The dwindling number of venues in the United Kingdom continues to be a talking point in 2024, as we take a look at some of those locations loved and lost in Bedfordshire.
From reading anecdotes online about the various venues on offer, it could be fair to say that during the early ‘00s there was a strong dance music community across the area, especially reading tales of just how mighty Castaways in Souldrop was, despite its remote location.
While a couple of locations may have survived, regulars will no doubt tell you that there is a world of difference between going to Time Out on Bedford High Street and going to (according to Google Maps) a Slug and Lettuce - with all respect to Slug and Lettuce.
We’ve taken a look through Google Maps, websites including UK Decay and Dead Pubs of Bedfordshire to bring 13 venues that were loved and lost over time in the area.

5. Riviera Lights
Once home to the popular Riviera Lights, this location in Bedford went on to become in recent years Morello, a bar and restaurant that according to Google no longer exists. | Abandoned Bedford @ Facebook

6. The Unicorn
A recent shutdown on the list, The Unicorn in Leighton Buzzard in recent times became a restaurant - a far cry from it's days as a pub and venue. The owners wrote a message to those visiting their website that "After much deliberation we have decided to discontinue our tenancy at the Unicorn and will be exiting from this October, 2024." | The Unicorn

7. Ritzy
Though Ritzy's in Bedford may no longer be the establishment many came to love in the '80s and '90s, those who were there still get together to this day - with gatherings and even reunion festivals. | Peter Tormey

8. Grapevine
The Grapevine was situated at 4 Cumberland Street, Luton. This pub was later used as a bar called Bar32. | Closed Pubs