The Cellar Bar
BEDFORD
APRIL ~ MAY ~ JUNE 2025 EVENTS
FRI 4 APR
NEW CLASSICS/HEIDI BROWNE
SOUL FACTORY/CAMEO/FIVE FIVE SIX
DANNY GRACELAND THE SOUL MAN HIGHSTONE
80’S DAYTIME DISCO/OPEN MIC WORKSHOP BOYS MEGAPINT?
JUNIOR OPEN MIC/OPEN MIC GENERATION 5PAN NEW HARMONY
SOUL FACTORY/OPEN MIC
THE KRAKENS
SOUL FACTORY/CAMEO/FIVE FIVE SIX WORKSHOP BOYS/OPEN MIC
JENNY JOY/CHEAP THRILLS
Until Late
8 JUN
13 JUN
14 JUN
15 JUN
20 JUN
21 JUN
22 JUN
27 JUN
28 JUN
DANNY BARTON/MAD MODS & ENGLISHMEN
80’S DAYTIME DISCO/OPEN MIC
SOPHIA SOUL WORLD ON FIRE
JUNIOR OPEN MIC/OPEN MIC
BAZOOKA JOE/CAMEO MEGAPINT?
SOUL FACTORY/OPEN MIC
SAMANTHA/KYRI WORKSHOP BOYS
SOPHIA SOUL/OPEN MIC HIGHSTONE
SOUL FACTORY/CAMEO/FIVE FIVE SIX
80’S DAYTIME DISCO/OPEN MIC
KATHERINE SEFTON/TIE ONE ON MEGAPINT?
JUNIOR OPEN MIC/OPEN MIC
SAMANTHA HUGHES/ THE DANNY BARTON BAND BAD HOMBRE
SOUL FACTORY/OPEN MIC
GENERATION 5PAN
NEW HARMONY
1ST/2ND/4TH WEDNESDAY SPEED QUIZZING ~ 3RD WEDNESDAY DRAG KARAOKE WITH FANNY BURNS ~ EVERY THURSDAY KARAOKE & THE DRINKS EXCHANGE
INDIE FILM FESTIVAL | 4
THEATRE | 8
BEDFORD FILM SOCIETY | 5
Lights, camera, action: Bedford’s first Independent film festival 75 years of Bedford Film Society
WHAT’S ON | 6
Diaries at the ready
Introduction
Welcome to the April issue of the Bedford Clanger - your guide to the best of Bedford’s art, culture, live music, theatre, heritage and more this Spring.
This month’s issue is a must-read for Bedford’s cinephiles, with details of the town’s first Independent Film Festival (page 4) and also the celebrations for Bedford Film Society’s 75th anniversary
We hope you like our Hitchcock/Saul Bass-inspired front cover by Ben Graham.
The best of this month’s theatre Film forever
LIVE MUSIC | 11
Bring the noise
Take a stroll off the beaten track...
MEET THE CAST
As well as lighter evenings and better weather (we hope), April also welcomes the return of Bedford Flea and Record Store Day. Become a Hometown Tourist and explore both these events (details on page 14).
Happy Easter!
Team Clanger
Even more events are included in our weekly What’s On Guide, published every Wednesday on our website at bedfordindependent.co.uk
All eyes on Poonam Shah of Humphriss & Burgess Opticians Editor Commercial
/ clanger@bedfordindependent.co.uk / julia@bedfordindependent.co.uk / ben@twenty-sixstudios.co.uk
Website: bedfordindependent.co.uk
The Prince of Wales Pub
Erica Roffe, Julia Course & Paul Hutchinson (Image: Two-D Photography)
INDIE FILM FESTIVAL
Lights, camera, action for Bedford’s first Independent Film Festival
Film fans are in luck this month, as the first Bedford Independent Film Festival launches at the Quarry Theatre
Running from 11 - 13 April, the festival will feature a variety of independent feature films and a wide selection of shorts across an array of genres. It will showcase work from new and established filmmakers and also host thought-provoking seminars and industry networking. Whether you’re a filmmaker seeking inspiration, a film-lover looking for your next favourite or just curious about the world of indie cinema - this is the event for you.
Co-organiser, Andrew Gilbert, said: “Setting up a film festival in Bedford has been an aspiration of mine for many years and I can’t wait to bring the world of independent film to Bedford. BIFF will give filmmakers the chance to celebrate their success in an increasingly unforgiving industry and also offers Bedfordians a captivating alternative to the usual studio blockbusters.”
