The Arcade
In 1905 The Bedfordshire Mercury described The Arcade as "a Crystal Palace". The architects were Usher and Anthony and the builder was George Haynes. The newspaper went on to report that the High Street entrance was fixed with a Bostwick collapsible gate with The Arcade being closed at 8.00pm on weekdays and 10.00pm on Saturdays with a caretaker in livery being in attendance for the opening, closing and cleaning of the Arcade.
Today the Arcade has retained much of its character and is still a beautiful place full of light, offering a unique shoping experience away from the hustle and bustle of the high street. In its calm surroundings it boasts a wide selection of independent shops, selling designer fashion labels, bespoke jewellery chic home furnishings, fresh flowers and balloons, and healthy organic food and supplements.
Find out more here: www.facebook.com/bedfordoldarcade
Arcadia Sweet Shop
11 The Arcade, Bedford, MK40 1NS Tel. 01234 352322
Arcadia sweetshop has been established for over 100 years and is a family run business. They specialise in quality chocolates, as well as having over 300 jars of sweets, together with a wide range of the very popular pick 'n' mix, boxed chocolates, Turkish delight and American candy.
Boutique Planet
8 The Arcade, Bedford, MK40 1NS Tel. 01234 215336
Boutique Planet offers premium, high quality ladies clothing, footwear and accessories. You will find well known and trusted brands such as White Stuff and Superdry alongside bespoke one-off pieces, perfect for that special occasion. The products on offer coupled with the exceptional customer service provided in-store ensure that Boutique Planet offers a truly unique shopping experience.
www.facebook.com/Boutique-Planet-151687551621394
Charisma
19 The Arcade, Bedford, MK40 1NS Tel. 01234 330200
Charisma is an exquisite and charming shop with a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. Stocking a unique selection of gifts including hand made aromatherapy bath products, East of India gifts, silver and costume jewellery and vintage style gifts for all occasions.
Gallone's Ice Cream Parlour
1 & 2 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS Tel. 07804 655021
Delicious Italian icecream in a huge variety of flavours.
Jacky Guy Hair Salon
6 The Market Hall, The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS
Afro hair salon offering management, conditioning and styling for all types of hair.
Kean & Co
8 & 9 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS
Designer men's and womenswear fashion.
Leonard Hairdressers
3 The Arcade, Bedford Tel. 01234 346610
Traditional barbers established for 25 years. As well as gents hair they also offer traditional shaving as well as ladies hairdressing. On offer is a range of Italian toiletries including Pino Silvestre and Aqua di Selva.
Macmillan Hairdressing
10 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS Tel. 01234 353009
Hairdressing and beauty salon providing all aspects of cutting, colouring and perming and all aspects of beauty.
www.macmillanhairdressing.co.uk
Magic Garden
1 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS
An inspiring florist offering designs to suit all budgets and a variety of indoor and outdoor plants for your home and office.
Pegalicious
5 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS Tel. 01234 918621
The balloon and gift boutique, supplying unusual balloon arrangements and decoration, as well as bespoke gifts such as nappy cakes, sock roses, hand crocheted baby blankets.
www.thegreatbritishballoon.co.uk
Pumpernickel Health Shop
7 The Arcade, Bedford, Tel. 01234 348179
Offering health foods, vitamins, minerals, organic foods, gluten/dairy/wheat free products, aromatherapy pots, eco-friendly toiletries, chemical free cosmetics/hair dyes. They also provide nutritional advice on: arthritis/joint problems, reducing cholesterol, women’s health, men’s health, weight loss, immune health.
Seventh Heaven
17 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS Tel. 01234 589013
Patisserie and bespoke wedding cakes. Drop in for a cake and a coffee, or even a glass of Champagne!
www.facebook.com/SeventhHeavenCakes
Simon Donne Opticians
3-4 Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS Tel. 01234 349 933
Slide Record Shop
9 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS Tel. 01234 261603
An independent record shop that champions great independent music across many genres. As well as new releases, they also have a carefully curated selection of second-hand records.
Uppercrust
4 The Arcade, Bedford Tel. 01234 270022
Delicatessen and sandwich bar, serving delicious filled rolls, jacket potatoes and salads. Buffet service and trolley rounds are also available.
Vapers Juice
5 Market Hall, The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS Tel. 01234 352123
Electronic cigarettes and e-liquid, quality e-cig kits from high end manufacturers. Our e-liquid is produced by the innovators of e-liquid and our s tarter kits are again supplied by the leading manufacturers.
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