Foresters Arms Bedford in Bedford - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

I visited at lunch today. I have to say the staff were really friendly and attentive. I have been meaning to go since it re opened. I went with a friend and we both liked the way it has been done out. The staff member explained the lunch menu will be expanded over time. We had a couple of mini pizzas and chunky chips, all tasted good and was good value. I’ll definitely go back again and look forward to what the extended menu offers in the future. In a time of public closures it’s great to see one actually re open. 👍

Is this a good pub? Hard to tell unfortunately. I called in on a wet Sunday night a little after 7pm. After hanging around the bar for 10 minutes there was still no sign of anyone interested in serving me. So I left and went to the nearby Flower Pot where I can indeed confirm they have people working to welcome you and serve you.

I’ve been meaning to visit here for some time now, but the limited opening hours during the week hasn’t made it possible. Finally I got the chance but after popping in early on a weekday afternoon I doubt I’ll be returning. On arrival bar staff were no where to be seen but after a few minutes someone finally arrived from round the back. There’s a good enough range of drinks and prices not too bad, and I made the most of the weather by choosing to sit in the garden. This was a bit of a dirty space and certainly didn’t feel very comfortable. I’d have chosen to have my next drink inside, but again there was no one available to serve and I eventually gave up and left. Maybe I need to give it another go when it’s busier in an evening but I can’t recommend for a daytime visit.

We arrived around 5.30pm on a Friday night after getting the train back from London. The pub was freezing, the bloke behind the bar working had his big parka coat on and the pub smelled of damp/mould. We left without having a drink …..shame used to be a great pub

Service generally quite friendly, quite a small bar with what looked like a separate restaurant area. A couple of small TVs to watch football. Felt safe. Food on offer was very tasty, the cheese and bacon burger was very nice I must say, they have the slowest coffee machine I've ever seen but it tasted pretty good when it finally arrived. Three and a half stars really, not spectacular but reasonably good.

Due to Covid we have been ordering food for delivery. Yesterday we ordered from The Forrester Arms on union street.We were blown away by the food.My husband had ordered Korean dirty fries and a Hoi Sin Asian burger. Well he hardly got a chance to eat his dirty fries. So creamy, delectable and gorgeous. I must have finished most of them.He stated the burger was magnificent and he is a connoisseur of burgers from USA and world wide from travelling on holiday or from his days as in the forces.The food from here was wonderful and for a takeaway you are getting real treat. Gourmet food .This restaurants food is for the person who really enjoys wonderful and tasty food. The food has a modern twist and is really mouthwatering.But in honestly it’s is only for people who want good tasting food. Food that will satisfy your satiety.If you are looking for fantastic, amazing, enjoyable food the this is the place to order from or eat.But if you like mediocre food that is tasteless and boring, then this is not the place for you.If you want a great experience and delicious mouth watering food over and over again, this is the place to eat and order from .

WARNING! If you have an addictive personality or lack self control, please stop reading! I will not be held liable for damages diets and FAB Street food addictions. (You’re still reading aren’t you GOOD! You’re in for a bloody treat! )In the current climate, its paramount we support our local business and I will sing from the rooftops, just how top *beeping* notch The Foresters Arms Street Food is! I’ve eaten 80% of the Menu because I do have an addictive personality with no self control and well quite frankly a better palate than Gordon Ramsey!Let’s start with the Pork Belly Bau Buns. MATE! They bring such happy happy tears to my eyes. The bau bun is steamed with utter love until fluffy perfection. The three glazed pork is a tease to the tastebuds you will never EVER eat pork belly that melts the way the Foresters does. Fries. They’re actual FRIES. Real life, the perfect fry. Not greasy. Crispy but not over crispy! The potato still fluffy and soft inside But that’s just the fries...There’s more Wait until you get those little rectangular shaped crispy heavens ...... LOADED. Ladies & Gents... KOREAN CHILLI CHEESE FRIES These are what DREAMS are made of ❤️Considering I make my own Burgers and it’s taken years to perfect my recipe. A recipe, I thought I was at peace with... Until I tried the Foresters Cheeseburger. OH MY GIDDY AUNT!They’re burgers are INSANE. The best burger, I have ever eaten. In my entire existence. EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The patty is perfect. Chargrilled on the outside, it's juicy, meaty, greasily satisfying. The cheese happily melting over the meat. The fresh brioche bun is lightly toasted... THE BEST BURGER and the BEST Food in Bedford. Please, do yourself a favour and get some of this good stuff in your life. You deserve it and if you don’t, your stomach does!