The weekend kicks off on Friday, 11 April with a welcome drink and a ‘Best of Bedford’ opening screening, showcasing local filmmaking talent.
An awards ceremony on Saturday will recognise the festival’s standout films and talent, creating a sense of occasion while celebrating the hard work behind the scenes. The event will also be an opportunity to come together as a creative community and celebrate the art of filmmaking and the filmmakers that work tirelessly to bring their visions to life.
In its inaugural year, BIFF is partnering with sponsors including Bedford Radio, Bedford College and Harrison & Simmonds and they are fundraising for the charity Medicinema.
I love Bedford and being able to celebrate local talented filmmakers, as well as bringing
international filmmakers to our doorstep, is a very exciting journey to be on.
Fellow organiser, Leah Perkins
Ticket information
Day passes and weekend passes are available from the Quarry Theatre website, with tickets granting access to all screenings, seminars, and events for that day.
Festival Programme: bedfordindependentfilmfestival.co.uk/ programme2025
UFP Film Club presents Bedford Film Night
There’s another treat for cinephiles in Bedford as a new film night launches at St Andrew’s Church. UFP Film Club’s Bedford Film Night takes place on the last Saturday of the month, and in April they are screening the Academy Award-winning Conclave.
Conclave
Organiser Martin de Graft said, “We showcase independent films, host unique events, and provide filmmakers with opportunities to reach broader audiences. Through both virtual and in-person screenings, workshops, and discussions, UFP Film Club creates spaces where filmmakers and audiences can connect, learn, and celebrate the art of cinema.”
For more details about the Conclave screening see page 10
What do you call a pony with a cough? A little horse.
Image: Bedford Independent Film Festival (BIFF)
BEDFORD FILM SOCIETY
75 years of Bedford Film Society
2025 sees Bedford Film Society celebrating its 75th anniversary and they are marking the occasion with a special free screening on Tuesday, 15 April of the first film the society showed back in 1950.
The society was originally set up to “encourage the appreciation and enjoyment of film as an artform” and for some time in the 1950s members also made their own documentaries. 75 years on, the aims of Bedford Film Society remain unchanged and it has outlasted most of the cinemas in the town.
Their anniversary screening is of “Quattro Passi fra le Nuvole” (Four Steps in the Clouds), a 1942 Italian comedy-drama that tells the story of a married man who agrees to act as the husband of a young pregnant woman who has been abandoned by her boyfriend.
All members past and present are invited to the screening on Tuesday, 15 April at the University of Bedfordshire and guests
OUR PLANET
are welcome too. From 7pm there will be a celebratory glass of wine, with the film starting at 8pm.
This will be the final film of this season before they take their annual summer break, but we’ll be sharing their 2025/26 programme in the Autumn.
bedfordfilmsociety.org.uk/
EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY ACTIVITIES
From Tuesday 8 – Friday 17 April
Inspired by Earth Day, families can join in with fun activities that encourage recycling, reuse and waste reduction and understand the science of landfill. Workshops will include making collage badges, bee hotels, origami flowers, bees and sea creatures all out of unwanted materials. Sessions last for an hour and are suitable for a range of ages.
Scan the QR code or see our website for further details and to book places
www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk
Four Steps in the Clouds
WHAT’S ON
Ouse Muse presents Jonathan Davidson Tuesday, 1 April
Eagle Bookshop, St Peter’s Street @ 8pm
Jonathan Davidson is a poet of the English Midlands whose most recent books are A Commonplace - Apples, Bricks & Other People’s Poems and Downland - a collaboration with the visual artist Anna Dillon. His poetry memoir, On PoetryJonathan Davidson, continues to divide opinion. All welcome.
Poetry and Spoken Word: Read Poets Society Sunday, 6 April
The Eagle Bookshop @ 7pm | Tickets: Free but please book via The Place Theatre website
Join the Read Poets Society for an interesting evening of poetry and prose. This month’s theme is “ Quaffing and Drinking will undo you!”
The Friends of The Higgins lecture on Paula Rego as a printmaker by Paul Coldwell Tuesday, 15 April
St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kimbolton Rd @ 7.30pm
Professor Paul Coldwell discusses collaborating with the Portuguese visual artist, Paula Rego, widely considered the preeminent woman artist of the late 20th and early 21st century. In this talk for the Friends of the Higgins he explores the role of printmaking in her work.
