Bedfordshire
Please choose from the right hand options to find and search for restaurants, pubs and inns, producers and shops, accommodation and events in Bedfordshire.
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Through the Tastes of Bedfordshire Campaign many more consumers' are becoming aware of the county's diverse range of producers and
food - which not only means that you can be sure you are supporting the local economy and environment, but that the food is good for you too.
Home of the Dukes of Bedford - magnificent Woburn Abbey is set in
3,000 acres of parkland, with nine species of deer roaming free. Purchase the delicious prime venison at Woburn Country Foods in Haynes West
End (nr. Ampthill). Time for Afternoon Tea? - enjoy a cuppa and cake in the Duchess' Tea Room at Woburn. This very English tradition is said to have been started around 1840 by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the
7th Duke. Heading north 17th C. Bromham Mill (nr. Bedford) grinds local wheat into stoneground
flour - available normally from March to December.
Visit the mill shop of W Jordan (Cereals) Ltd (nr. Biggleswade), home of the moreish breakfast cereals and crunchy bars. This family firm have been milling here since 1855 - creating the very best natural whole foods. For something a bit different, head to Gunns Bakery in Sandy, where you can try a clanger - a baked suet pastry with savoury meat at one end, and something sweet at the other. A complete meal in one handy parcel.
Farm shops are dotted throughout the county, selling locally grown seasonal produce - such as Bedfordshire Growers Ltd at Biggleswade; Browns of Stagsden (nr. Bedford); Flitton Hill Organics (nr. Ampthill); Harpers Food at Studham (nr. Dunstable); Pecks at Eggington (nr. Leighton Buzzard); Pells at Wilden (nr. Bedford); Scald End Farm at Thurleigh (nr. Bedford); and Summerhill at Cardington (nr. Bedford). Franklins of Thorncote (nr. Sandy) are free range poultry producers and game dealers. Whilst Garden Friends and Local's Best will provide a range of items direct to your door. Edible Ornamentals at Chawston (nr. St. Neots) are growers of more than 40 different varieties of chilli peppers. Try one of their firey gourmet sauces.
Wash it all down with a pint of Bombardier English Premium Bitter from Wells and Young's Ltd in Bedford. Established in 1876, they are the country's largest independently owned, family run brewery - winning many awards and also owning a chain of pubs. Local East Anglian malt is used in the cask-conditioned 'real' ale - such as Shannon IPA and Shambles Bitter from The Potton Brewery Company established in 1997.
Bedfordshire's only vineyard is the award-winning Warden Abbey at
Southill (nr. Biggleswade). The site dates back to 1135, when a Cistercian abbey stood here - and the monks planted a vineyard. A part of this area was replanted with vines in 1986, with the first vintage coming in 1990. This is also where the county's fruit speciality, the Warden Pear was first grown in the 14th C.
When you are out and about, make sure you look out for the Bedfordshire Food Mark (the scheme verified by trading standards) - which makes it easy for you to know which outlets are selling local food and crafts.
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