The Kings Arms (Cardington)

Front garden Kings Arms

If any of you don't know Cardington it is a beautiful little village nestled just outside Bedford in the shadow of the magnificent air ship hangers.

The Kings arms has had a mixed past. I remember it years ago when it was inevitably run by some awful chain pumping out microwaved cardboard-esque gruel.

However, more recently under new ownership and after a long overdue make over the gastro pub has really come in to its own.

It’s less a pub and more of a restaurant (still a chain) now and is beautifully decorated inside and out. I have spent countless Sunday afternoons sitting out in the garden with a cool drink and warm wholesome, freshly produced meal. The menu has a home cooked feel about it. However, it is a far cry from anything the average cook could rustle up in their kitchen. The food is more often than not brilliant. I think I would say they do simple food really well. Things like their fish and chips and Sunday roasts are always very good. That is of course when they have the ingredients! As last Sunday I went at about 4.00pm and there was only one out of the four roast dinner options to choose from. It was beef, not my first, second or third choice but I have to say it was cooked to perfection being tender and full of flavour. The vegetables and potatoes were also seasoned well and very moreish.

The restaurants does all kinds of courses (which I must say I wasn't aware of until I looked at their website) like two for £10 and three to £13 on certain days of the week; full details of which are available on their website.

www.thekingsarmscardington.co.uk

Blue ginger

Blue Ginger facade can be lost in its surroundings

Blue ginger is a popular little Indian restaurant on Bedford Road, Kempston. It is easy to drive past without giving it a second look especially now with the addition of The Elephant; the Chinese and Thai restaurant that is situated practically on top of the understated Indian.

The restaurant is rather small inside and on a busy Friday or Saturday night it feels as though you are eating from the table of your neighbour. However, I feel this adds to the charm of the place. It has always had a really nice atmosphere whenever I have been there. Indeed a lot of customers that come to pick up their take-away order come early to have a drink and a chat at the bar. The staff are friendly and indeed the owner / manager likes to come to the tables of his guests and engage in conversation, which is a bit more than the usual, “Is everything alright with your meal?” You can sit and relax without having courses thrust under your nose as soon as you have finished the starter, which is very welcomed especially when considering how busy the place gets.

The takeaway menu is also very good and is quite often found at the top of the pile in my house. Their menu can be found on their quite comprehensive website http://bluegingerbedford.co.uk/default.asp

The one thing I really like about this restaurant is the quality of the food. You can have a really nice, large meal and still feel as though you are eating healthily. The menu isn’t as lengthy as other Indian restaurants but all this means is that the chef can concentrate on the quality of the dishes they do provide.

The restaurant is great for meals with friends, partners or family and I have been with all and had a good experience each time.

There are so many Indian restaurants to choose from in Bedford and its surrounding area and I being a great lover of Indian cuisine have never really dined in one that I have truly disliked. I think it’s fair to say that the level of Indian cuisine in Bedford is generally quite good. Let me know if you think otherwise.

Blue Ginger really carves out its niche in the market by being a small, friendly, wholesome restaurant that achieves success through customer loyalty. I believe that if you visit there once, you will more than likely go again.

Quality 9
Service 9
Price 8
#Wicbha? Yes

The failings of chains

With our economy on the brink of another recession, we will inevitably see more and more local businesses and services folding. However, what I have noticed is that people are still going out to eat and socialise over food and drink and where chains tend to withstand difficulties, independent restaurants always have to up their game to survive. The service has to be top notch and the food has to be above average. And it shows. However, are the chains over-confident and taking their customers for granted? Perhaps.

