CONTENTS
SHARE BEDFORD | 4
WHAT’S ON | 6
Bedford’s new ‘library of things’ Diaries at the ready
THEATRE | 8
The best of this month’s theatre
FILM | 11
Introduction
We hope all our readers have had a restful festive break and are ready to grab their diaries, flick through the Clanger and make some January plans to kick-start 2025. As ever, we’ve got our pick of the best theatre, live music, film and comedy to give you some inspiration.
As you’ll have seen on the cover (created by former Clanger designer, Curtis Reeve), we’ve got a feature on Share Bedford’s ‘library of things’ which is officially
MEET THE TEAM
Film forever Tana Lounge
Esquires turns 35!
FOOD & DRINK | 12
LIVE MUSIC | 14
Bring the noise
HOMETOWN TOURIST | 18 GREAT BEDFORDIAN | 19
The coffee master, Lisa Course
launching this month - perfect for if you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to live more sustainably.
This month’s Hometown Tourist page is a celebration of Esquires, which is celebrating its 35th birthday this year. If you’ve never been, or haven’t been for several decades, now’s the time to make a visit.
All that remains is for us to wish you all a very happy NewYear and we’ll see you again next month.
Team Clanger
Even more events are included in our weekly What’s On Guide, published every Wednesday on our website at bedfordindependent.co.uk
Editor: Erica Roffe / clanger@bedfordindependent.co.uk
Commercial Director: Julia Course / julia@bedfordindependent.co.uk
Design: Ben Graham / ben@twenty-sixstudios.co.uk
Cover Design: Curtis Reeve
Food & Drink: Paul Hutchinson
Theatre: Paula Walker
Website: bedfordindependent.co.uk
The Bedford Clanger is published by Progress Publishing
Erica Roffe, Julia Course & Paul Hutchinson (Image: Two-D Photography)
SHARE BEDFORD
Borrow, don’t buy
If living more sustainably is one of your New Year’s resolutions, then the launch of Share Bedford’s ‘library of things’ is here to help.
The new initiative will enable members to borrow items for a small fee from their base at Bedford Central Library. From jet washers to pasta makers, leaf blowers to cat carriers, they hope that Bedfordians will pool their resources to borrow rather than buy.
And the benefits are many: you’ll save money, reduce waste and consumption, have a less cluttered house and use things more meaningfully.
The charity, which is run by volunteers, opened for donations at the end of 2024 and this month will see them officially ‘open for business’ at the library in Harpur Square.
“Everyone has been so supportive and excited about the project,” said Share Bedford’s Susan Throssell. “Not only have
people reached out to donate items for the library, but we’ve met so many like-minded groups and we’re building a wonderful community around sustainability and the circular economy.
“Borrowing and sharing not only saves money and reduces waste - important steps for our planet - but also challenges the consumer-driven culture and I love that idea as a quiet form of protest.”
From mid-January, Share Bedford volunteers will be on the second floor at Bedford Central Library every Wednesday from 12pm - 2pm and every Saturday from 10am - 12pm to sign up new members, arrange donations and hand over borrowed items.
So if your garage is full of tools gathering dust, your cupboard under the stairs houses a sewing machine not getting much use or there’s a set of golf clubs in your shed, Share Bedford would love to hear from you.
Did you know that the average lifetime use of a drill is just 12-13 minutes? It makes sense to borrow rather than buy.
Share Bedford trustee, Richard Baker
“I’m passionate about building community and creating spaces where people can connect, even for just a moment,” said Susan.
“Share Bedford is about relationships, showing care for one another, and making gentle connections while saving money in the process. Oh, and if anyone would like to donate a karaoke machine, it’s my 50th birthday this year and I’d love to borrow one for the big day…”
cartoonist was found dead. Details are sketchy.
Share Bedford Volunteers at Bedford Central Library / Image: Share Bedford
What to donate and how to donate
If you would like to donate, here are some guidelines of ‘things’ that Share Bedford could make use of...
