Last week The Bedford Clanger had a sneak peek around the stunning new-look d’Parys guest house. We very nearly moved in on the spot. It is the kind of place you could walk around in circles just ooohing and ahhhhing for hours, if you don’t mind looking like a gawping idiot. Which, in somewhere that visually arresting, we didn’t mind in the least.
The d’Parys hotel was a once-grand, much-loved jewel of Bedford, but in the last few years its splendour had slipped, and it had fallen into a quiet gloom. It has been lovingly and stunningly brought back to life for a new generation of Bedford to fall for. The interior design is just incredible. Many of the original features that have been retained, restored and returned to centre-stage here. The floorboards in the bedrooms are original, as are the fireplaces and tiles. The Victorian floor tiles have been exposed in the restaurant and bar area, and there is a beautiful chandelier on a pulley, hanging from the first floor ceiling in the entrance hall. The mix of old features and modern spaces is part of the charm of the new d’parys, and all around is the sense of Bedford’s history. There are nods to the brewing trade – all of the bedrooms are named after Charles Wells’ beer, for instance, and the library area is a tribute to the strong tradition of schooling in the town. But this is more than a tribute – this is a confident sign of the bright future of the town.
The restaurant is large and airy, the garden is grand and friendly and the bar is inviting – with a mini gelato and coffee bar for people to call in to at any time during the day. The rooms feel spacious and calm. So much care has been taken by Alfie and the team to create a warm, friendly atmosphere that there is a real sense of being welcomed back, even though this is an entirely fresh vision.
And The Clanger is already smitten. We could wax on and on about this new slice of Bedfordian interiors heaven, but instead we’ll let Cat Lane’s beautiful photos do the talking.
In short – this is a new boutique hotel, with a wonderful restaurant, lovely bar and exquisite gelato and coffee facilities, in Bedford. With new restaurants in Castle Quay, Coffee with Art on The High Street and now this: 2014 is proving to be a wonderful year of food and style for Bedford. With restaurants, coffee shops and gelato this good – there’s no excuse for not joining in the Bedford Clanger’s New Year Revolution and shopping, eating and drinking locally!
Tel: 01234 340248 or email info@dparys.co.uk to book yourself a table! Or a room. Or pop in for an ice cream and a glass of wine, or a coffee. Oh – the possibilities are endless!
