This month’s Great Bedfordian is Annalie Maher, the hostess with the mostess at the new What’s On Hub in Silver Square.
Despite not being born in Bedford, might we have finally found someone who has not only eaten a Clanger, but also ‘read’ the Pilgrim’s Progress? Read on to find out…
Name: Annalie Maher
Occupation: Visitor Information Officer at the new ‘What’s On Bedford’ Borough Hub on Silver Square and creator of Discover B Town – discoverbtown.com @discover_B_town on Instagram.
Born here or blow in? Blown in. I came here to work and promote the town centre in 2022. I loved it so much, I moved into the town centre soon after.
Best boozer? D’ Parys and The Embankment – both are smart, cosy and brilliant in the summer as you can sit outdoors and watch the world go by, and most importantly, they have a great selection of beers, wines and cocktails.
Best coffee or cuppa? Coffee is definitely my thing. I keep a record of all the different coffees in town on my website. I try to frequent as many different coffee shops as I can to spread the love. But my morning coffee is always at Caffe Crema on the High Street, where I’m a regular and feel part of the morning crew.
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford? I’m a lover of dance music and last year’s Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics in Bedford Park was epic! Not just for the amazing sound and lights spectacle, the weather was the worst in history, the wettest day in Bedford ever and everyone danced in the rain.
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress? Not exactly read it.. but showing my age… we used to listen to it in primary school as it was broadcast on the radio in the classroom over a big speaker. I can still remember the hymn that used to be played to introduce it.
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger? Yes! Whilst Gunn’s Bakery was on the High Street, a former work colleague bought me one as part of my introduction to Bedford. It was tasty!
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about? It has to be Fancy Bakery. It’s a magnificent bakery on Roff Avenue. You have to look carefully to find it as there’s just the word ‘Fancy’ written in orange in the window and no other signage. You can tell it’s popular as there’s often a queue out of the door and the cakes and pastries are wonderful.
Best Bedfordian? Not born in Bedford, but certainly an honorary Bedfordian – Glenn Miller. One of my favourite movies is The Glenn Miller Story, a true story and a real tear-jerker. I still can’t believe his orchestra played in the Corn Exchange. I walk past his bust every day, which is tucked into the wall on the front of the Corn Exchange.
Three words that best sum up Bedford? Cosmopolitan, Caring, Optimistic
The Visitor Information Centre is open from Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. It incorporates the Corn Exchange Box Office and What’s On Bedford Borough Visitor Information.
