Each month, the Bedford Clanger chooses its ‘Great Bedfordian’ and asks them to recommend their favourite local places for us to check out.
September’s Great Bedfordian is singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alfie Templeman, who was born and grew up in Carlton.
At just 21, Alfie has been recording and releasing music since he was 13, and this summer he shared the Bedford Park stage with Nile Rogers during the Summer Sessions concert.
His latest album, Radiosoul, was released earlier this year and he is embarking on a US tour this October. Before he heads off, we wanted to know his favourite Bedford-based hot-spots, Over to you, Alfie…
Name: Alfie Templeman
Occupation: Musician / noisy bloke!
Born here or blow in? Born here. Bedford Hospital, South Wing to be precise.
Best breakfast in Bedford? Green Earth Cafe does a wicked fry up.
Best boozer? The Ship!
Best coffee or cuppa? Once again, Green Earth Cafe! Many hangovers have been cured here.
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford? English Teacher at Esquires were amazing. I was also lucky enough to see King Crimson rehearse at Bedford when I was younger.
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress? No, only about two pages. Thanks for reminding me though!
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger? A long time ago, I remember being very excited to try it.
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about? Slide Records is such an amazing record store, I remember the day it opened.
Ours is a brilliant bar with a fantastic atmosphere. And Bala do flipping amazing and extremely cheap Samosas. It seems I’m not very good at picking one place.
Best Bedfordian? Matt Berry!!!
Three words that best sum up Bedford? Exciting, changing, inspiring.