In the last week I have been able to experience three big chain restaurants and to say I was disappointed is an understatement. Last night, with a pizza craving, we headed to Pizza Hut on the Aspects Leisure Park. Just driving past we could see it was busy- it is school holidays, but that didn’t worry us. However, walking in we were firstly unable to even get inside owing to the pile up of people in the tiny waiting/ take away area who were waiting for orders or to be seated. We stood at the front desk where you wait to be seated and we were not acknowledged for over 5 minutes even though we saw three members of staff standing around chatting for a couple of minutes. It was also awful to see they had a table of 2 literally in the doorway although at the back of the restaurant there were many empty tables. We noticed the floor was covered in pizza, napkins and cutlery and the salad bar looked as though a bomb had hit it. When we were eventually seen to, we were told it was a twenty minute wait and so we left as we had already gone off the idea. It’s a shame that in this day and age, huge businesses such as the Whitbread Group who are lucky enough to be able to withstand these worrying times and have such a large market captured, are unable to meet basic customer service standards.
Sticking to the chains, we headed to Frankie and Bennies. We were served as soon as we got in, although by the door where the front door is always open and so there is a draft, but the staff were very friendly and polite. We were served quickly and ordered chicken wings to share to start, a New Yorker burger each and then pancakes to share for dessert. Unfortunately, in true chain- standard the wings were quite fatty and burnt and the burgers were dripping in fat and grease. Maybe we were expecting too much?
However, with these big eatery companies and names, is good food too much to ask? The dessert was nice but we were left waiting for it and the bill for nearly 20 minutes. The polite female member of staff explained they were very short staffed and apologised for the wait- a shame as we saw three sets of people walk in, fail to be acknowledged or seated and instead left to go elsewhere.

Lastly, the worst experience was last week. I went to Pizza Express with a friend and we went earlier at half past 6. Again, we realised it was school holidays and so there were many kids with parents. However, once again we were sat in a rather awful place- a table for two right by the cutlery and so you are constantly battling over the sound of the knives and forks to be heard. Literally as soon as we were sat down and given the menus, a female member of staff (who we found out to be new) asked us what we wanted. We kindly explained that it might be nice to have a few minutes to have a look at the menu and so she stood two steps away and waited for us, whilst watching. In a bid to end the awkward moment, we quickly chose olives and dough balls to start and a pizza each. For 20 minutes we chatted and then we realised we had not had our starters- we understand it was busy but the problem was we could see them sitting on the side along with 4-5 pizzas with no-one taking them out. However, the new member of staff was standing around doing nothing and another came and stopped to talk to her. We had to ask for them to bring them over.

Whilst eating them we were constantly faced with children running passed our table- not the restaurants fault but annoying at the same time as the gap between us and he table next to us was around 1 foot and so the table was nudged every time. We also noticed a back member of staff continually take a full dirty rubbish bin from the back through the restaurant to the outside bins- which smelt and was quite unhygienic.

By the time we got our pizzas, nearly an hour had gone and mine was dry with the cheese hard where it had been sat out. I didn’t want to wait another half an hour and so I notified the waitress and said it might be worth keeping an eye on others. I then heard her tell a manager who said ‘if she doesn’t want another one that’s good and we don’t have to give anything away free.’

In the meantime, the new member of staff attempted to carry a tray with 4-5 bottles on it which then were dropped and glass was shattered all over the floor and by our feet- this then took around 20 minutes for them to clear up.

I was quite keen on leaving by the end- luckily we had vouchers (which Pizza Express is very good at) and so we didn’t spend much.

I look forward to visiting more independent restaurants now- I’m quite happy to give the chains a rest.

Why I will be supporting the Bedford Blues this season.

I am not the biggest rugby fan in the town, nor am I the biggest sports fan. However I am partial to supporting the Bedford blues now and again.
Now on the dawn of the new rugby season I am readying myself to become a fully-fledged rugby supporter.

Why?
Well I am moving to walking distance of the rugby ground. This however isn’t the foremost reason behind my decision to become an active Blues fan. It stems from a conscious sense of wanting / needing a greater sense of community. I have lived and particularly worked in many different parts of the UK but have always had my roots firmly planted in Bedford. I know first-hand that you can live in a city without being a part of it whatsoever.

