About The Bee’s Mouth
The Bee’s Mouth is an intimate, three-room pub and music venue tucked into Western Road in Hove. It’s known for its quirky, bohemian decor and craft beer focus. The venue exudes a “Bohemian free spirit” distinct to Brighton & Hove (brightonbeerblog.com), with circus‐like kitsch, rotating mannequins and even a saxophone-shaped beer tap to discover. Capacity is very small (around 40 standing (www.countrymusic.co.uk)), so shows here feel friendly and personal. Longtime patrons treasure its eccentric style and DIY atmosphere. Historically the building housed art cafés and bars (it was once the “Arthouse Bar” and Space Gallery Cafe) before becoming The Bee’s Mouth. Even with modern updates, its labyrinthine layout (a snug ground-floor bar, a larger downstairs room, and a low-ceilinged basement performance space) retains a leaky feel of history and character (brightonbeerblog.com) (www.designmynight.com). Its unique blend of vintage oddities and cultural mix – from Belgian kegs to indie playlists – makes it a local landmark for lovers of craft beer and offbeat events.
Events and Programming
The Bee’s Mouth hosts a packed calendar of niche entertainment. Most days it stages themed community nights and local gigs rather than major acts. A typical week might include free live jazz forums on Monday and local singer-songwriter nights or open mic on Wednesday, interspersed with low-priced club gigs. TripAdvisor’s listing notes a sample weekly lineup: “Jazz Forum (live)” on Mondays (£free), a Tuesday life-drawing art class (£6), a Wednesday open-mic night (£free), and various live music or film screenings on other nights (www.tripadvisor.co.uk). In practice you’ll also find regular comedy nights, poetry slams, cult movie nights in the basement, and late-night DJ sets on weekends. Recurring events include a monthly stand-up comedy evening (often promoted as “Bee’s Mouth Comedy Club”) and weekly creative workshops. In the 2020s the venue has seen local indie bands and touring folk or alt-country acts (for example, New Orleans–styled acoustic band Slow Motion Cowboys (www.visitbrighton.com) or Brighton prog-rockers Figurehead (www.setlist.fm)) plus themed album launch shows, punk nights, and one-off parties. Tickets are generally inexpensive; many open-mic and jazz nights are no-cover, and gigs often start around £5–£12 (www.ents24.com) (www.visitbrighton.com). Because The Bee’s Mouth’s DIY arts vibe attracts a creative crowd, you’ll also find open workshops like life drawing (hosted by Brighton Arts Social Club) and spoken-word nights. Overall the programming skews alternative: think local talent, vintage cinema, rockabilly, soul, and experimental performers rather than mainstream cover bands or pop stars.
Tickets and Booking
The Bee’s Mouth does not have a traditional box office. For public gigs and ticketed events, organisers usually sell tickets in advance online (via local event platforms) and at the door. The friendly door staff or event promoters often announce sales dates on social media. Many regular events (Jazz Forum, Open Mic) have no fee or require a small donation, so you can usually just turn up early for those. If an evening lists a ticket price (e.g. entry on entry listed on a poster or event page), expect prices typically in the single digits or low teens (£5–£12 is common) (www.ents24.com) (www.visitbrighton.com). For example, 2025 folk gigs at The Bee’s Mouth went for around £5–£11 apiece. Popular shows can sell out due to the tiny capacity, so it’s best to buy early once a date is announced. For very small ticket events (like life-drawing classes or comedy clubs), only a limited number are available online and a couple may be kept for cash sale at the door (www.eventbrite.co.uk). Customers should check the event’s official poster or The Bee’s Mouth’s announcements for presales or door prices. There is no dedicated box office on site besides the bar, so when in doubt call the venue phone to inquire if tickets remain or will be at the door (the local Promoters on flyers may list times for pickup or will confirm on Facebook or email). In all cases, buying in advance and arriving early is recommended for sold-out nights.
