VEGAN PLACES IN BEDFORD

I’ve been thinking about writing this blog post for a while. In the recent few months, I have been exploring Bedford, particularly it’s vegan food. For me, it’s being able to turn up somewhere and have more than one option on the menu, or not having to change options on my choice because the restaurant hasn’t quite introduced vegan items to a menu. I’m talking about MEALS, not just a side salad or chips, but full meals. I’m also including places of interest that sell vegan products such as refill or supply stores. The rise of vegan options is definitely increasing, with more places becoming vegan friendly; which is an amazing development!

In this guide, I am sharing all the places that we have been exploring that welcome vegans/are vegan friendly/completely vegan!

1. The Vardo

A very lovely local place. This is an all plant-based cafe, providing delicious plant-based foods, including cakes, sandwiches, cheese, lunches, and more. 

The Vardo is there to give visitors a chance to explore healthy lifestyle choices, to learn about the vegan food, and to enjoy the environment. There are some lovely plants, and other ecofriendly products you can explore in the area. It’s a very unique, refreshing, and relaxed space, so everyone is welcome to go in and browse. 

Every time I’ve headed in here, I’ve usually purchased myself a biscoff cheesecake. We’ve enjoyed afternoon tea, buddha bowls, sandwiches, and all the lovely cakes from The Vardo.

2. Made in Bedford

Made in Bedford is an eco-cafe and shop which promotes and sells the work of local artists and makers. 

Made in Bedford was created in May 2016 to promote the work of local artists, designers, makers and producers. By supporting the work of these local creatives, they encourage homegrown talent and innovation, promote sustainable products, support the local economy and help our planet by reducing transport emissions. In addition to this, they offer vegan food, including cakes & main meals. 

We tried some of their wraps (sooo good!), I’ve enjoyed their seasonal tarts, brunch dishes and cakes. Definitely plenty of selection. They stop serving food after 3pm so make note of that if you’re looking at heading over.

3. Vanilla Tree

One word – bagels. The Vanilla Tree team really know how to make bagels. The vegan definitely tastes great, and they’re all made fresh when you order.

A small independent coffee shop specialising in locally roasted coffee, specialty teas, handmade cakes, and pastries. This coffee place also offers all day brunch, paninis, and other goodies.

4. Albero Lounge

One thing I love about the Albero Lounge, is how big the vegan menu is; there are 20+ options to choose from. Every time I have gone in here, the food has been amazing. I’ve tried a different item each time. The great thing with this place is that it is open all day, so you can get your brunch fix, you can get your lunch fix, or grab yourself dinner. We use this space as somewhere to work as you know you can stay during your work hours without getting kicked out.

It’s a lovely atmosphere, and the staff are lovely. They are always happy to help and work very hard.

5. The Store

I’ve included The Store in here as you can find vegan products in here. The Store is Bedford’s first zero waste shop, a grocery store designed to reduce single use packaging and household food waste. From fresh products, to pulses/grains, tea & coffee, cereal, oils, spices, gifts and cleaning products! You’ve got it all on offer here.

Just bring your containers, follow the super easy and simple instructions for how to refill, and off you go. It’s great value for money and reduces your waste.

6.  Fay’s Coffee

A sweet family run business, great to go and grab something if you’re in need of a fix of coffee or cake. This coffee shop also sells kitchen items and kits. 

They currently offer take away of drinks & treats only but you can order through their shop for FREE local delivery or click and collect. We’ve popped in here on more than one occasion for our chai latte and oat latte fix, so much now the lovely lady recognises us and tells us the vegan cake options – usually a great tasting brownie!

7. Papillon Coffee House 

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly”. A beautiful quote that you can read as you sip your coffee from your cup. 

Not just offering coffee, but cakes, sandwiches, and snacks. Papillion Coffee House often puts on food evenings as well. This quaint little coffee house is a great place to go and grab a coffee, or to take your laptop and work from. 

8. Bridges Espresso Bar

If you’re looking for a sit down with food & some coffee, this is the place for you. Bridges Espresso Bar is a modern, independent, family run Espresso Bar offering quality, locally sourced products and ingredients from across Bedfordshire and the surrounding counties. Bridges is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and evening bites to accompany the drinks selection.  

Shout out to Bridges for having an amazing vegan breakfast/lunch plate.

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9. Coffee with Art

Coffee with Art opened in 2013, in the second oldest building on the high street. This place has a relaxed, warm vibe to it – definitely perfect for work meetings, lunches, or catching up with friends. It definitely has a cool vibe to it with its book wall and unique decorations.

We’ve enjoyed the vegan paninis, cakes, coffees, and smoothies whilst on working lunches here.

10. The Vegan Fryer

Fancy a night in? Fancy some awesome vegan burgers? The Vegan Fryer opened in 2020 and have been rammed with orders ever since. We’ve mainly been in contact through Instagram, in which they are always quick to respond, especially when we try and order last minute haha! The burgers taste great, and they keep adding more and more to their menu – keep an eye on them, make sure you give them an order on the weekend.

11. The Gallery/Companions bread

This lovely cafe is based in The Arc art shop. An independently owned café and brunch spot; we’ve only recently been ordering our coffees/drinks from here, and they taste awesome (although on the small side).

You could do a working lunch here, catch up with friends, or just head over for a chill.

If you’re like us and love yourself some sourdough bread, The Gallery offer loaves that can be preordered from Companions Bakery. We order our loaf each week!

12. The Kings Arms

Looking for something fancy? Based outside of Bedford, in Cardington, is The Kings Arms. Complete with their own vegan menu, there’s plenty to choose. From lentils, falafels, burgers, curries, and deserts – it’s nice to actually have a good range to pick from.

Have you been to a local place that offers vegan items that you can’t see on this list? Send them over. I am constantly updating this list as I go and explore more of Bedford. 

*If you run a company, and would like to be added to this list, please give me a shout!*