I am proud to be from Bedford and certainly defend it whenever I can whether it be from friends comments about the lack of good bars or from others from outside of Bedford who have a less than favourable view of our town.
With the riots that have been going on around the country our lack of communal spirit is more prevalent than ever. Community doesn’t come easily; people have to work at it, get involved, get out of their comfort zone. Making that usually small extra effort can go a long way, whether it’s saying hello to your new neighbours or organising a summer street party.

For me, it will be taking an active part in the support of our local rugby team. I look forward to visiting the hot dog van, bar and other vendors that may be there and telling you all about it.

The Elephant

The new Chinese and Thai restaurant on Bedford Road, Kempston didn’t disappoint. I had heard good things about Kempston’s latest eatery.

For starters it is right next to one of my favourite Indian restaurants; Blue Ginger – so I may be a little biased.

The restaurant itself is very modern and pleasing on the eye. The menu on the other hand – it’s about 20 pages and just lists dish after dish from both Chinese and Thai recipes. This, I feel brings the quality of the restaurant down. Choice is great but a menu of this magnitude is just too much. It reminds me of lower quality Chinese restaurants or takeaway menus.

This is a shame because the quality of the food is very high, the staff are attentive and friendly and the surroundings as I mentioned are very modern, comfortable and clean. Parking isn’t great but is to be expected in this area of Kempston.

I think this is a good restaurant for a group or large family meal because of its spacious layout, friendly service and fast cooking times. However, I’m not convinced it’s the best place to go if you are a couple looking for a quiet romantic evening meal.

Price- 7

Service – 7

Quality – 8

Wicbha? – Yes – on the right occasion.

The Cheese Kitchen

The Cheese Kitchen claims to be the best cheese shop and deli in Bedford- a claim that works because there isn’t much competition but also because it is indeed delightful!

The Cheese Kitchen - Castle Road, Bedford

Situation on Castle Road, you rarely walk past without seeing a queue formed inside, which means that nipping in and out quickly isn’t always an option but it also means the food is particularly good and the staff are very friendly.  You can also sit inside (although the space is very limited) or outside at the front.

For years we have been venturing in, whether for a quick coffee and panini or more commonly to stock up on various bite-size delights including olives and cheese, paninis and cakes to snack on whilst watching a big Premiership game at home. As a former resident of Cambridge and regular goer to London, there is definitely a ‘city’ feel about the Cheese Kitchen and walking down to the river with some snacks on a hot day is certainly lovely. The quality does not come cheaply though- this isn’t a ‘fast-food’ joint and if you get carried away, which can often happen, you can end up spending rather a lot. 

I’m sure eventually Justin and the team will be hoping to move to premises that allow them to have more space for people to sit and enjoy the food with a drink and a paper as unfortunately the size is very limiting and having this will undoubtedly be popular. But they certainly have captured a market that appreciates a good deli with a ‘local’ and friendly feel and we are very pleased to have them nearby.

Price- 7 (it can add up when you want a number of snacks/ cheeses)

Service – 9 (the only disadvantage is that queues can form quickly)

Quality – 10

Wicbha? - Daily

Lords and Ladies

Lords and ladies new location  in St Cuthberts Street

As a regular visitor to beauty parlours within the area, I was pleased to come across Amy and Helen Lord at LA Fitness on Kimbolton Road where they were working inside the gym running their own beauty business for members. I would regularly go and have my nails done and various other treatments after a session with my personal trainer and was always looking forward to it as both girls are so friendly and welcoming, as well as being excellent beauty practitioners.

I was so happy for them when they announced they were moving into their own premises on St. Cuthbert Street (close to The Ship pub) and the business was called ‘Lords and Ladies,’ (taken from their last name). The premise is a house that they purchased it and re-decorated inside. The front is very elegant and simple and you enter by walking through a side driveway. As soon as you walk in, you feel a lovely sense of calmness and are always greeted by a friendly receptionist who offers you a drink and a seat in a lovely room overlooking the road (presumably the original living room). You don’t have to wade through customers or shout over hairdryers and already feel relaxed before the treatment has even begun- which is quite an achievement! 

