{"id":37119,"date":"2025-04-21T01:54:17","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T01:54:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/37119\/"},"modified":"2025-04-21T01:54:17","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T01:54:17","slug":"new-owners-of-the-barley-mow-are-bringing-the-party-back-with-sparkling-makeover","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/37119\/","title":{"rendered":"New owners of The Barley Mow are “bringing the party back” with sparkling makeover"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/a>The new logo of The Barley Mow Image: Bedford Independent<\/p>\n

Stepping into the doors of the nation\u2019s oldest LGBT+ bar once again, you wouldn\u2019t think it\u2019s been just two and a half weeks since the ownership changed hands, for the makeover is in your face, very loud and very pink.<\/p>\n

Georgina and Olivia, no amateurs in how to run a bar, are the newest faces running The Barley Mow and they\u2019ve done a marvellous job in putting their own stamp on one of Bedford\u2019s most iconic pubs and are promising to \u201cbring the party back\u201d once more.<\/p>\n

\"Keep<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Both Georgina and Olivia are keen to re-establish the party and re-connect with \u201cmore drag, more inclusivity and more partying!\u201d and say as soon as The Barley Mow came on the market, they couldn\u2019t resist taking it on.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been very stressful but very exciting,\u201d said Georgia, speaking to Bedford Independent at the launch night on Friday (18 April). <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve completely gutted the place! We want to change the whole vibe, the entire feel of it, we\u2019re bringing a lot more drag acts, more live entertainment and events as well and try to open it up to a more inclusive crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe saw this up on the market, and we thought \u2018Why not, man?\u2019 We\u2019re still young, let\u2019s try!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to be gay. There\u2019s no judgment, there\u2019s no bad feelings, everyone will be safe and comfortable and having a good time!\u201d added Olivia.<\/p>\n

\"SomeSome of the unique artwork adorning the walls of the new Barley Mow Image: Bedford Independent<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just want everyone to come and have a good time, man!\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just love this place\u201d, said one visitor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been coming here for almost 20 years now, and I\u2019ve made lifelong friends here. The community have to stick together; we\u2019re always getting attacked in one form or another, so this place will always be valuable for those who need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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?<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be partying every night!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Barley Mow will be open from 4pm on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April, and if there\u2019s one thing it will certainly do, it is party long into the night.<\/p>\n

Tom Carr of the Bedford Independent was given an invite to the pre-opening launch of The Barley Mow on Friday 18 April<\/p>\n

<\/a> <\/p>\n


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