From favourite places to visit to hidden gems, Bedford Borough Council is shouting about what’s great where we all live in a regular feature.
Every councillor is being invited to answer questions about their ward, to reveal the best places to shop, socialise or spend a lazy Sunday, and to share facts that you might not know or dates that you should put in your diary.
This week it’s Councillor Paul Edmonds, who represents Castle and Newnham ward.
What’s your favourite place to shop in Castle and Newnham and why?
It’s obviously a tough choice given that we have pretty much half of the town centre in the ward, but every weekend I nip into Rosanna’s The Store in the St Cuthbert's Arcade for sourdough and the wonderful Pumpernickel to speak to Waheed and learn from his encyclopaedic knowledge.
Where is your favourite place to eat in Castle and Newnham and why?
Again, there are so many great places to go but my weekends rarely pass without a visit to Green Earth Café in St Paul's Square. Whether you’re vegan, vegan-curious or just want a relaxing coffee and cake in a welcoming chilled environment, this is the place to come.
Where is your favourite place to go for a drink in Castle and Newnham and why?
One of my favourite haunts before I stopped drinking was Herd. I had my 50th birthday there because they have an amazing hidden DJ room and dance floor downstairs. They do great food too! Obviously there is the legendary “The Rose till Close” but I feel a bit old going there now - especially if my eldest is there.
Tell us a great place for a family to visit in Castle and Newnham?
The Higgins Museum is a fantastic free family-friendly museum that mixes art, history, archaeology and hands-on activities in a way that keeps people of all ages engaged. The building itself is full of character, blending historic brewery buildings with modern gallery spaces. Regular family workshops, trails and holiday events give kids plenty to explore beyond traditional exhibits. The exhibits are constantly changing so you don’t get the ‘done that’ feeling. It also sits perfectly within a wider Bedford day out by the Embankment, with parks and cafes nearby.
What is a hidden gem in Castle and Newnham?
It’s hardly hidden to those that know, as it is hugely popular, but if you haven’t been to Wendover Cafe in Wendover Drive and seen the incredible range of foods they offer, you are seriously in for a huge and pleasant surprise. Just be considerate about your parking please…
What is the highlight of the calendar year in Castle and Newnham?
It’s not every year of course but it has to be the River Festival. People come from miles around to join an officially estimated 300,000 people enjoying the river and surrounding area which brings in some £1million to the local economy for the weeks around the event itself.
And fast becoming a regular (almost twice-yearly) diary item now is the superb St Cuthbert’s Street Party as well, where the road is closed and the local businesses put in a huge amount of effort creating a great event for everyone to enjoy. So, save the date: Sunday 30 August for the best street party in Bedford!
What’s your favourite way to spend a lazy Sunday in Castle and Newnham?
The river is the jewel in Bedford’s crown; people who visit for the River Festival came back to walk along the Embankment. We’re lucky to have it and it’s one of those places that reminds you why green spaces matter so much to a town’s wellbeing.
Tell us something most people won’t know about Castle and Newnham.
During the war the BBC broadcast its World Service from “Somewhere in England”. That “somewhere” was our very own beautiful St Paul’s Church. There is a lovely engraving on the floor describing this history where the broadcast happened. And, coming soon, Bedford Creative Arts will be working with some fantastic artists to bring a new spin on the creativity of Bedford called “Somewhere in England” to put Bedford firmly on the creative map.
Name one thing that you’d like to see come to Castle and Newnham.
Hotel Chocolat - not just because chocolate, but because it would be a sign that the town centre’s economy was on the up. But more broadly, seeing the town centre rejuvenated by becoming more of a central community place for everyone to offer experiences and a social space rather than just being transactional.