The range of treatments is extensive. Both sisters work full time along with two other beauty therapists and are open seven days a week! They then also have someone who comes in and does massage treatments and an osteopath. Each girl has their own treatment room, decorated in modern, stylish and relaxing colours and patterns. There is also a spray tan room where they use Fake Bake products, among other leading skincare brands.

What I feel is so nice about the business is their approach and welcoming nature to customers. You can go in there and feel as though you have known them for years- a touch I hope they never lose.

The Cappuccino Bar

The Cappuccino Bar

Last Wednesday evening I took an old friend from Scotland down to the Cappuccino Bar on Newnham Street, next to the auctioneers, for dinner. We were in the mood for a couple of drinks and a catch up and so I thought of this place because it is delightfully laid back. Although it states on the website ‘...it is the ideal setting for any occasion, whether it is romantic meal for two, a dinner with family or a lively celebration you have in mind..’ it’s not necessarily somewhere I would go for a romantic evening nor a birthday celebration, however it is thoroughly enjoyable for a low-key dinner, with affordable prices, nice food and friendly staff. We both opted for the ‘two courses for £9.95’ option which, unlike most restaurants with similar offers, does not exclude anything on the menu, and therefore is excellent value as the courses are by no means small. We sat in the back ‘garden’ area which is intentionally roofed with overgrown plants and flowers which creates an outdoor, Mediterranean feel where a group of Italian singers wandering from table to table would not be out of place. The only problem with that decor and the muggy summer evenings is the rise in the number of flies that are in the room, which got a little annoying whilst eating. The layout of the restaurant is also unfortunate as the narrow room can be quite noisy when the restaurant is busy- which it normally is. I have had the misfortune of sitting in the back right-hand corner of the front part of the restaurant where the cutlery is stored and it can be quite ear-piercing every time a waiter or waitress goes to fetch or replace the knives, forks and spoons. However, what I like about this place is that it doesn’t pretend to be anything that it isn’t and it works well as a cafe/restaurant for locals who want nice-sized pizza and pasta with a glass of wine, without queuing for an hour down the road in Pizza Express. One of my biggest bugbears with the British food industry, and one I have experienced countless times in Bedford, is the lack of ability to cater for customers on a busy night- restaurants will happily quote you a time of an hour or more (which is never the case if you hang around and wait) and therefore will happily lose the business to avoid being ‘over-busy’. But, in true European style, the Cappuccino bar will do everything it can to accommodate customers without sacrificing service and will gratefully receive the business, giving the restaurant a welcoming reputation.

Quality- 6-7

Price – 9

Service – 8

Would I go back again? Absolutely.

The Plough

The Plough at Bolnhurst is my favourite restaurant in the Bedford area. The food is of a consistently high quality cooked under the auspices of chef Martin Lee who trained under Raymond Blanc among others. The menu is distinctly English in character with Italian and French influences that change with the seasons. The wine list is extensive and each main menu item has a suggested wine accompaniment. An average meal with wine will set you back around £30.

Situated in this small village 10 minutes drive from the town, guests are greeted with a warm welcome from Martin and Jayne Lee who always wear a smile even at the busiest of times. There is a wide selection of ales for the beer drinker and guests are offered complimentary bread and an olive/balsamic vinegar dip with the meal if desired. Such is the popularity that booking is essential. However, if you turn up at the 6 o’clock opening time, you may be able to grab one of the tables in the bar area. The proprietors have recently built an extension to increase the number of tables inside, and on hot summer days there are many more tables outside in a pleasant environment. The pub is closed on Mondays.

Quality 9
Service 10
Price 8
#Wicbha? An unequivocal yes.

Painful service at the pumps

Murco Garage - dismal service
- Bedford

I was driving in Bedford town centre and noticed my petrol tank was nigh on empty. I needed to find somewhere quickly. I was in town so pulled into the Murco garage in

Hassett Street

by the bus station (not my usual).

As I waited for the petrol to be switched on I tried to catch the attendant’s eye – this was more than a difficult task as he was not looking up from his desk.

