely shop could become a more permanent fixture…
The Arc
7 Howard Street, Bedford
Eclectic is probably the best word to describe this emporium of delights. Sister business (literally) to the wonderful Gallery, 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….
Boxxed Vintage
10 Church Arcade, Bedford MK40 1LQ
Budget friendly, used branded and vintage clothing and accessories
The Sound Garage
St Cuthberts Arcade, St Cuthberts Street, Bedford MK40 3JG
Pre loved vinyl and CDs. Music books, instruments, t shirts, artwork, accessories and collectibles. A real mecca for music lovers and an excellent place to find a gift for the muso in your life. A friendly, family run spot for all things musical. Great for a rummage!
Boutique Planet
8 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS
“Unique, sustainable, stylish” sums it up nicely. This women’s clothing store in the heart of the Edwardian arcade has been around a long while and with good reason. Offering a calm, uncluttered environment, high quality women’s wear, shoes and accessories with friendly style advice available on request, it’s difficult to beat.
Slide Records
9 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NSÂ
If vinyl is your thing, this is just a great independent record shop. Primarily stocking new releases of all genres, there is also a nice line in music books, and Slide merchandise, such as fabric tote bags. Gift vouchers available. A good spot to pick up tickets for gigs at Esquires. Watch out for in store events.
Epanoui
44 Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3HD
This diminutive shop offers owner Hannah’s hand crafted jewellery collections inspired by nature. Also home to a perfectly curated collection of homeware and wellbeing products. It is the perfect place to pick up a gift. Lookout for workshops and one off events.
Kasztelan
62 High Street, Bedford, Mk40 1NT
A Polish mini market on the High Street. We went initially as we had a tip off about the tomatoes! Yes, they are good! Also a nice range of loose fresh fruit and veg and some excellent fresh pickled gherkins. A great deli counter, fresh cakes and an impressive range of herbal teas that we are currently working our way through….
Meat & More
7 North Parade, Greyfriars, Bedford Mk40 1JF
Ser & Beri
2 Dane Street, Bedford, England, MK40 1AH
Not long open, this friendly, primarily Turkish mini market located in Dane Street offers a vast array of Mediterranean products. Unusual fruit and veg and dried fruit and nuts, all available loose, by weight. Exotic looking breads, meats, pulses and ambient goods. More baklava than you can shake a stick at! Each customer receives a free Turkish tea or coffee, which we think is a particularly nice touch. Now featuring a take away food section with an excellent Turkish salad bar – recommended
Artisan Bakery
33 Tavistock St, Bedford MK40 2RB
People travel from afar to sample the fabulous array of fresh Polish bread and cakes. You will be impressed by the sheer variety of breads and may not know where to start – I advise starting at the top row and working your way down! Now also serving ice cream and French hotdogs with new seating – should you need to indulge your cravings straight away…
Wholefoods
1 Thurlow St, Bedford MK40 1LR
This Bedford stalwart has been here for more than 30 years. Our go to for vitamins, supplements, eco toiletries, herbal teas etc. On occasion I have also may found the odd ingredient I’ve struggled to find elsewhere such as orange flower water, rosewater and the like.