Beer Fly 

45 St Cuthbert’s St, Bedford MK40 3JG

A cosy little nook for sampling craft beers, lagers etc to drink in, or to take away. A great line in beer snacks and merchandise too. Look out for food/music collaborations.

Bedford Esquires

60A Bromham Rd, Bedford MK40 2QG

Legendary live music venue. Anyone who is anyone on the indie/alternative scene will have played here. Well known on the circuit, international acts as well as homegrown talent such as Tom Grennan credit Esquires in their path to success  Look out for “FoodDrunk” (street food) events, new music events such as “Ceremony” all dayer and Sunday sessions.

The Bear

92 High St, Bedford MK40 1NN

One of the last real pubs in the town centre. A dark haven for all alternative music lovers with a great jukebox and pool table. Friendlier than it looks. Essential for pre gig pints on an Esquires night.

The Castle

17 Newnham St, Bedford MK40 3JA

Possibly Bedford’s cosiest place for a pint. Good wine list too. Nice collaborations with local pizzeria and Thai restaurants too.

Brewpoint

Cut Throat Lane, Bedford MK41 7FY

Not really sure if this fits (my own) brief, but I feel its well worth inclusion. A landmark Wells & Co development on the outskirts of town (in the charmingly named Cut throat Lane), offering the freshest of beers, ales and lagers (brewed on the premises), brewery tours, beer garden. Watch out for live music and special events such as  movie nights, Oktoberfest and the legendary “Barrioke”.

The Flowerpot

25 Tavistock Street, Bedford MK40 2RB

Vying for the title of Bedford’s cosiest; this traditional pub punches above its weight with its secret garden and top live music offer. Great for a quiet afternoon or a boisterous night, it’s truly one of the last in town.

Noble Rot

56 Tavistock St, Bedford MK40 2RD

Bedford’s most louche late night bar. Full of local characters with an atmosphere all of its own. Charlie will entertain you with great tales and tunes – just don’t turn up after the pubs have closed…

The Wellington Arms aka The Welly

40-42 Wellington St, Bedford MK40 2JX

A true maverick in pub terms. Bucking the trend with its no food, no music, no screen policy. This handsome boozer is all about drinking and chatting. Great range of ales, lagers, ciders etc. Not to be missed.

The Devonshire Arms 

40-42 Wellington St, Bedford MK40 2JX

Aka The Devvy. Located in Dudley Street, this is one of Bedfords last back street boozers. Perfect on a winters night by the roaring fire. Also has a cute beer garden for alfresco drinking. A good community pub, hosting a wide range of events including regular live music.

The Mill 

A tidy town centre pub run by legendary landlord, Harry. Excellent Guinness as standard. Good for Irish sport, jukebox and a bit of craic. Choice of 2 bars. We generally opt for the front bar, unless it’s Christmas or St Patrick’s Day (not sure of the logic, but that’s how it goes).