Mecca Bingo Bedford stands as a cherished memory in the community’s heart, having served as a popular bingo hall before its permanent closure. The establishment featured state-of-the-art e-bingo terminals, accommodating up to 700 players who gathered for exciting bingo sessions and socialising.
The building housed premium slot machines alongside traditional paper bingo options, creating an inviting atmosphere for all players. Visitors enjoyed tasty refreshments from the café and bar while participating in various cash line games and special events.
While Mecca Bingo Bedford may have closed its doors, its legacy lives on through the countless memories created within its walls. Several alternatives exist nearby, including Mecca Bingo Luton, Mecca Bingo Stevenage, and Mecca Bingo Harlow.
Continue reading to discover more about the history of this beloved bingo hall and its impact on the local community.
Club Details
Mecca Bingo Bedford was located within the Kingfisher Business Park at 57 London Road, Bedford, offering a vibrant and accessible place for bingo enthusiasts. The venue featured modern facilities that included e-bingo terminals and cash-line games, creating an entertaining experience for visitors. The club had a seating capacity for approximately 700 players, a cafe serving freshly cooked food, and a well-stocked bar. Disabled access was also prioritized, with easy navigation throughout the venue and the installation of a hearing loop system.
Detail
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Address: | 57 London Rd, Bedford MK42 0NX (View on map) |
Official Website: | meccabingo.com |
Phone Number: | 01234 350355 |
Email: | [email protected] |
Social Profiles: | |
Car Parking Spaces: | Yes – 120 spaces |
Seating Capacity: | 700 |
Food & Beverages: | Hot food and a well-stocked bar available |
Disabled Access: | Yes |
Although the Mecca Bingo Bedford building has now permanently closed, this archived information highlights the extensive amenities it once offered to provide an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all patrons.
Opening Times
Mecca Bingo Bedford opened its doors at specific times throughout the week, with variations on weekends and Wednesdays. The hall operated at 11:30 a.m. from Monday to Friday, except Wednesday, when opening commenced at 11 a.m., and weekend times were 11 a.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Session start times aligned closely with opening hours, offering mid-morning, afternoon, and evening sessions daily. Closing time across all days remained consistent at midnight.
Day | Opening Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 11:30 a.m. – 12 a.m. |
Tuesday | 11:30 a.m. – 12 a.m. |
Wednesday | 11:00 a.m. – 12 a.m. |
Thursday | 11:30 a.m. – 12 a.m. |
Friday | 11:30 a.m. – 12 a.m. |
Saturday | 11:00 a.m. – 12 a.m. |
Sunday | 1:00 p.m. – 12 a.m. |
The structured schedule ensured flexibility, attracting a mix of daytime and evening visitors. The inclusion of morning openings on weekdays and Saturdays accommodated diverse interests.
Session Times
Mecca Bingo Bedford provided multiple session opportunities daily, catering to different schedules. Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions were available on most days, offering flexibility for visitors. Sunday sessions omitted the morning and afternoon timings.
Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
---|---|---|---|
Monday | 12:05pm | 12:30pm | 7pm |
Tuesday | 12:05pm | 12:30pm | 7pm |
Wednesday | 12:05pm | 12:30pm | 7pm |
Thursday | 12:05pm | 12:30pm | 7pm |
Friday | 12:05pm | 12:30pm | 7pm |
Saturday | 11:45am | 12:30pm | 7pm |
Sunday | N/A | N/A | 7pm |
Sessions generally maintained a consistent structure throughout the week, offering ease of planning. Sunday focused solely on evening sessions, providing a shorter schedule. These timings allowed flexibility for players across Bedford.
Pricing Information
Mecca Bingo Bedford charges vary based on session timings and game types. Morning sessions cost £1–£2, afternoon weekday books are £1–£2.50, and the prime Saturday sessions are £9.
Located at Kingfisher Business Park near the Esso garage, this site welcomes players with evening books priced between £1 and £6. Additional games at Mecca Bingo Bedford require £1–£2 extra, making it accessible for various budgets.
The bingo hall, situated close to Bedford St Johns train station, provides convenient access via bus routes 3, 21, 71, 72, 73, W1, and W2. You’ll find e-bingo and cash-line games available, with the site accommodating up to 700 players and offering parking for 120 cars.
For more details, you can contact the manager at [email protected] or call 01234 350355, or visit nearby alternatives like Mecca Bingo Luton, Mecca Bingo Stevenage, and Mecca Bingo Harlow.
History Of Mecca Bingo Bedford
Mecca Bingo Bedford operated at 57 London Road, Bedford, MK42 0NX, for several years. The club was part of the Mecca Bingo brand, offering a mix of classic and modern bingo games. Situated within the Kingfisher Business Park, it served as a hub for local bingo fans until its closure in 2021.