Garden things:
Lawn raker
Pressure washer with patio cleaning head
Strimmer
Hedge trimmer/Grass strimmer/ Pole hedge trimmer
Pizza oven
DIY things:
Sander
Sack barrow
Drill
Mitre saw/Reciprocating saw/ Circular saw/Jig saw
Spirit level
Electric planer
Wallpaper stripper
Paste table
Angle grinder
Ladder
Fun things:
Jigsaws
Games
Big garden games
Candyfloss maker/popcorn
maker/chocolate fountain
Karaoke machine
Disco ball
Badge maker
Bubble machine
Household things:
Cake mixer
Dehydrator
Specialised cake tins
Whiteboard
Wheelchair
Air fryer
Breadmaker
How to donate
If you have ‘things’ that you would like to donate to Share Bedford, you can get in touch either via the contact page on their website or you can email info@sharebedford.org
WHAT’S ON
First female bomb disposal officer gives talk in Kempston
On Thursday, 2 January, the UK’s first female bomb disposal officer, Lucy Lewis, will be in Kempston to give a fascinating talk about her ground-breaking career and her best-selling book, Lighting the Fuse.
She will talk about joining the military in the 1980s at a time when women were taking on more dangerous roles and how her every move was watched and scrutinised. Refusing to let this hold her back, she broke through the ceiling, fought against sexism and achieved something no woman had ever done before.
From joining Sandhurst to rushing to her first bomb disposal call-out, Lucy’s story is full of high stakes and tense situations that for most of us, are beyond comprehension. Since leaving the military Lucy has continued to make history becoming the first female Marshall of Cambridge University and leading the country’s oldest police force.
This is an open meeting of the Kempston Over 50’s Club and entry is £3 on the door.
Kempston East Methodist Church Hall, Foster Road, Kempston MK42 8BT 2pm - 4pm
Epiphany Superstars
Make the most of the end of the school holidays with this magical workshop at the Higgins on Friday, 3 January. Philippa and her team at Creative Days will look at Epiphany stars as a starting point before creating special stars to celebrate the new year, new beginnings, thoughts and focus. Children will also get to choose from a collection of hidden words, all meaningful and special, to keep with their star as something to reflect on throughout 2025.
Suitable for children of primary school age. Younger children are welcome but will need significant support from their parents.
Workshops last an hour and start at 11.15, 12.45 or 2.15
Cost £5.50 per child
Booking via the Box Office on 01234 718044 or online atthehigginsbedford.org.uk
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane MK40 3XD
Community Portrait: Reprint Revolution Symposium
Tuesday, 14 January 2025
As part of the Community Portrait exhibition (at the Higgins until 25 February), Bedford Creative Arts is hosting an afternoon of engaging talks and thought-provoking panel discussions exploring critical topics like bias in algorithms, AI-driven visual innovation, the quest for fair representation, and how AI can be harnessed as a powerful tool for advancing arts and culture.
Guest speakers include AI Artists Fergus Laidlaw and Arnab Chakravarty, the multi-award winning Digital Participation Artist John Whall and AI portrait paint artist Andee Collard. The event takes place at the Higgins Bedford and opens at 1.30pm with a chance to look at the exhibition before the first talk at 2pm. The event will run until 5pm, followed by drinks and networking taking place in The Swan Hotel. Light vegetarian refreshments will be served prior to the first talk.
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
Bad gardeners are rough around the hedges.
Your museum needs you!
Become a volunteer at the John Bunyan Museum
Are you looking for a new challenge? A chance to meet new people? Improve or learn new skills? To add to your CV or do something for the community?
At 10.30am on Saturday, 25 January, the John Bunyan Museum & Library and Bunyan Meeting is holding a recruitment morning for anyone interested in volunteering at the Museum and Library, Church coffee shop, or the Basement gallery.
This is a fantastic gem of a museum, right in the heart of Bedford’s Cultural Quarter, and runs thanks to its team of dedicated volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.