After a half a minute or so the pump was activated. After filling up, I went in to pay. I said hello to the attendant – he did not look up nor say a word. I notice he was more engaged with his laptop/tv than his duties at the service station.

He then looks up to see I have my card in my hand he then points at the card machine and grunts. I complete the transaction. He tears off the receipt looks at me and murmurs an indiscernible thanks at me.

I walked out without saying a word – in complete astonishment.

Murco isn’t exactly a well-known service station. You would think they would be placing a strong focus on customer service - especially with supermarket petrol stations cutting prices to entice shoppers into their stores. I am perplexed as to how any service station can survive with such service.

Paying the ever-increasing price for petrol is not enjoyable, however some places can make it that bit more bearable.

Quality ---
Service 0 
Price 3
#Wicbha? NO - I'd rather push my car to another petrol station.

The Embankment

The pinnacle of Bedford’s beauty, especially on a summer’s day, is at the riverside, the green of the banks, white of the swans, colours of the flowers and reflections on the water do make this a truly beautiful spot. The Embankment hotel has prime location and has the perfect view of the river and surrounding greenery to complement a refreshing summer's drink.

The Embankment has improved no end since its renovation from quite a traditional and out-dated place to the new modern, ‘gastro-pub’ it has become since being taken over by Peach Pubs. The decor is light and relaxing and the staff are young and energetic.

However, the problem I have encountered quite regularly is the inconsistency of good service. Whilst holding one of the prime spots in the town, the service can often do the establishment an injustice.

On countless occasions I have been waiting at a bar or at a table for ten minutes or more without being acknowledged- a small but very important aspect of customer service that should be engrained in the minds of all those who work in the service industry. Today, for example, we took a family member from Australia there for lunch as the weather was so nice. However, we were told out of the four sandwich choices; they had run out of tuna (I assume probably one of the favourites on the menu as tuna often is, and why a member of staff does not nip out and buy a tin I don’t know) and so the menu goes down to three lunch time sandwiches. 
We then had to clear the table ourselves and when the food arrived we had to go inside and ask THREE times for some cutlery. To be fair, the boys working were busy at the bar but there were two women standing talking to each other who should really have been helping as a customer should not have to wait that long for such a basic requirement. We then ordered coffees and had to clear the table ourselves again to make space- the coffee cup was filthy down the side too. This kind of service frustrates me, especially when you see the likes of Eat Fish, the fish restaurant that lasted around 2 years down the road, go out of business, who prided themselves on customer service but had not the funding or customer understanding of the menu to succeed. However, they knew the importance of where they were placed and the benefit of a riverside spot.

In the past a friend has complained at The Embankment on waiting an hour for a bottle of wine to be brought to the table, and he was compensated with a free meal for two where he said the service was impeccable. However, he attended two weeks later and was faced with similar problems with waiting for service and it being haphazard. Let’s hope the pub/restaurant/hotel raises its standards to match the location – as it would in most modern towns and cities around the world.

Rating out of 10
Quality 7
Service 3
Price 6
#Wicbha? Would I come back here again? 

Yes I will come back here again because even though it disappoints it really is unrivalled in terms of location and atmosphere. Please share your views...

Who am I?

I am the bedfordcritic. My identity is and will remain secret. I move silently between restaurants, bars, cafés constantly assessing.

The bedfordcritic is made up of the views of two people. One male and one female to give the reader an impartial view from both genders.   

Why listen to me?


I do not do this for any remuneration. I am therefore impervious to any enticements to write a good review . I have a keen interest in service providers especially the small local businesses who I am eager to support and help improve. I am an advocate of ‘tough love’ – business owners need to be told the truth in order to change for the better.


I have experience of eating at various restaurants all over the UK with varying degrees of quality and price. I have come to realise that a high price doesn’t always mean high quality.


My judgements are based around four key elements:


Quality
Service
Price
#Wicbha? Would I come back here again? 

Stay tuned to find out more!