Poplars Pantry in Central Bedfordshire

This wasn't my first time dining at 'The Pantry' so my expectations were high after previous postive experiences with their service and food, however this is my first review of this friendly and well known Bedford Italian eatery. On arrival we were given a warm welcome by the front of house staff and were shown to our table promptly. There was certainly plenty of space between tables which in my opinion certainly made it covid friendly. The informal, warm and relaxed atmosphere certainly encourages a postive and enjoyable dining experience also. We ordered six tapas dishes off of the tapas menu which were delicious, freshly cooked and vibrant. I would certainly recommend you try the sautéed King Prawns and the Whitebait which were very moreish!! For my main course I ordered the Pasta Cozze which was spaghetti with mussels cooked in a white wine sauce with cherry tomatoes. All my mussels were prepared, and cooked beautifully. The spaghetti was perfectly al-dente which I prefer, and in my opinion is just how it should be cooked. My wife ordered the chicken cutlet with fries and salad which she enjoyed. The bread crumb coating covering the chicken wasn't soaked in oil but delightfully golden brown and crispy. We also sampled the lobster ravioli which was cooked to perfection along with a homemadepizza which my son really enjoyed. It has been a while since we had previously dined at the pantry, but I can honestly say in my opinion the service and food has remained excellent. Thank you for an excellent lunch, and we will certainly return again soon.

This is a firm favourite of mine in Bedford. It is in a great location, the interior is very simple, and the atmosphere is always good. Love the classic Italian tunes - gives it a classy feel. The staff are all exceptional and highly professional. The food is also delicious (especially the gnocchi and vegan toastie).5 Stars

Very nice lunch, with a selection of paints, pizzas and other warm dishes. It's a large cozy place inside and has a decent size yard outside (part of it weather proof). We would definitely visit again. The eggplan parmigiana was delicious and they have a nice selection of deserts too.

HUGE portions of food the Italian menu offers great quality and flavours. We had a lovely afternoon, and the atmosphere was buzzing. We'll definitely come again

Lovely place for a birthday Sunday lunch! Very tasty, freshly cooked food, great service and atmosphere. We will definitely be back!

What an absolute gem - proper Italian restaurant. Took my mum for a birthday lunch and had the best melanzane alla parmigiana outside of Sorrento 👌. Mum had a tasty panini - of course being Italian generous portions 😁 and to finish coffee and a beautiful torta della nonna ❤ bellissimo!! 😍We will definitely be back to sample the rest of the menu. Grazie mille 💕

Ordered the Lobster Ravioli and Lasagna via Deliveroo on a Saturday night, the food was almost 20 minutes early, piping hot, and absolutely delicious! Food was perfectly cooked! The Zepollelle was perfectly fried, not greasy, and excellent! Will definitely order again

Booked table for 4 for Sunday lunch. Pleasant surroundings friendly staff. Great food. We over ordered on starters but that was our own fault as everything sounded so good. We all tried various pasta dishes for Mains. We all left feeling very satisfied and we would definitely return.

Superb, always friendly, food is very tasty and accessible, pizza is excellent too. Great vegan broccoli salad. Just wished there were a couple of other vegan options. You won't be disappointed with anybody the dishes here though. Great for couples, groups, families and seniors. Unusual to find a place which gets it right at all points.

We booked a table outside months in advance but the restaurant had given it to someone else - they offered a smaller table outside after a while but by then we’d settled inside - a bit disappointing. Other than this the service was very friendly and efficient. The food was ok - cannelloni beans on toast starter was fresh but needed a twist of salt or something to give it an edge. The main vegan salad was also cannelloni beans with broccoli - and again needed something else to give it some impact - half way through I found myself not really wanting to keep eating it so I stopped and took the rest away - with some salt and chilli oil added as home with a squeeze of lemon it perked up. The best dish was the side order of chips - hot and crispy with fluff interior. So overall an enjoyable experience but fairly average food.