As well as the opportunities at the museum, there is also a friendly team of volunteers at the Church Coffee Shop who would welcome newcomers.
“The volunteers do a brilliant job,” said the museum’s curator, Nicola Sherhod. “The last few years have been difficult with the Pandemic and flooding, but that hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm and support of our volunteers. It’s fascinating and rewarding work, a great way to meet people and develop transferable skills, and to support a great part of Bedford’s heritage.”
The recruitment event takes place in the Foyer Coffee Shop in Bunyan Meeting church on Mill Street at 10.30am on Saturday, 25th January.
For more details contact the Curator Nicola Sherhod on 01234 270303 or email curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk.
Drink and Draw
Since 2011, the Circus of Illustration have been running their monthly Drink and Draw events at local pubs. The first Drink and Draw of 2025 will take place at the Park Pub on Kimbolton Road on Tuesday, 28 January. The theme is ‘tear-away street posters’ and all materials are provided, so budding artists can just turn up and take part.
It’s free to attend, and all adults interested in drawing, illustration and socialising with other creative folk are warmly welcomed. £2 donation is welcome.
Wonderful walks
The North Beds Ramblers have a packed programme of walks this January, including a trip to London. You can find out more about the group on their website (ramblers.org.uk/northbedfordshire). What better way to blow away the festive cobwebs and work off those pigs in blankets?...
Saturday, 11 January @ 1pm Bromham, Northampton Road MK43 8PE
A 5.8-mile walk towards Stagsden and alongside Hangar Wood.
Saturday, 18 January @ 1pm
Station Road/Church Street by Railway Station MK43 0RU Walk around Lidlington, steep start, 6 miles
Saturday, 25 January @ 9am
Bedford Station MK40 1DS
Nine-mile Discover Dockland walk – London Bridge to Canary Wharf and light installation show
Saturday, 25 January @ 1pm
Near Fox and Hounds Riseley MK44 1DT
A seven-mile walk towards Swineshead, 7 miles.
For more information contact Margaret Sawyer 07780 933729.
THEATRE
At the Quarry Theatre this month
26 St Peters St, Bedford MK40 2NN / quarrytheatre.org.uk
Talk: The Quarry Theatre Spring Launch
Saturday, 11 January 2025
The Quarry Theatre @ 2pm / Tickets: Free
Join the Quarry team for the launch of their 2024 Spring programme. During your visit you can enjoy discounts at the bar, a flash sale on selected events, a presentation about how the theatre came to be and explore areas of the theatre that most people don’t get to see! Artist Simon Wrigley is exhibiting in the gallery space during January. He will be in the building to answer any questions you might have about his beautiful paintings.
Comedy: Felicity Ward; I’m Exhausting
Saturday, 18 January 2025
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £15
Star of ‘The Office’ (Australia), Felicity Ward returns for her first national tour in six years. In a two-hour laugh-out-loud extravaganza, Felicity Ward talks about something that no one has ever done before - she had a baby.
The show is about pregnancy, and not getting pregnant, and birth, and post-natal depression, and motherhood, and identity, and sexuality, and the disintegration of how things were, and missing home, and Quorn, and transition lenses, and fingering. All the big things. All of them.
Open mic: Bedford’s Got Talent - Open Mic Night
Saturday, 25 January 2025
The Quarry Theatre @ 7pm / Tickets: Pay What You can from £7.50
Discover Bedford’s brightest stars and hidden gems at Bedford’s Got Talent - Open Mic Night, a unique evening celebrating creativity and the arts. From thought-provoking spoken word to heartfelt poetry, captivating music, and laughout-loud comedy, this event promises something for everyone. Be part of Bedfordshire’s first-of-its-kind showcase, bringing together an eclectic mix of local talent and performers from further afield. Whether you’re here to support or step up to the mic yourself, it’s going to be a night to remember.
