Welcome

Cafe Society can flourish now in Bedford - thanks to an agreement between BedfordBID and the Bedford Borough Council.

Restaurants and pubs wanting to put tables and chairs on the pavement, al la Paris cafe society, found themselves paying dearly for the privilege up to 3,800 a year.
When the BedfordBID investigated and found that costs where much dearer in Bedford than in neighbouring towns like Cambridge they asked the council to reconsider.

As a result businesses will now pay a new standard charge of only 250 per year for creating a cafe society.

BedfordBID board member Kevin Kavanagh, who owns Frescoes cafe in Mill Street, represented his trade sector in the debate: We are delighted that the council has decided to let us all continue to take advantage of the sunshine, when we get it, and allow our customers to eat and drink al fresco.
 
BedfordBID Executive Director Mo Aswat said: "This demonstrates how the BedfordBID has much more influence than individual businesses when negotiating with official bodies. We are delighted with the result.
 
"It means that the town can now attract more high quality cafes and restaurants to come and open up offering customers more choice."
 
Mayor of Bedford Frank Branston helped originate the BedfordBID, a rare group of businesses which pay a levy towards the greater good of the towns economy. Bedford was the first county town in the UK to have a Business Improvement District.
 
Said the Mayor: "While global warming lasts we might as well make the most of it and eat and drink outside."

Bookmark with: