The new logo of The Barley Mow Image: Bedford Independent
Stepping into the doors of the nation’s oldest LGBT+ bar once again, you wouldn’t think it’s been just two and a half weeks since the ownership changed hands, for the makeover is in your face, very loud and very pink.
Georgina and Olivia, no amateurs in how to run a bar, are the newest faces running The Barley Mow and they’ve done a marvellous job in putting their own stamp on one of Bedford’s most iconic pubs and are promising to “bring the party back” once more.
Established in 1839, the history of the Barley Mow is an extensive one with local historians able to track its roots back to the first half of the 19th century, when gay men used the building as a sanctuary and were able to be themselves.
The pair are no strangers to the business as they run a bar on the Welly Road in Northampton, but have now extended into Bedford in the hope of making this place their own.
Both Georgina and Olivia are keen to re-establish the party and re-connect with “more drag, more inclusivity and more partying!” and say as soon as The Barley Mow came on the market, they couldn’t resist taking it on.
“It’s been very stressful but very exciting,” said Georgia, speaking to Bedford Independent at the launch night on Friday (18 April).
“We’ve completely gutted the place! We want to change the whole vibe, the entire feel of it, we’re bringing a lot more drag acts, more live entertainment and events as well and try to open it up to a more inclusive crowd.
“We saw this up on the market, and we thought ‘Why not, man?’ We’re still young, let’s try!”
“You don’t have to be gay. There’s no judgment, there’s no bad feelings, everyone will be safe and comfortable and having a good time!” added Olivia.
Some of the unique artwork adorning the walls of the new Barley Mow Image: Bedford Independent
Perhaps the stand out note from the new team is that the venue will now be open seven days a week, with Olivia saying they want to attract the student crowd as well as everyone else, for everyone is welcome.
“We just want everyone to come and have a good time, man!” says Olivia, in front of some of the unique artwork now on the walls at a place a lot of people call their second home.
“I just love this place”, said one visitor.
“I’ve been coming here for almost 20 years now, and I’ve made lifelong friends here. The community have to stick together; we’re always getting attacked in one form or another, so this place will always be valuable for those who need it.”
The Barley Mow will now be open seven days a week, from 7pm until close from Monday to Friday, while The Barley Mow will open from 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. And the promise?
“We’ll be partying every night!”
The Barley Mow will be open from 4pm on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April, and if there’s one thing it will certainly do, it is party long into the night.
Tom Carr of the Bedford Independent was given an invite to the pre-opening launch of The Barley Mow on Friday 18 April