Seating and Layout
The Bee’s Mouth is essentially general-admission with a few bench/booth seats. The ground-floor bar area is cosy with several small wooden tables and booths – great for conversation, drinking, or catching part of a show. Beyond the bar, stairs lead down to a larger ground-level performance room, which has a tiny stage at one end and curtained-off areas with padded booths along the sides. Down one more flight you reach the cavernous basement (often called the “cabaret room”) with red-velvet deco and more room to stand. For live music and comedy, the action is typically in the lower room; latecomers often stand by the bar or at the back of the upper space. Because the floors are split, there aren’t bad seats per se – a booth up high will still see a band on stage. Acoustically it’s intimate: with a small PA expect the front few rows of standing space to have the best view and sound, though those on raised sofas or in booths can also enjoy a closeup. (One caveat: the basement can echo at full capacity, so very loud gigs may feel a bit boomy.) VIP or reserved seating doesn’t exist here. Best spots depend on your vibe: grab a sofa in the main bar for chatting, or claim a spot near the stage in the lower room for performance energy. Note there are several narrow stairs, so accessibility varies by area. Overall, it’s a ramshackle layout full of nooks – exploring the space is half the fun, whether you perch at the mirrored den up top or lean on a table downstairs (www.designmynight.com) (brightonbeerblog.com).
Getting There and Parking
The Bee’s Mouth is located at 10 Western Road, Hove (postcode BN3 1AE), a short walk from central Hove. By rail the closest main hub is Brighton Station (about 1.1km away by foot) though you can also use the nearer Hove Station (roughly 800m east) for local trains. Several London-bound and regional train lines stop at Hove station. On foot or by taxi it’s a quick ride from either station. Frequent city buses run along Western Road (routes such as the No.1/Newport Street, 5 or 6, 49, etc. – check Brighton & Hove service maps) linking Hove to Brighton City Centre and suburbs. Route stops for these are right around Western Road/George Street. Drivers should note that Western Road has limited on-street parking (mostly short-term paid bays). Nearby public pay-car parks include the Brunswick Street East car park (a few blocks north) or New Church Road multi-storey behind Duke Street. Evening parking restrictions are common, so double-check signs. Taxis and rideshares can drop off directly on Western Road outside #10; there is a small side pavement to wait. Pedestrians will find Western Road well-signed from the seafront: it runs parallel to the promenade from Palmeira Square westwards. If coming from further afield, The Bee’s Mouth is about a 5-minute walk from Palmeira Square and the Hove Museum, and only a mile or so from the seafront (Churchill Square area).
Inside the Venue
On entering, expect a dimly lit, eclectic bar counter as your first impression. The vibe is artsy and relaxed. Security is low-key: bag checks are minimal and coat-check is usually unavailable, so keep valuables small. It’s common to queue for the bar at busy times; bar staff are known to be friendly, and many patrons praise the atmosphere (the-bees-mouth.com-fnb.com). The Bee’s Mouth does not cook food on site (aside from occasional snacks like crisps or nuts), so plan to eat beforehand or order outside food. (Many acts allow local takeaway deliveries.) Drink options are broad: look for craft ales, imported bottles, cidery taps, ciders and cocktails (one reviewer noted an “impressive beer collection” (www.designmynight.com)). Expect debit/credit cards and contactless to be accepted at the bar. Restrooms follow a typical pub style – you will find ladies/gents loos on the ground floor (usually down a hallway off the main bar area). Take note of uneven wooden floors and step-downs. No free wifi is advertised, so don’t count on reliable internet inside. Cellular signal is decent, though getting photos or directions is safer before entry. If a band is playing, DJs and live performers often crowd the basement. Small merchandise tables (if any) are near the stage for bands; otherwise merch can be bought directly from performers by the bar. The Bee’s Mouth has an informal, friendly atmosphere with an artsy soundtrack. Don’t expect bright lights or a formal stage: the emphasis is on community and discovery. DJs, bands, and punters mingle freely, making each visit feel like a private party with new surprises around every corner.