The closure was attributed to the financial challenges stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to shutting down, the club provided seating for approximately 700 people, alongside amenities like parking for 120 cars and modern facilities such as e-bingo terminals and cash-line games.
Available Games
Mecca Bingo Bedford offered various bingo options, including afternoon and evening sessions. Classic 90-ball bingo featured prominently, along with national games offering substantial prizes. Patrons could also play electronic bingo via Mecca Max, catering to a range of budgets.
Additional entertainment came through side slot games, creating diverse play opportunities. Regular promotions, such as free Cashline tickets and discounts for bringing friends, enhanced participation, often advertised on the club’s Facebook page.
Food & Beverages
The on-site cafe at Mecca Bingo Bedford served a selection of classic dishes, including favourites like fish and chips by Harry Ramsden’s and options like burgers, hot dogs, and mac and cheese. A robust menu of sides and snacks, such as nachos, chips, and toasties, was readily available.
Desserts like brownies, mini doughnuts, and sticky toffee pudding added sweet options. The well-stocked bar provided alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including mocktails, beers, and wines, ensuring customers enjoyed a full dining experience during their visits.
How Do You Get to Mecca Bingo Bedford?
This guide summarises directions to Mecca Bingo Bedford, which is now permanently closed; however, information about its former accessibility is provided for historical purposes.
By Car
- Car: Use the postcode MK42 0NX for navigation to 57 London Road in Bedford. Parking was offered for up to 120 vehicles on-site.
By Train
- Train: Bedford St Johns train station was a short walk from the location, providing convenient access via the main rail network.
By Bus
- Bus: Multiple bus routes—3, 21, 71, 72, 73, W1, and W2—stopped nearby on London Road, ensuring easy public transport access.
On Foot
- Walking: Situated near town amenities, the site could be accessed by walking within the Bedford area, making it convenient for local residents.
While the club has since closed, these details reflect the ease of access to the former Mecca Bingo Bedford site.
What Is the Best Time To Visit Mecca Bingo Bedford To Avoid Crowds?
Mecca Bingo Bedford has permanently closed, but historically, the quietest times to visit were weekday afternoons, particularly Monday through Thursday, when player numbers were lower and the atmosphere more relaxed.
For those who prefer quieter sessions, weekday sessions during daytime hours provided the best option for playing with smaller crowds. Saturday nights and weekend evenings attracted the largest groups of players, making these times less suitable for those seeking a calmer environment.
What Other Bingo Halls Are Near Mecca Bingo Bedford?
Several bingo halls exist near the former Mecca Bingo Bedford location, offering alternative places to play bingo. Club 2000 Bingo Bedford serves as the primary bingo hall within Bedford itself, situated at Aspects Leisure Park.
You’ll find these bingo halls in and around Bedford:
- Club 2000 Bingo Bedford: Located at Aspects Leisure Park on Newnham Avenue in Bedford
- Flutters Bingo Biggleswade: Found on Station Road in Biggleswade
- Mecca Bingo Luton: Operating within Bedfordshire
- Flutters Rushden: Positioned on College Street in Rushden
- Castle Bingo Corby: Situated at 82 George Street in Corby
- Buzz Bingo Peterborough: Found at Lime Kiln Close in Peterborough
These local bingo halls provide various sites for playing bingo across Bedfordshire and neighboring areas. Each bingo hall maintains its own unique atmosphere and selection of games for players to enjoy.
What Other Activities Are Available Nearby?
Bedford offers several leisure spots near Mecca Bingo. The surrounding area features cultural sites, green spaces, and entertainment options for visitors to explore.
Each nearby attraction provides unique activities and points of interest. The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum showcases local history alongside impressive collections of watercolours and ceramics, while Bedford Corn Exchange serves as the town’s main entertainment hub.
- Bedford Park: Victorian-designed urban park featuring a cricket pavilion, bandstand, and Green Flag status
- The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum: Collections include local history exhibits, watercolours, prints, drawings, ceramics, glass, and lace displays
- Bedford Corn Exchange: Premier entertainment site hosting performances, concerts, conferences, and various community events
Conclusion
Mecca Bingo Bedford holds a significant place in the local community’s history, having provided countless nights of entertainment at its London Road location. While the site has closed, its legacy continues through the memories of 700-capacity crowds, e-bingo sessions, and social gatherings that once filled its halls.
Fortunately, bingo players can still enjoy similar offerings at nearby locations like Club 2000 Bingo Bedford at Aspects Leisure Park, Mecca Bingo Luton, and Flutters Bingo Biggleswade. These sites maintain the spirit of community and fun that made the original Bedford location so special.