Easter holiday workshops - Our Planet 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 April
The Higgins Bedford | £5.50/child | Booking essential
Inspired by Earth Day, families can join local artists and providers in activities that reduce waste, encourage recycling, reuse materials and promote planting. From upcycled origami flowers to badge making, bee hotels to junk modelling, book your place at the Higgins website.
higginsbedford.org.uk
Easter Bunny flies into Shuttleworth
Sunday, 20 and Monday, 21 April
Shuttleworth Aerodronme, Alder Drive, Bedfordshire SG18 9DT | Tickets: from £12.50
Shuttleworth’s annual Easter event sees the Easter Bunny take to the skies to arrive in style at Shuttleworth Aerodrome. Following their arrival, children can enjoy a classic egg hunt around the stunning nine-acre regency Swiss Garden, before meeting the Bunny in person and receiving their very own chocolate egg to take home.
New for 2025, this year’s event will also include a fun fair, magic shows and balloonmodelling so that families can make the most of their day. Visitors will have the entire Shuttleworth site to explore, including all six hangars of their renowned collection of airworthy vintage aircraft and veteran vehicles. Families can also hop aboard one of Shuttleworth’s iconic vintage buses and enjoy a trip to Shuttleworth House, which will be open to the public across both days.
shuttleworth.org
What did one hat say to the other? You wait here, I’ll go on a head.
Sloop Groggy Dogs in Concert – An Evening of Shanties, Sea Songs and Laughter!
Ahoy there, Shipmates!
Friday, 25 April
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm | Tickets: £20/VIP £40
Channel your inner Captain Jack Sparrow, Blackbeard or Admiral Nelson at this fundraising concert by Sloop Groggy Dogs, possibly the oldest ‘Boy Band’ in the world. These salty sea dogs will be singing shanties, sea songs and other crowd-pleasers all in aid of the Road Victims Trust and the RNLI. You are guaranteed an evening of great singing, audience involvement and laughter. Parrots, wooden legs and eye patches are optional but prizes will be awarded to those who attend in fancy dress!
A Celebration of the Caribbean Community in Bedford
Friday, 25 April
The Place Theatre @ 2pm | Tickets: £5
C.R.I.S.S, LOWD and The Higgins Bedford present a celebration of the Caribbean Community in Bedford.
Experience a day of celebration including exhibits, interviews, discussions, live music, poetry, drama, comedy, fashion and keynote speaker Lydia Saul. Plus much much more!
For more details and a full schedule of events visit theplacebedford.org
Cultural Roots Weekender- A Reggae Sound System Story
Saturday 26 April
The Place Theatre @ 2pm | Tickets: £5
Day two of The Cultural Roots Weekender is all about the Reggae Sound System Story. A whole day jam-packed with debates, interviews, Q&A, live music, Sound System displays and demos, plus a pre-amp display.
Featuring the following: Lloyd Coxsone (Coxsone Outernational), Quakercity Sound, King Earthquake, Luv Injection Ft Winston Mexican, Saxon Sound Ft Mini Muscle, Iration Steppas, Cultural Roots Sound and Light, Mark Mostec (pre-amp Builder), Kutty “QSS” Qualitex Sound Builder, Robert Fearon aka RIBS (Unity / Fatman).
The Circus of Illustration: Drink and Draw
Tuesday, 29 April
The Park pub @ 7.30pm
If you want to flex your creative muscles, then what better place that the monthly Drink and Draw events hosted by The Circus of Illustration at The Park pub.
You’ll meet like-minded people and all materials are provided. Keep an eye on the Circus’ social media channels to find out this month’s theme.
THEATRE
At the Quarry Theatre this month…
Children’s Theatre: The Worst Princess
Saturday, 5 April 2025
11.30am & 2pm | Tickets: from £8
Feisty Sue is not your everyday fairy tale superstar, in fact she’s The Worst Princess. After being rescued by her twit of a prince she’s ready to start her happy end. But first she’ll have to make friends with a dragon, escape from a tower and set the Prince’s pants on fire with her new fire-breathing bestie. Will Sue find her happily ever after?
Comedy: Castle Comedy 13th Birthday Special
Thursday, 10 April 2025
8pm | Tickets: £18
Castle Comedy celebrates its 13th Birthday with an all star line up headlined by Seann Walsh. Also on the bill is New Zealand comic, Javier Jarquin, and Brummie Jules O’Brian.
Children’s Theatre: The Mystery of The Quarry Theatre
Friday, 11 April 2025
The Quarry @ 2.30pm | Tickets: from £11
Calling all trainee detectives! Join us for The Mystery of The Quarry Theatre, a brand new, board-game style theatre show where your skills are needed to solve this thrilling murder mystery. Team up with super sleuth Danyah Miller to examine evidence, inspect video footage, and interrogate suspects, every clue bringing you closer to the truth.
Comedy: Ignacio Lopez: Señor Self- Destruct
Friday, 25 April 2025
8pm | Tickets: £20
Spain’s Best Export™ Ignacio Lopez is on a mission to destroy himself and build a better version: Leaner. Smarter. Funnier. Join the star of Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, The Now Show and more, for a riotously funny exploration of vices, decadence, and self improvement.
At The Place Theatre this month…
Theatre: Alas! Poor Yorrick
Saturday, 12 April 2025
7.30pm | Tickets: from £16
If the Two Ronnies were cast as the Gravediggers in Shakespeare’s Hamlet re-written by Samuel Beckett you might have something like Alas! Poor Yorick. A modern, hilarious, and philosophical reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragedy—a compelling exploration of life and death through the eyes of the gravediggers.
Theatre: The Lost Lionesses
Tuesday, 15 April - Saturday, 19 April 2025
7.30pm | Tickets: from £16
Based on true events, The Lost Lionesses tells the story of a Bedfordshire-based team of pioneering young women who travel to Mexico to play in the 1971 women’s football world cup in front of 90,000 people. After a run of sold out shows in London the team head home to Bedfordshire to share their story. Catch them while you can!
Why do we tell actors to ‘break a leg’? Because every play has a cast.
Theatre: Whole
Wednesday, 23 April 2025
7.30pm | Tickets: from £16
Whole is a show about two people – one of them is on stage, the other isn’t. Emma has been looking for a way to fill the gaping hole her identical twin sister’s death has left behind. So, she thought she would make a show for them. Only it’s proving a little tricky because Emma doesn’t like doing things on her own. Every night a volunteer from the audience will join Emma on stage to assist her in performing the show.
Theatre: Stage Write
Sunday, 27 April 2025
7.30pm | Tickets: from £5
StageWrite is a hothouse for the development of new writing for theatre, designed to help plays grow from page to performance. It supports writers in the process of getting their work up on its feet and in front of an audience for the very first time. Every time StageWrite happens, it’s different – the nature of profiling brand new work!
FILM
Bedford Film Society
University of Bedfordshire @ 7.30pm | Tickets: £5 / members free
Alfie
Tuesday, 1 April
Set in postwar London, ‘Alfie’ features Michael Caine as a chauffeur who impregnates his girlfriend and then takes off. A misfortune strikes and Alfie is forced to face the product of his ways.
Bedford Film Society, University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue, MK41 9EA / bedfordfilmsociety.org.uk
Stevington Cinema Club
Stevington Village Hall | times and prices vary
Royal Opera House presents: Turandot
Tuesday, 1 April
Puccini’s captivating opera of a cold-hearted princess and her mysterious suitor. Featuring the ever-popular ‘Nessun dorma’, this opera of love and revenge is brought to life in a dazzling production.
Maria
Thursday, 10 April
Angelina Jolie plays the iconic Maria Callas as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous and tumultuous life in the public eye.
Stevington Village Hall, Court Lane, Stevington, MK43 7QT stevingtoncinemaclub.uk
Bedford Film Night Conclave
Saturday, 26 April @ 7pm | Tickets: £5
Based on the best-seller by Thomas Harris, this Oscar awardwinning political thriller follows Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) as he organises a conclave to elect the next pope and finds himself investigating secrets and scandals about the major candidates.
St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford, MK40 2PF
LIVE MUSIC
Reggae: David Rodigan
Friday, 4 April
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm | Tickets: £25
For over 35 years, David Rodigan has been the top dog in the ganja-scented, bass-heavy atmosphere of Britain’s reggae dance halls and this month he is coming to Bedford as part of Esquire’s 35th anniversary year.
Danny Graceland - Elvis Tribute
Sunday, 6 April
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm | Free entry
Danny Graceland is an international, multi-award winning Elvis tribute artist bringing an authentic homage to the undisputed King of Rock’n’Roll.
Man/Woman/Chainsaw
Friday, 11 April
Bedord Esquires @ 7.30pm | £12.50
Esquires’ 35th anniversary celebrations continue with the hotter-than-hot young British art-punk five-piece Man/Woman/ Chainsaw. This precociously talented band from London recently celebrated their 100th gig and are both joyous and raucous in equal measures.