Comedy: Shaparak Khorsandi: Scatterbrain Friday, 31 January 2025
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: £18
Having reassessed her life through the prism of an ADHD diagnosis in last year’s funny and moving memoir, one of Britain’s most beloved and most scatterbrained stand-ups lets you back into her mind (warning: it’s cluttered in there). Among other things, this show will be a love letter to letter-writing, a trip back through her early years as a comic and woman-abouttown, and a whirlwind tour of a chaotic, hilarious brain.
At the Place Theatre this month
Bradgate Rd, Bedford MK40 3DE / theplacebedford.org.uk
Theatre: Buretti: The Man who Sewed the World Wednesday, 15 & Thursday, 16 January 2025
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £10
Set in a 1970s TV television talk show format this theatre production portrays the fascinating tale of Freddie Burretti, David Bowie’s close friend and Ziggy Stardust costume designer. With a befitting musical score, the show reveals
Burretti’s toils with 1970s homophobia, events leading up to meeting David Bowie and the legendary 1972 BBC Top of the Pops broadcast.
Theatre Workshop: Empower YouPerformance Skills Workshop Friday, 24 January 2025
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / £80 for six-week course
Unlock your full potential with the Empower You Performance Skills Workshops, brought to you by Standing in the Wings. These dynamic sessions are designed to boost your confidence, enhance your presentation abilities, and refine your performance skills. Whether you’re looking to excel in public speaking, improve your stage presence, or develop your personal brand, our coaches provide tailored guidance to help you shine. The six-week course takes place on Friday evenings at The Place Theatre from 24 January - 28 February.
Community Theatre: Vintage Hitchcock: A Liver Radio Play
Sunday, 26 January 2025
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £12
Spies, murder, love, and other trademarks of Alfred Hitchcock come to life in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast of the master of suspense’s earlier films. With The Lodger, Sabotage and The 39 Steps, Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play is a triple feature, complete with vintage commercials, that recreates a daring train chase, a serial killer’s ominous presence, and a devastating explosion through the magic of live sound effects.
Theatre: Victorian Gothic
Wednesday, 29 January 2025
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm / Tickets: from £12
This is an anthology stage show based on a classic trio of nineteenth-century chillers – The Body-Snatcher, The Monkey’s Paw and Lot No 249. Dramatic story-telling in the theatre style at its best! Actor Jonathan Goodwin performs a show scripted by himself and co-directed with Gary Archer.
Children’s Storytelling: Exploring Animals with Kaye Leidoscope
Friday, 31 January 2025
The Place Theatre @ 10am / Tickets: Pay What You Can from £2
Join Kaye Leidoskope for these lively & lovely interactive storytelling sessions for under-fives and their grown-ups. Expect songs, games, crafts and dancing …perfect for little ones to creatively learn through play!
Please don’t make my funeral too early. I’m not really a mourning person.
FILM
Stevington Cinema Club
Stevington Village Hall Court Lane, Stevington MK43 7QT / stevingtoncinemaclub.uk
Stevington Cinema Club presents: The Royal Opera’s The Tales of Hoffmann Wednesday, 15 January @ 6.30pm
Through the haze of the years, a poet remembers the women he loved. But when it comes to matters of the heart, nothing is as it seems. Particularly when the devil himself is involved…
Journeying back to his school days, Hoffmann relives his childhood romance with Olympia, a model student in every sense. Doomed love follows him into adulthood, where the dancer, Antonia, is taken from him too soon. Meanwhile, the sensual courtesan Giulietta has her own secret agenda. As memory and fantasy becomes increasingly blurred, will Hoffmann find the enigmatic Stella before it is too late?
Stevington Cinema Club presents: Mrs Harris Goes to Paris Thursday, 23 January @ 6pm
In partnership with the House of Dior, Mrs Harris Goes To Paris tells the charming tale of a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London who falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she must have one of her own.
After she works, starves and gambles to raise the funds to pursue her dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris which will change not only her own outlook, but the very future of the House of Dior.