Nearby Amenities
Western Road is one of Hove’s main high streets, so there are plenty of pre-show dining and late-night options just steps away. On the same block as The Bee’s Mouth you’ll find cafes and snack shops (for example, the popular Real Patisserie is a short walk east (hovehistory.blogspot.com)). A few doors down are bistros, takeaways and international restaurants – for instance, Casbah Persian and Almoosh take-away. Within a couple of minutes’ walk you can reach gastropubs (like The Westbourne Pub), Indian and Thai restaurants, pizza parlours, and burger bars. A few blocks south on George Street and Church Road offer more pubs, cafes and seaside grills. After a late gig, note the last trains from Hove/Portslade stations are often around midnight, and night buses run along Western Road and Church Road (check local timetables). Taxis line Western Road or George Street into the early hours. If you’re staying overnight, the Hotel du Vin and the Art House Hotel are under 1 mile east (Brighton/Hove border). For shopping or sights, Churchill Square Mall and the Brighton seafront are around half an hour’s stroll east, offering late drinks and city views after a night out.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Bee’s Mouth stands out for its sheer personality. Decorated like a psychedelic speakeasy or a circus freakshow, it’s a vessel for Brighton’s indie spirit (brightonbeerblog.com). Every visit brings a new oddity: a saxophone beer pump here, a glittering mirrored den there, and the rotating mannequin’s head described by one guide (www.designmynight.com). These artistic flourishes aren’t for show alone; they reflect the pub’s mission of eclecticism. It’s one of the few places locally that combines avant-garde art events (spoken-word nights, film screenings, immersive theatre) with a fully-stocked bar and craft beer list. Legendary acts from Brighton’s scene have performed within these warren-like walls, making for memorable underground gigs. The Bee’s Mouth has built a reputation as a creative hub – a place where amateur poets feel as at home as touring rockers, and where everyday patrons might bump into buskers or board-game inventors. For residents, it’s beloved for foregrounding community: regulars note “you’ll soon understand why this is the best pub… in all Brighton & Hove” (the-bees-mouth.com-fnb.com). In short, its historical importance is not in age or architecture but in cultural impact. It injected life into a strip of Hove that was once quiet by offering “three rooms of wonder” (www.tripadvisor.co.uk). Both artists and audiences love The Bee’s Mouth for the way it defies convention: it’s a venue that welcomes experiments, rewards curiosity, and always feels like a home for anyone who marches to the beat of their own drum.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The ground floor is step-free and wheelchair-friendly, but the basement and mid-level stage room require stairs. If mobility is an issue, stick to the main bar area. Age limit: Most events are 18+, and an ID check is common (some nights explicitly note “18+”). Dress Code: Casual is fine – go with your style. Security: Bags may be lightly searched on entry; avoid bringing large backpacks or valuables. There is no formal coat check, so bring only what you need. Fund and Food: Be prepared to buy drinks at the bar (no kitchen, though outside food delivery is often allowed). For arts events like life-drawing, bring cash as noted on the event info (£10 door for life drawing (www.eventbrite.co.uk)). Seats and Sighting: Comedy and music nights have unreserved standing areas – get there early for front spots or take advantage of the scattered sofas. Peak times: The venue opens late (around 4:30pm daily) and fills up by 9pm on weekends. External booking: If an event has an entry fee, buy tickets in advance as popular gigs sell out fast. Etiquette: The vibe is inclusive – however, it’s polite to move aside for performers and not block the narrow walkways with tables. Telefoners: There is no guest Wi-Fi, so download any maps or event details beforehand. Photography: Small cameras/phones are fine; be discreet if professional lighting is in use. Any prohibited items (large containers, Flasks) will be mentioned in advance announcements. Most importantly, enjoy the quirks: exploring hidden corners and striking up conversations is part of the fun. First-timers often advise taking your time to soak in the decor and friendly crowd for the full experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of The Bee's Mouth and how big is it?
