Welcome to Bedford Esquires; one of the UK’s most beloved grassroots music venues. Totally independent, and with three rooms each offering something different – from indie rock to electronica, metal to jazz, hip-hop to folk, we’ve been at the forefront of the UK music scene since 1990!’

For nearly 35 years the now legendary 300 capacity Main Stage at Esquires has played host to some of the UK’s biggest acts. Muse, Coldplay (twice!), Franz Ferdinand, Elbow, Biffy Clyro, Kae Tempest, Marc Almond, The Libertines, Wolf Alice, James Bay, Royal Blood, The Vaccines, Roni Size, George Ezra, Alt-J, Bloc Party, Tom Grennan, Idles and international stars like Lizzo, The Pharcyde, Ezra Furman and the DMA’s have all graced our little stage. We like to think we are the place to catch the stars of tomorrow today.

‘One of the best sounding rooms we’ve done’ – BEAK 
‘Bedford truly isn’t shit’ – English Teacher
‘If they did pie and mash it would be up there with the Brude in Leeds’ – Benefits

Esquires’ Bar is free to enter and offers a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, although it can get competitive around the pool table. Sunday afternoons in Esquires Bar is the renowned ‘Sunday Sessions’, featuring the finest Blues and Rock’n’Roll bands.

Finally there is the recently refurbished 180 capacity Holy Molys with regular gigs, club nights, DJ sets and acoustic sessions. Don’t forget to check out our two guardian angels, Jimi and John, on the stained glass windows. Holy Moly’s is also available for private hire, please call us on (01234) 631524 or e-mail Gareth@thepadpresents.com

Independent and alternative. No dress code. Bedford Esquires is committed to supporting diversity and inclusivity. 

Opening Hours: Mon – Tues: Closed (unless there is a gig upstairs, obviously!)
Wed – Fri: 6pm til late
Sat: 4pm til late
Sun: 4pm til 10pm.

Age Policy: All gigs at Esquires are 14+. However if you are under 16 you can only attend if accompanied by your parent / legal guardian. Club Nights downstairs on a Friday / Saturday are 18+. If you look young for your age, bring ID! 

Disability Access: Regrettably we are not currently a fully accessible venue. Our bar and the downstairs venue are accessible to all but the main stage is up one flight of stairs so some customers may have difficulty with this. It is our ambition to resolve this situation as soon as possible and we are currently investigating options. All promoters working at Esquires offer carer / companion tickets. Although Esquires is not a seated venue we can provide you with somewhere to sit if necessary. For further information, please click here.