Bedford Film Society presents: The Old Oak Tuesday, 28 January @ 7.30pm | Tickets £5 / members free
once-thriving
There is growing anger, resentment, and a lack of hope among the residents, but the pub and its proprietor TJ are a fond presence to their customers. When a group of Syrian refugees move into the floundering village, a decisive rift fueled by prejudices develops between the community and its newest inhabitants.
The formation of an unexpected friendship between TJ and a young Syrian woman named Yara opens up new possibilities for the divided village in this deeply moving drama about loss, fear, and the difficulty of finding hope.
The film reunites legendary British director Ken Loach with Zeitgeist Films and Kino Lorber following the 2020 release of his film Sorry We Missed You. Loach, who is 87 years old, has announced that The Old Oak will be his final film.
The University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue, MK41 9EA
The Old Oak is the last pub standing in a
mining village in northern England, a gathering space for a community that has fallen on hard times.
TANA LOUNGE
Tana Lounge
As one of Bedford’s most popular restaurants, it was inevitable that one day they’d have to expand and Tana Thai has done just that by relocating to a new premises on Castle Lane.
With a new name too, Tana Lounge is hoping to bring the taste of Thai food to even more people, and if you’ve not been there yet – we highly recommend you book your table ASAP.
Regular Clanger readers will remember our November edition review of Tana Thai’s dishes. But it’s worth recapping some of that for those who may have missed it.
Tana, the chef behind the restaurant attended the famous Wandee Culinary Art School in Bangkok. She says she has always been eager for everyone to discover the beauty of Thai cuisine and every time she cooks, she does so as if cooking for her own family using only the very best ingredients and lots of love.
The rest of the team is incredibly welcoming and helpful, it’s clear to see why Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. They’re also highly knowledgeable in Thai cuisine and will give anyone who needs it some guidance and recommendations on Thai food – perfect if you’ve not had the pleasure before, but a nice opportunity for a reminder if you have.
So, has much changed since the move to a location closer to Bedford town centre?
Well, other than a new venue and more modern relaxed décor, plus regular live music events, the same high-quality food and
service is to be expected, helping blend the traditional Tana experience with something more lively and fun.
Yes, they’ll still be offering authentic Thai food with gluten-free and vegan options, but they’ve now also updated their drinks offering to include specially selected cocktails and draught beer supplied by Bedford’s very own Brewpoint.
Their live music events are already proving to be popular, with recent performances having sold out fast. If you’re quick you may still be able to book a table for Laura Menozzi who will be performing on Saturday, 4 January.
Tana Lounge can be found at 15 Castle Ln, Bedford MK40 3NT.
Tuesday to Saturday: 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Sunday: 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Monday: Closed
Diners are advised to book in advance at tanalounge.com or by calling 01234 481 482.
12 Yesterday a clown held the door open for me. It was such a nice jester.
Image: Tana Lounge
Cocktails galore! / Image: Tana Lounge
LIVE MUSIC
Ouse Valley Singles Club
Saturday, 4 January
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Keeping up traditions of years gone by The Ouse Valley Singles Club return to the main stage at Bedford Esquires to play what has become their traditional ‘First Gig Of The Year’. They will be bringing their truly original and highly entertaining sound that has been dubbed “New Wave Skiffle” and they have been described as ‘George Formby meets The Clash’ where Vaudeville music Hall meets Working Men’s club.
Cameo & Bazooka Joe
Friday, 10 January
The Cellar Bar at 8.30pm / Free entry
A double-header at the Cellar Bar, with Cameo performing rock and pop classics, followed by Bazooka Joe banging out the 80s classics including Duran Duran, The Specials, Madness, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Human League to Queen, The Jam, Simple Minds and much more!
The Workshop Boys
Saturday, 11 January
The Cellar Bar at 8.30pm / Free entry
Peter Andre in The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Thursday, 16 January
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 8pm / Tickets: £45
Starring Peter Andre, The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is a spectacular high-pitched celebration of timeless music from one of the biggest-selling groups of all time. This nostalgic musical journey pays tribute to the life and career of those four boys from Jersey, who started singing under a streetlamp but soon went on to become one of the most recognised groups in history. Featuring a supporting cast of incredible performers from smash-hit award-winning West End musicals, The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons will leave you on a ‘high’ and guarantee you’ll be saying ‘Oh, What A Night!
