This month’s Great Bedfordian is the co-owner of Herd, Matthew Wolton.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, Herd on St Cuthbert’s Street has been the go-to burger joint in Bedford since it opened.
Matt worked for Pizza Express until his mid-20s, followed by a few years as a DJ. “I started a removals company that is still going under Hader’s stewardship and then came Herd, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The story of how it came to be is probably another article in itself!
“I think we (me and my wife Jess) have made it to ten years because we have constantly evolved and adapted.
“Obviously a massive part of the journey has been our staff especially Frank and Annie who have been there since the beginning. The most important part of Herd is the Herd that comes in, many that have now become lifelong friends. It’s been the best adventure.”
Over to you, Matt…
Name: Matthew Wolton
Occupation: Restaurateur
Born here or blow in? Born in Clifton, came to Bedford in my early 20s.
Best breakfast in Bedford? Bedford Cheese Company at The Barn in Cardington.
Best boozer? The Welly (Wellington Arms) or The Castle on Newnham Street.
Best gig you’ve seen in Bedford? Hard to beat Nile Roger’s in the Park, but My Baby on a Tuesday at Esquires has to get a mention
Ever read John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress? Never read PP
Ever eaten a Bedfordshire Clanger? Never eaten a clanger
An off-the-beaten-track gem that everyone should know about? Samras on The Spinney; they have everything. Whenever I pop in, Mrs S still gives me the warmest greeting, “hello dear”
Best Bedfordian? Dave Denton our window cleaner. He’s 86 years old and still cycling and working every day. He’s the best advert for keeping moving.
Three words that best sum up Bedford? Cosmopolitan, diverse, beautiful
