As we continue our spotlight on Bedford’s indie retailers, our recent Great Bedfordian is someone who has revolutionised sustainable shopping in Bedford and is the owner of the town’s only ‘living wall’ – and she’s a living legend.
As the founder of The Store on St Cuthbert’s Street, Rosana Heasman is passionate about Bedford and its many indie retailers. She helped bring the St Cuthbert’s Street Festival to life and loves to collaborate with neighbouring businesses to raise the profile of the town centre.
We wanted to know all about her favourite spots in Bedford, so here they are…
- Name: Rosanna Heasman
- Occupation: Business Owner of The Store in Bedford (the refill/ eco shop)
- Born here or blow in? Blown in all the way from Milton Keynes (City of Dreams as we call it) Moved here in 2010 as a young 18 year old, travelled some and lived abroad for a year but came back to Bedford to settle and start my business.
- Best breakfast in Bedford? For a lazy Sunday I’m going to The Barn by the Bedford Cheese Co which has a pretty good one. But otherwise Cibos to me always slaps.
- Best boozer? You may not get the best cocktail but always a good time at the George & Dragon.
- Best coffee or cuppa? Well Not technically in Bedford but I got to say Wooden Hill roasters in Ampthill know what they’re doing when it comes to making a good coffee, but otherwise judging by how often I visit Vanilla Tree, that would come up next.
- Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford? Probably some of the live shows of friends bands or intimate gigs at Esquires.
- Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress? I started it…and then read the highlights at the museum.
- Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger? Tell me the best place to buy a good one and I will.
- An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about? Gotta shout out to my gym in town centre at The Martial Method. Small group martial arts fitness classes and a proper hidden gem to find.
- Best Bedfordian? I always rate the people who really put in the effort, and don’t just SAY but DO.. Tim Edwards who started Beerfly is one of those as are Matt and Gabs Pearson who were some of the founders of Foxy Wings.
They do what they can and where they can to support small and indie businesses and just all round great people trying to better Bedford. - Three words that best sum up Bedford? Small but mighty
