100 High Street
This property was researched by John Thurston
The earliest occupants were the Clifton Family, George and his wife Anne who were bakers and confectioners who were operating at the end of the High Street probably from the 1830’s.
While their initial address was almost certainly No 98 High Street, No. 100 was built at some time in the mid 1860’s and the business probably then operated from both addresses.
By 1871 Charles Hart, also a baker and confectioner, is on site with the census that year listing the combined address of both buildings. The Hart family (Charles and later wife Martha) would stay until 1898.
By 1900 Dudeney and Johnston Ltd, Grocers, had taken over and operated alongside The Oriental Café (possibly owned by them) up until 1935. The Café was then renamed in 1936 to The Dame Alice Café.
By 1938 the site had several businesses: David Robinson Ltd, Radio Dealers and Road and Cycle Showrooms and Road Transport and General Insurance Co Ltd. They were joined in 1940 by Motor Credit Services Ltd. From 1952 David Robinson Ltd were the sole occupants and they would stay until 1959. In 1961 Weatherheads (Bedford) Ltd, Radio Television and Electronic Engineers, took over and continued until at least 1976.
In recent times the businesses on site have been Porter Blacks Music Bar/Club (2008- 2012), Meatcure, Café/Takeaway (2016 – 2018), W W Kitchens (2018 – 2019) and Leaders, Estate Agents, (2020 – 2024)
Summary of Occupiers
1839: George Clifton, confectioner and baker, operating in the High Street
1847 – 1869: George and Ann Clifton, confectioners and bakers at No 98 and later 100 High Street
1871 – 1876: Charles Hart, Baker and Confectioner at No’s 98 and 100 High Street
1881 – 1898: Charles and Martha Hart, Confectioners No 100 only
1900 – 1935: Dudeney and Johnston Ltd, Grocers, + The Oriental Café
1936: Dudeney and Johnston Ltd + The Dame Alice Café
1938 – 1939: David Robinson Ltd, Radio Dealers & Road and Cycle Showrooms + Road Transport and General Insurance Co Ltd
1940: David Robinson Ltd, Radio Dealers & Road and Cycle Showrooms + Road Transport and General Insurance Co Ltd + Motor Credit Services Ltd
1947 – 1950: David Robinson Ltd, Radio Dealers & Road and Cycle Showrooms + Road Transport and General Insurance Co Ltd
1952 – 1959: David Robinson Ltd, Radio Dealers & Road and Cycle Showrooms
1961 – 1976: Weatherheads (Bedford) Ltd, Radio Television and Electronic Engineers
2008 – 2012: Porter Blacks Music Bar/Club, Music Bar/Club
2014 – 2015: Empty
2016 – 2018: Meatcure, Café/Takeaway
2018 – 2019: W K Kitchens, Kitchen Company
2020 – 2024: Leaders, Estate Agents