Flood-hit Bedford pub and rooms to reopen as the Kingfisher

The Kingfisher riverside pub and rooms, Bedford, is to reopen on 6 August following an extensive refurbishment after a flooding incident in December 2020.

The 49-bedroom venue and four-star pub, originally known as the Barns Hotel, will also offer a new menu with a focus on local produce, such as fruit and vegetables from AB Fruits of Bedford and meat from Woburn Country Foods.

On the drinks menu, wines will come from Warden Abbey Vineyard and guest ales from across the country.

The venue's thirteenth century barn has been relaunched as the Tithe Barn and continues to welcome guests for weddings and other events.

Andrew McKenzie, managing director of the Kingfisher, said: "The Kingfisher is the result of a complete transformation of our building and we hope it will become the place to be on the Bedford dining scene.

"A bold and creative re-design coupled with locally sourced, imaginative food and drinks, served by a great team of happy, smiling people will be a great draw for guests both old and new."

The Kingfisher is privately owned by Sir Peter Michael and family and is part of the Vineyard Group.