The Soul Man
Friday, 11 April
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm | Free entry
One of the most well-known and loved local artists, The Soul Man (aka Peter Symphorien) performs soul classics from artists such as Barry White, Luther Vandross, George Benson, The Temptations, The Drifters and many more, with a few Reggae faves too.
CVC & Guests
Saturday, 12 April
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm | Tickets: £15
The six-piece musical collective are influenced by Snoop Dogg, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Super Furry Animals and Red Hot Chili Peppers with a universal message of “peace and love and good times, stay real, stay true and that’s it.”
GBH + Sick On The Bus + The Tendons
Friday, 11 April
Bedford Esquires @ 7:30pm / £15
Staying true to their roots and enduring all tests of time, GBH are English punk originals putting on an old (s)cool authentic punk rock show with irresistible high energy and jolly tribal camaraderie. Guest support comes from East Northants’ finest Sick on the Bus with an opening set from Bedford’s very own The Tendons.
Generation 5pan
Friday, 25 April
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm | Free entry
Generation 5pan are back at The Cellar Bar playing a mix of rock/pop and blues covers from the 50s to the modern day.
Soul Factory - Sunday Afternoon Chillout with DJ
Rocky & Guests
Sunday, 27 April 2025
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm | Free entry
An afternoon of soul, RnB, Northern Soul, Motown vibes with Soul Factory. Happy Hour is also from 3pm now on a Sunday.
Cafe Danube Cellar Sessions
Sunday, 27 April 2025
The Quarry Theatre @ 6.30pm | Tickets from £10 (under 18s free)
Inspired by the cellar at the Red Hedgehog Tavern in Viennaprepare to laugh, yell and maybe shed a tear with music from Bach and Johann Strauss to Donna Summer and Taylor Swift. At the cellar, boundaries between genres become blurry as people are immersed in each other’s sound worlds. Here, as wine glasses set their own rhythms, the night invites distortions of time, and composers from the past meet composers from the future.
Legend – The Music of Bob Marley
Saturday 12 April
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm. Tickets: £32
When you think reggae, only one name comes to mind. Direct from a sell-out show at London’s Adelphi Theatre, Legend – the Music of Bob Marley is an unforgettable evening celebrating this musical icon in one fantastic stage show.
Combining his superb, distinctive vocals with flawless musicianship, a supremely talented cast recreate the timeless hits “Could You Be Loved”, “Is This Love”, “One Love”, “No Woman No Cry”, “Three Little Birds”, “Jammin’”, “Buffalo Soldier”, “Get Up Stand Up”, “I Shot the Sheriff” and many more reggae classics.
What do cows say when they hear a bad joke? I’m not amoosed.
THE PRINCE OF WALES
A taste of Nepal comes to Bromham
Tucked away in the heart of Bromham, The Prince of Wales pub is bringing something new to the table - an authentic Nepalese dining experience alongside its much-loved traditional pub atmosphere.
This isn’t just any new venture. The team behind The Prince of Wales are seasoned pros, with eight pubs under their belt, all run by a group of five friends passionate about great food, drink, and hospitality. And the Bromham community has already given them a warm welcome, proving that this new chapter is off to a fantastic start.
Authentic Nepalese flavours in a classic pub setting
The menu at The Prince of Wales offers a carefully crafted selection of Nepalese dishes, staying true to the authentic flavours you’d find in Nepal itself. The team say their rich, aromatic curries are perfectly spiced traditional dishes, and a chance for food lovers to explore a new world of taste without leaving Bedford Borough.
But don’t worry if you’re a fan of the pub’s classic offeringsSunday roasts and traditional lunches are staying firmly on the menu. In fact, the team told the Clanger they’re working on an exciting fusion menu, allowing diners to enjoy the best of both worlds.
A pub for all occasions
Whether you’re after a casual pint, a hearty Sunday roast, or an evening of Nepalese cuisine, The Prince of Wales has it covered. While they may have only been in place for a month, the team is looking at the long-term and are already planning live music nights, summer barbecues, and monthly quiz nights, ensuring there’s always something happening for the local community and beyond.
The Prince of Wales can be found at 8 Northampton Rd, Bedford MK43 8PE
Monday – Sunday: 12pm – 11pm
Lunch: 12pm – 3pm
Evening: 5pm – 10pm Sunday Roast: 12pm – 4pm
Bookings can be made via phone 01234 822447 or through their website princeofwalesbromham.com, walk-ins are always welcome.