The Bee's Mouth is very small by live venue standards. The main performance room holds roughly 40 people (standing) (www.countrymusic.co.uk). Including the upstairs seating area and the basement, the total capacity tops out around 50-60, so events are intimate. Seats are limited, so it’s mostly general admission or standing.
How can I buy tickets for shows at The Bee's Mouth?
Tickets are usually sold in advance online through event platforms or local promoters (check announcements by the venue or Facebook/Ents24 listings). Small shows may also be cash-on-door only. For popular gigs it’s best to purchase early. There is no dedicated ticket booth at the pub – ask staff at the door or call ahead to see if door tickets are available. Many weekly events (open mic, jazz) have no entry fee.
Is wheelchair access available at The Bee's Mouth?
The Bee’s Mouth has partial accessibility. The ground-floor bar area is step-free and wheelchair-accessible, as noted by venue guides. However, the performance rooms and basement are down one or more flights of stairs without a ramp or lift. For live shows, the main floor is accessible (you can see the stage from the bar), but access to the lower stage room and cellar requires stairs.
Are there any food or drink offerings at The Bee's Mouth?
The Bee’s Mouth is primarily a bar; it offers a wide range of beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails. It does not have a kitchen service for meals. You’ll find only light snacks like crisps available occasionally. Visitors usually eat before coming or order takeaway from nearby restaurants to bring in. (Several pubs in this area allow outside food, and a delivery guy can drop off pizza or similar.) Non-alcoholic drinks (softs, tea/coffee) are also on the menu.
What are the weekly events or themed nights at The Bee's Mouth?
The Bee’s Mouth runs a rotating schedule of regular events. Traditionally: Mondays are live jazz nights, Tuesdays host life-drawing art sessions, Wednesdays hold an open mic (for music and poetry), and Thursdays feature live bands or DJs (www.tripadvisor.co.uk). Films or creative workshops also pop up occasionally. Times may change, so always check their latest schedule. These regular slots usually have free or low-cost entry (e.g. the life drawing class is around £6 (www.tripadvisor.co.uk)). Special events like comedy nights or themed parties happen irregularly.
When should I arrive to ensure entry?
For popular concerts or comedy nights, arrive early – usually 30–45 minutes before start – because the venue is tiny and fills up fast. If it’s free-entry (like open-mic or jazz nights), coming right at the listed start time is usually okay, though scroll to sit/stand close. Evening peak is often 8–9pm on weekends. Doors typically open in the late afternoon (around 4:30pm on weekdays, earlier on weekends) so arrive early for a good table and quick service.
What are the height and sound conditions inside for concerts?
The Bee’s Mouth is low‐ceilinged and the rooms are relatively shallow. The main performance room has a small stage about waist high. Expect intimate volume levels – the amplifiers and PA are modest. If you’re standing near the speakers, it can be loud; farther back it’s milder. The bar area has softer background sound. The basement can cause some echo with a full crowd, and the floors are wooden, so light floor bounce happens. Earplugs aren’t required for most nights, but consider them if you’re very sensitive to bass.
Can I bring my pets or children?
The Bee’s Mouth is primarily an adult nightlife venue. Generally, children and pets are not allowed during evening performances. Being a pub, the atmosphere is more suited to over-18s. There may be family-friendly events occasionally (matinees or charity daytime gigs), but normally expect an 18+ crowd. Guide dogs are not specifically mentioned, so check ahead if needed. Always see the specific event listing: it will state “18+” for restricted nights.
Do you have to be quiet at this venue or can I talk at the bar?
It’s a social pub, so chatting at the bar is normal when music is not playing. If a band or performance is happening, people typically quiet down. The vibe is friendly, so you can talk with friends or become part of the conversation. Late-night DJs or a busy gig may raise volume, in which case you might step into the hallway to chat without missing your favorite song. Compared to larger theaters, people will talk during instrumental breaks. It’s polite to give performers attention, but there’s no enforced quiet unless announced.