I never normally provide a review but I felt compelled after recently reading a response from the management which I hoped wasn't an indication of how they treat customers and having not visited this establishment for at least a couple of years I thought it was probably overdue a visit!Unfortunately I fear this is one of those situations where the Management Reply could hinder their business if they do not allow customers to form an opinion (both positive and/or negative) based upon their own personal experience. Afterall, whilst a reader may frequently be willing to overlook a negative review, I find it is the tone of the response that often keeps customers away from an establishment and the recent response to "Dawn's" review on Facebook regrettably smacked of sarcasm. Putting to one side the tone which was somewhat egocentric and had a passive aggressive edge. It appeared so unnecessary as the answers seemed to explain the situation and yet they had considerable time to think it through before posting, so evidently doesn't much care how they come across which makes you wonder about the reception you might experience should you ever encounter a problem during the visit....To summarise:Food Menu - V GoodDrinks Menu - GoodAtmosphere - AverageService - Poor (female bartender continually chatting to her colleagues and distracted by her mobile phone resulting in painstakingly slow service)Overall experience - Not bad but this establishment could be so much better if the management simply diverted some of their energy into the basics of championing customer service as opposed to dismissing constructive feedback from paying customers especially when their prices are towards the upper end for pubs in the Bedford area!

Lovely staff and good beer make this a great place to go for a pint and some food. More than that though with the diverse range of events they put on (in less pandemicy times of course) they're really active in making the Foresters a centre for the local community - well done!

Having not been out for months due to the pandemic our first choice for venturing out just had to be The Foresters Arms. We’ve always had a great time here, the delicious food, cosy eclectic decor, great atmosphere and community feel make you want to stay all evening! We weren’t sure what to expect visiting in the midst of a national pandemic. But as we walked in the door we were greeted with the friendly welcome the Foresters has become famous for. All the safety procedures were explained and we took our seats. While things are a bit different the cosy atmosphere remains and there was a buzz about the place. Ordered on the app and as always, a fab range of drinks and the pints were on perfect point We had a great evening which was a lovely reminder of why The Foresters is our favourite. If you haven’t visited this little gem in Bedford then do-you won’t be disappointed.

Super friendly staff, beautifully decorated and yummy food. We’re regulars and it never fails to disappoint.

I don’t often leave reviews - but in light of seeing a grossly false review below in light of Covid precautions at this pub I couldn’t help but leave a note to say this is one of the most welcoming, friendly and personable pubs in the town. We loved it and visited regularly pre-covid times and hats off to Ben and his team for all their incredible efforts to keep this business as wonderful as ever during the restrictions. The pub offers us a wonderful escapism and a sense of some normality and “old times” while we muddle through 2020 together. We can’t wait to be back - covid restrictions and otherwise, to see the FAB team with a smile.

Great food and staff and doing a great job during these tough times. The foresters is a great little pub and there’s no others as good in walking distance so worth a visit and a bite

One of my favourite pubs in Bedford. Great atmosphere inside and in the lovely garden. Every effort has been made to adapt to COVID restrictions including ordering via web app (incredibly quick service) and one way system. Thanks to all the team there. Love our visits.

A friend and I were meeting up to have a catch up. We wanted somewhere safe, friendly and with lovely surroundings. We hit all those points with the Foresters. The steps put in place by the pub around safety and keeping to the hygiene rules in place were clearly laid out on their Facebook page, the entrance to the pub and explained to us by the staff member who seated us. Our plan was just to have a drink but we ended up eating. Ordering via the app was so easy - I actually preferred it to having to go to the bar to order! I downloaded & figured out the app pretty easily (and I’m not a youngster so these things can be awkward to do, but I managed without any problem!) all while having a good natter with my friend. Food was simple but delicious. Service swift, friendly and careful at all times. I love the cosy decor of the bar and I wish it had been warmer outside so we could have sat in the lovely garden area. Overall - a great visit and I will be back.

Really nice pub with great drink options. Food is also really tasty and staff are helpful and polite! Ordering through the QR code is fast and service is then very quick.

Highly recommended. Great staff and sensational poutine. Friday morning art club was a lovely touch also. Will certainly be back next time we’re in Bedford

If you've not been and had a burger from the new chef.... you need to do it... today... THEY ARE SO GOOD!

Excellent food and service, everyone received their food at the same time and, for such a big meet up, the lone chef did a great job

Can not recommend enough!!! Great pub, great beer selection, family/dog friendly. We usually visit on a Friday evening to meet with family when the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Today we brought our friends, with children in tow, for our Christmas lunch get together. The food was great, the service was spot on and they catered for our big group brilliantly. Good vegan/vegetarian selection. Cannot recommend enough.

Full English and Avos on toast with poached eggs. Both very good, eggs poached to perfection and full English had decent quality meat and mushroom mmmmmmmmm. Good service and attention from friendly staff. Good spot to support local brewery and business. Well done and thanks to head chef for bonus hash brown!

