Bedford's Castle Quarter is one of the best places to live!

Thu 05 Sep 2019

With national newspapers, The Guardian and The Sunday Times now championing our area, it won’t be long until the secret is well and truly out - Bedford's Castle Quarter is one of the best places to live!

Set against the backdrop of The Embankment and River Ouse, and with Russell Park on our doorstep, the Castle Quarter is one of the most sought after areas in the town.

We are lucky enough to have a brilliant school on our doorstep. Castle Newnham Primary School is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. And we have a huge range of shops, coffee houses, delis, pubs and restaurants all within walking distance. There’s Foods of Italy - a fantastic deli - with a team always ready to help discover new culinary delights. And if you like Italian food, then you’ll have to visit Two Like Us Bistro - a delightful restaurant - where the food is exquisite and the service impeccable! Long established retailers include Architectural Antiques, the never ending cavern of second hand goods that is Bargain Alley whilst Eagle Books and the Eagle Gallery both champion local authors and artists. Closer to the town we have Rogan’s Books, an Indie children’s bookshop that is transforming the town with annual events like BookTastic.

There is a healthy choice of great pubs - The Devonshire Arms, The Gordon Arms, The White Horse and The Embankment, which offer something for everyone whether you fancy a craft ale, proper pub grub or gastronomic delights! The Embankment is a historic hotel and restaurant overlooking the river with the outdoor terrace being the perfect place to watch the world go by in the summer months. If Portuguese cuisine is your bag then look no further than Toucatelha, set on the edge of the Quarter, serving authentic Mediterranean fare. A few yards away, you’ll not sample better quality pizzas than at Santaniello’s – the town’s oldest pizza restaurant. Hidden gems nestling amongst the delightful Victorian streets.

If you’re looking for the best coffee in Bedford, then you’re spoilt for choice. A takeaway latte from Crumbs or The Kiosk in Russell Park will keep your hands warm on a dog walk. If you’re meeting friends, Papillon is a wonderful coffee shop - make sure you sample their delicious brownies and lunch menu along with their great coffee!

All independently owned and run, these outlets complement the diverse residential mix of the area.

We are never short of events and activities in the Quarter. Russell Park is the venue for the annual weekend Kite Festival in June, with a new Festival of Motoring launching alongside it this year. Every two years, many thousands come from far and wide to visit Bedford River Festival – the second largest and most widely attended outdoor festival in the country behind the Notting Hill Carnival - and is always great fun! With cultural hotspots - The Higgins Museum and Panacea Museum are within a few minutes’ walk - we really have the best of everything in this lovely community that is the Castle Quarter.