One of the world’s biggest pop stars was spotted enjoying a quiet coffee in Bedford town centre this morning (Wednesday).
Harry Styles, best known as a former member of One Direction and now a global solo artist and actor, visited No. 7 Coffee House on Wellington Street, much to the surprise of owner Hannah Ayres.
Surprise visit
Ayres said she initially thought it would be an ordinary, slow morning shift.
“It was one of those shifts that was dragging and I was thinking about which bit of cake to eat,” she said.
“Then I looked up and two gentlemen came in and one of them took off their cap, and I suddenly recognised him as Harry Styles, which was all a bit surreal.”
Despite the shock, she said she tried to treat him like any other customer.
“I tried to keep my face straight and pretend I hadn’t recognised him and just serve him his drink,” she said. “He was so polite and lovely.”
Choosing local
Ayres said the visit was a welcome boost and highlighted the importance of supporting independent businesses.
“For him to come into the town centre, which gets a lot of bad press, I think it’s brilliant,” she said, “He’s come to a local independent where he easily could have gone to one of the many big chains.”
Styles did not stay long, and Ayres admitted afterwards she wished she had asked for a photo.
“I’m now wishing I took a selfie,” she said.
Why Bedford?
While it is not confirmed why Styles was in Bedford, there are suggestions he may be rehearsing nearby at Cardington Studios, Cardington, ahead of his ‘Together, Together’, which kicks off in Amsterdam, Netherlands, next month.
He then returns to the UK for a 12-night stint at Wembley Stadium, London, in June before heading to Brazil, Mexico, the USA, and Australia.
Styles, who has built a hugely successful solo career since leaving One Direction, has also established himself as an actor, appearing in films including Dunkirk and Don’t Worry Darling.
Most recently, he has been linked to new film projects and studio work, following the global success of his album Harry’s House and an extensive international tour that concluded in recent years.
For Ayres, the visit is one she will not forget.
“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone that famous,” she said. “It was a surreal experience.”
The Bedford Clanger has also been told that he was spotted at the Faces on Bedford High Street too.
In a town where you never quite know what might happen next, for some Wednesday in Bedford turned out to be anything but ordinary.