For those who prefer to enjoy restaurant-quality food at home, The Prince of Wales also offers takeaway, with a 10% discount on collections.
The Prince of Wales Pub / Image: The Prince of Wales
Image: The Prince of Wales
HOMETOWN TOURIST
Slow down, take a step off the beaten track and become a Hometown Tourist this month…
Record Store Day
Saturday, 12 April @ 8am
Slide Record Shop, The Old Arcade
Record Store Day is here again, celebrating indie record shops and all things record shop culture. As ever, Slide Record Shop will be throwing a party with limited edition records, the legends from Roll Your Own Records on the decks and damn good vibes.
So whether you are an early bird queuer or a leisurely browser, head to the Old Arcade to celebrate.
Bedford Flea, Affordable Art and Local Produce Market
Sunday, 13 April @ 10am - 3pm
Harpur Square
It’s back and it’s what Sundays are made for! The first Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market of the year takes place on Sunday, 13 April and this year, while St Paul’s Square gets some major TLC, the flea family is moving to Harpur Square.
The April market is the Flea’s Easter edition, so you’ll be able to stock up on a whole variety of treats for the bank holiday ahead, all while shopping small and supporting local. We’re hoping that the sun will shine so we can all browse and buy antiques, artwork, local produce, street food, refreshments and enjoy live music in some glorious spring weather.
Ukrainian Folk Art and Heritage Exhibition
Saturday, 12 April @ 11am
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane
The Higgins is home to a new exhibition this month, featuring beautiful, colourful and regional antique costumes of Ukraine curated by a local Ukrainian artist.
The exhibition will showcase embroidered items including rushnyky (long embroidered cloths), serviettes and cushions plus stunning hand-decorated eggs and a chance to join an Easter egg hunt through the museum
What did the shark say when he ate the clownfish? This tastes a little funny.
Illustration by Katie Allen
Image: Bedford Flea
Image: The Higgins Bedford
GREAT BEDFORDIAN
This month’s Great Bedfordian is Poonam Shah, the owner and optometrist at Humphriss & Burgess, a family-run opticians on Mill Street.
The practice has been part of Bedford’s community since 1946, with Deryck Humphriss and Fred Burgess first opening on Bedford High Street.
In 2012, Poonam and her husband, Rakesh (Raks) Shah, took over after moving to Bedford with their young children. Sadly, that same year, Raks was diagnosed with myelodysplasia (MDS), a rare blood cancer. Despite receiving a stem cell transplant in 2014, he passed away in December due to his advanced condition.
Since then, Poonam has been a passionate advocate for Anthony Nolan Trust, raising awareness and funds for stem cell donation.
Today, Poonam continues to lead Humphriss & Burgess, building lasting relationships with loyal patients and their families.
Name:
Poonam Shah
Occupation:
Optometrist and owner of Humphriss & Burgess, Bedford’s oldest opticians based on Mill Street. I took over the business just over twelve years ago.
Born here or blow in?
Blew in, and I thank my stars every day that I did! My children and I have made life-long friends here.
Best breakfast in Bedford?
I don’t often have breakfast out but if I do, I’ll head down to Riverside Square to Bridges Espresso Bar or Albero Lounge.
Best boozer?
Hands down, it has to be Noble Rot!
Best coffee or cuppa?
I tend to keep it local to work, so I either head to You for Coffee at The Arc, Frescoes or The Mill Yard Cafe. Always keen to support a fellow independent local business.
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford?
I love the summer concerts in Bedford Park, and local artist Alfie Templeman is definitely a favourite.
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress?
No - a bit ashamed to say I haven’t but will add it to my list! Not sure it’s light light-hearted holiday reading though!?
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger?
Of course - and chocolate toothpaste! But I have to admit, I usually opt for more healthy options.
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about?
Not sure it’s off the beaten track but I love walking or cycling to the Danish Camp. Also our little boat club in Oakley. Anywhere by the water really.
Best Bedfordian?
Fellow mum, businesswoman and all round lovely lady, Sophia Soul (Sophia Forrester).
Three words that best sum up Bedford?
Welcoming, home and hmm, ok it’s not one word or even three…. The most beautiful riverside location.
Humpriss & Burgess, 28a Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3HD | 01234 354343 | humphrissandburgess.co.uk
Poonam Shah / Image: Kelly Lambert
You For Coffee
Image: Sophia Soul