What are windmills’ favorite genre of music? They’re big metal fans.
Formed by former members of Los Marbles and Cutting Out, The Workshop Boys have fast become one of Bedford’s most loved bar bands - the soundtrack to your perfect Saturday night.
The Krakens
Saturday, 17 January
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm | Free entry
The Krakens are back, covering a variety of rock songs through the ages from the likes of Elton John, Queen, Nirvana, Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day and many more.
Danni Nichols
Saturday, 18 January
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Danni Nichols will return to the Esquires for an unforgettable evening of live music to welcome in the new year. Performing a mix of new songs from her forthcoming album plus some classics from her back catalogue, Danni Nicholls returns from Nashville TN for a hometown show with the best local musicians as her band –Sam Barrett, Ryan Barnes and Dave Banks. Special guests will opening the show will be announced soon!
Jah Wobble & The Invaders of the Heart
Friday, 24 January
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Combining global music, reggae, fusion and punk influences, Jah Wobble has entranced the world with his hypnotic bass riffs for over four decades and has become one of Britain’s most influential and distinct bass players. Accompanied by his band, Invaders of the Heart, Jah Wobble is reborn into a new decade as defiant as ever with a brand new UK tour.
Bedford Sinfonia
Saturday, 25 January
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm / Tickets: vary
A concert featuring several rarely performed works including Johan Svensden’s Norwegian Rhapsody, followed by Darius
Milhaud’s Le boeuf sur le toit. Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7, considered by critics to be one of his greatest symphonies, completes the programme.
Soul Factory - Sunday Afternoon chillout with DJ Rocky & Bobby Sunday, 26 January
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm / Free entry
An afternoon of pure soul, funk, rnb, house, Motown and Northern Soul classics with Soul Factory.
The Cellar Bar
BEDFORD
FRIDAY & SATURDAY - ALL LIVE MUSIC IS FREE ENTRY EVERY SUNDAY - OPEN MIC EVERY THURSDAY - KARAOKE JANUARY 2025
KARAOKE MAT ROBERTS CAMEO/FIVE FIVE SIX OPEN MIC KARAOKE CAMEO/BAZOOKA JOE WORKSHOP BOYS DAYTIME DISCO/OPEN MIC KARAOKE THE KRAKENS MAY CONTAIN NUTZ
JUNIOR OPEN MIC/OPEN MIC
KARAOKE MAT ROBERTS
MEGAPINT? SOUL FACTORY/OPEN MIC
FANNY BURNS KARAOKE/BINGO
KARAOKE NEW CLASSICS/HELEN LESTER
craft beers ~ hand made cocktails ~ live entertainment monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday sunday closed closed varies 6pm - LATE 6pm - LATE 6pm - LATE 3pm - 11pm
HOMETOWN TOURIST
Bedford Esquires celebrates 35 years
2025 sees a milestone in Bedford’s live music history as it marks the 35th anniversary of the town’s iconic, award-winning live music venue, Esquires.
Originally a 19th-century Methodist chapel (you can still see some of the original features around the main stage), the venue became Esquires in March 1990 and the rest - as they say - is history.
Over the years, Esquires has played host to a ridiculous number of stadium-filling superstars on their ascent to stardom, including Elbow, Coldplay, Muse, Public Service Broadcasting, George Ezra, Royal Blood, Idles and American global sensation Lizzo who supported and performed with Har Mar Superstar.
But it’s just as important as the launch pad for local acts including Don Broco, Tom Grennan (more from him later) and Alfie Templeman, who all came through the venue when they were starting their careers and honing their craft.
In 2016 the venue was taken over by Gareth Barber, who modernised the venue by investing in a new PA and lighting system, as well as reinstating a second, smaller stage downstairs, meaning that Esquires can host two live events on the same night - and they’ve never been busier.
