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)!
Paula’s Pizza
11 North Parade, Bedford
Handily located next to legendary music venue Esquires, this croatian owned business offers not only a range of pizzas (including a very impressively sized family one), but a croatian take on the burger and shish kebab. You will be impressed by their homemade bread and the super generous portion sizes. Their signature Ajvar sauce (made from roasted tomatoes and aubergine) is now available to further distinguish their authentic offer.
Mr Pretzel (dormant)
17 Greyfriars, Bedford MK40 1HJ
You may have walked past this place in the few months it has been open, but I heartily recommend you pay a visit. Being a major fan of the pretzel, this is like manna from heaven for me! Freshly baked on the premises, these soft and salty swirls are totally moreish. For the more sweet of tooth, you will find a range of exotic looking pastries – I noted some containing Turkish delight….
Kazoku
9 St John’s St, Bedford MK42 0AH
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.
Chaathaus
32 The Broadway, Bedford, MK40 2TH
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).
Mamma Concetta
35-37 Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1LA
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!
Foxy wings
3b, Merchant Gate, Riverside Cl, Bedford MK40 1AS
A fun collaboration between lockdown start up, Foxy Wings and Beerfly. A top spot for beer and a bite. It’s all about the cauli wings with sriracha sauce for us. (Tho we have it on good authority the chicken wings are very decent too). Highly recommend the midweek lunch deal; our choice is cauli wings with kachumber salad and rainbow rice Also a top spot for a beer in the sun.
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.
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). Website coming soon.