Fantastic food, diverse and modern menu. Lovely accommodating staff felt welcome from the moment we stepped in the door and the chef couldn’t do enough to accommodate us

We have only been a few times since it has had a refurb and new owners (we have been busy with a new baby so haven't been out for a while!) and im so impressed with what Ben and the team have done with the place. Straight away, as soon as you walk in, you are made to feel welcome by the friendly and upbeat bar staff. The decor is and inviting and the food is AMAZING. We went on Friday last week, I had the cheeseburger and my husband had the Mac n cheese and the pulled pork covered fries. OK, so the menu isn't the healthiest Ive seen but as an occasional treat - DO IT! you won't regret it. We were on a time limit with the babysitter and they even offered to service food before 6pm so we didn't have to eat in a rush - such a nice touch. Ben told us that they are planning to branch out with the menu and include vegan options so we will be back to sample some of those for sure. I feel very lucky this place is within walking distance for us as we will be back at every opportunity we get!

Chef came out and offered a lunch “ off menu” as he is in the process of changing the menus for 2020Superb sausages and mash with kale and gravyDelicious!!!Warm atmosphereChef checked back and Amy might name it TobandMark special!!Go and visit!!!

Good food, good beer and a great atmosphere! Would highly recommend Tuesday pizza night... came in the summer also and enjoyed the great beer garden!

The food was amazing! Really delicious, great options for vegetarians and lovely music. Everyone was very welcoming, kind and authentic. Love coming here and will definitely be going again!

Came with my family from the US and we all enjoyed. Best sweet potato fries!! Would definitely recommend!

Had not been since before the new team took over. However, now that I have me and my partner will certainly be frequent visitors. We went for a Sunday morning brunch and immediately walking in The Forrester Arms felt different from most pubs in Bedford.My partner had the Vegan Breakfast which she loved and said everything on it was cooked to perfection. I had the Waffles with scrambled egg and bacon which was also lovely and may have even converted me over from my standard brunch pancakes.The manager spoke to us after we had eaten and said they were looking at introducing a new menu early 2020 with more vegan options and we will certainly be going for dinner there once they do. For now, we are more than happy to have a brunch place so close to home that caters to both of us.

Lovey place, had the pleasure of hanging out with few friends, food and drinks were lovely. We were greeted by the owner during our stay, such lovely service. Our food was delivered very quickly and it was super tasty. Compliments to the chef Oliver. Would highly recommend for all, couples, solo visitors and families.

Gorgeous food!! Just been to the Foresters Arms in Bedford and I have to say the food was high quality and very tasty. Would definately recommend and will be returning :)

Have been a regular customer since the Foresters reopened. Suzie, Colin, Ben and the staff have done a marvellous job with transforming the pub, the garden is an absolute delight during the summer. My only criticism is that during the very hot weather we have had lately the bar area could really do with some ceiling fans to keep the air circulating. There are three regular ales on hand pump with a fourth guest ale from the Charles Wells Wandering Brewer project. The beer is always well kept and served. The staff are friendly and welcoming and certainly know their stuff!The pub menu - again excellent in itself both in terms of variety, quality and presentation - is enhanced by regular street-food vendors at weekends, this last weekend's example being a Caribbean vendor which was excellent. My favourites from the menu are the home-made scotch eggs and the chicken and chorizo pizza, and the Sunday Brunch.The Foresters is very supportive of the local live music scene with regular performances by local solo musicians and bands.In short, I really can't recommend the Foresters too highly! London style and atmosphere without the prices.

First time I’ve been in since it was refurbished and What a great little place, good family atmosphere and good beer, didn’t eat but hot dogs looked tasty. Petting zoo was really informative and interesting, the children loved it. Will definitely be back.

Pleasantly surprised to find such a great pub. Done out like a classy London pub but without the attitude. Beer was excellent and the staff were really great and genuinely wanted to make sure we had a nice time. Didn't eat, but the food we saw coming out to others looked fantastic. Would recommend to anyone visiting Bedford

Very disappointed. My partner and I went to the pub and ordered food. We watched other people who arrived after us get served quicker. An hour later I started to complain and it was clear they’d lost my order. It wasn’t a good sign that the chef was coming out asking customers if they were missing food. We were bought our food 10 minutes later -well over an hour after ordering- that was cold and I sent back. I asked for a refund and was surprised when the staff started to argue with me about the refund suggesting if I waited a little longer they would replace it. A very bad and unpleasant experience.

I recently organised a surprise retirement party at the newly refurbished foresters arms in Bedford. I can say the service, food, atmosphere, staff and general running of the place was faultless and amazing. The staff especially were welcoming, helpful and went above and beyond to ensure it was perfect! The manager even suggested to have the retirement balloons in the photos and took the photos for us which was a lovely touch. Thankyou so much for allowing us to have such a personalised and non stressful party at the foresters arms! Would 100% recommend!

Popped in after a dog walk with a friend . Lovely warm welcoming atmosphere . Dogs are actively welcomed . Lovely selection of wines & beers but equally you can have a variety of cakes & coffee. Nice garden . List of planned activities on the table to include pop up kitchens, live music kids activities, craft activities & wine tasting . Tastefully decorated with a warm atmosphere . Great food menu. We will be back & they even do breakfast until 2pm .