“The perception of Esquires has changed since 2016,” said Gareth. “It’s not seen as a ‘toilet circuit’ venue any more, all the facilities have been modernised since we took it on and we’ve constantly reinvested back into the venue. We’re a multi-genre events space, the perception has changed and it’s attracting new audiences.”
One of his proudest achievements is launching the annual Ceremony festival as a way to support and promote emerging
artists. “I became a music promoter because I wanted to share my love of new music with other people,” he said. Finding the artists of tomorrow is a passion. My main frustration is that you can’t always convince other people to take a chance on it. Idles played to 120 people, Franz Ferdinand and The Libertines played to less than 50 people – my one wish for 2025 is for people to actively support more emerging artists. We spend a lot of time and effort trying to foresee which artists are going to break, so you’ll never see anything shit!”
Recent years have been turbulent for the hospitality sector and it’s more important than ever to support small venues like Esquires.
“Venues like Esquires are the A&R department for the music industry,” said Gareth, “It’s where future festival headliners are coming from. When I took over, I always said that I’m just a custodian of the building, looking after it for future generations. I won’t be here, but I certainly hope Esquires is celebrating its 70th birthday in 35 years time. We have some massive announcements coming soon to help celebrate, so keep your eyes firmly peeled”
Happy birthday, Esquires!
“Esquires is the holy grail for artists in Bedford. It’s allowed me and so many artists to be seen and to showcase our talents,” said Bedford-born chart-topping singer/ songwriter Tom Grennan.
“Gareth Barber and all the team there have created something incredible for the town. Esquires is the heartbeat of the music scene in Bedford and I hope it has the best 35th birthday party. I’ll be there in spirit!”
Image: Esquires
GREAT BEDFORDIAN
Our first Great Bedfordian of 2025 is Lisa Course, the owner of the iconic Papillon cafe on Castle Road.
After a 30-year career in hairdressing and raising three children, Lisa decided for a complete career change and opened a coffee shop.
“The name comes from being my nickname when I was training to be a hairdresser,” said Lisa. “I then thought I had completed the caterpillar stage of life and found my wings to fly on my own.
“Papillon is the most beautiful space where you can feel comfortable on your own or with a group and it’s the hub of the community. We bake everything ourselves on-site & have very talented cooks and bakers.”
To add to her Great Bedfordian accolade, Lisa recently won gold in the SME National Business Awards business leader category. Congratulations!
Over to you, Lisa…
Name: Lisa Course
Occupation:
Coffee Shop Owner
Born here or blow in?
Born and bred here, in fact I was born in Queens Drive!
Best breakfast in Bedford?
Best breakfast has to got to be at Papillon Coffee House.
Best boozer?
We don’t go to the pub too much but when we do we love to go to the Gordon Arms. It’s lovely to pop in there after work or before we go to the Bedford Blues.
Best coffee or cuppa?
My favourite coffee is definitely at ours and it has to be a flat white or iced americano wizzed with a dash of oat milk. Especially Wooden Hill’s Christmas Roast.
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford?
Oh my gosh, the best gig I’ve seen in Bedford has got to be Simply Red in Bedford Park. Anyone who knows me knows I’m obsessed, I felt like I was the only one there!
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress?
I read a little of The Pilgrims progress when I was at school. Can’t say I remember too much though.
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger?
My mum used to make the most amazing Bedfordshire Clanger. We used to love it.
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about?
When I’m not making a Sunday roast we love to go to The Swan at Salford. The food is lovely and so welcoming.
Best Bedfordian?
In my eyes the best Bedfordian is the husband, Mr Course. He has supported me through all my decisions no matter how impulsive.
Three words that best sum up Bedford?
Bedford is diverse, multi-cultural and beautiful
Lisa Course / Image: Lisa Course - Papillon Coffee House
Papillon Coffee House doorway / Image: Papillon Coffee House
Simply Red / Image: Peter Haze