How strict is the age verification?
Age checks are fairly strict for 18+ events. Most events (especially alcohol-fueled music nights) require proof of age. The venue signs posted notes “18+” for concerts and comedy shows, so be prepared with an ID (passport or driver’s licence). For free open evenings there is usually no entry fee, but staff still ask for age verification if it’s after dark. If a flyer doesn’t mention an age limit, assume entry is fine for all ages until a notice says otherwise. In short: if you look under 21, carry ID.
What's the dress code at The Bee's Mouth?
There is no formal dress code – the style here is casual and eclectic. Bright or funky outfits fit right in, but everyday attire is absolutely fine. You will see everything from jeans and T-shirts to retro costumes at theme nights. It’s a relaxed pub vibe so wear whatever is comfortable, including layers for the cool basement. On special theme nights (80s party, fancy dress nights, etc.) there may be encouragement to dress up, but most nights are just casual.
Is there parking near The Bee's Mouth and is it free?
Street parking on Western Road is very limited and usually paid (metered). There may be a couple of short-term bays on nearby side streets, but these often have time restrictions. The area around the pub is mainly residential permit parking after 6pm. For paid parking, the Brunswick Street East car park (NCP) is a short walk north (about 5 minutes on foot). Arriving earlier is wise to find any on-street space. Taxis or ride-share are often easier on busy nights, as late-night parking is scarce.
What’s the smallest amount of cash I should bring?
Bring enough for a drink or two plus cover/entry. Drinks are moderate priced (a pint is typically £4–£5, spirits/cocktails around the same). Entry to shows, if any, is often under £15. Because some events (life drawing, certain gigs) may require cash-on-door (as noted by organizers (www.eventbrite.co.uk)), keeping at least £20–£30 in cash is prudent. You can usually pay by card at the bar, but the door/promo table may be cash-only.
Are cameras or recording devices allowed?
Small personal cameras and phones are typically fine to take photos or personal videos. The Bee’s Mouth generally doesn’t allow professional recording gear without permission, though. If filming a show or flash photography is involved, check with the performer or promoter first (often they will announce if it’s disallowed). Casual pictures and videos for personal use are common, and the staff won’t mind a bit of smartphone photography during drinks.
Does The Bee's Mouth have a coat check or lockers?
No formal coat check or lockers are available. Space is very limited, so bringing large bags or bulky coats is discouraged. If you have a small backpack or jacket, you can hang it behind your chair or lean it against a wall. For colder nights, weigh carrying a thin jacket that can fit under your seat. Keep valuable items with you (the staff cannot guard unattended belongings). The general advice is to bring the minimum you need when attending an event.
What are the wheelchair access points inside the pub?
Wheelchair users can enter and use the ground-floor bar area (the front lounge) without steps. There is an accessible toilet near the bar as well. However, any live performance or event usually takes place downstairs. The staircases to the lower floors do not have ramps. Some patrons in wheelchairs remain in the back of the main floor to watch bands through the open archway. If you need full accessibility, consider contacting the venue in advance to discuss arrangements or whether space in the front lounge can be reserved for viewing.
Is smoking allowed inside or outside the venue?
Smoking indoors is prohibited (by UK law) just as in any bar. There are ashtray stands by the door – smokers must step outside to the street pavement to light up. Given the narrow entryway, it’s courteous not to block the doorway when smoking. Talking and drinking inside continues even when smokers step outside, which is just a short pause. Public benches along Western Road are sometimes used for smoking as well.
Is outside food allowed inside The Bee's Mouth?
Yes, light outside food is generally tolerated. Since The Bee’s Mouth lacks a kitchen, many guests bring snacks or order delivery from nearby take-outs. For example, pizza or sandwiches dropped off by a courier are usually fine (just ask staff if they have a preferred drop spot). Keep in mind no hot cooking happens inside – only sealed or cold food items. This makes sense as a courtesy to bartenders and fellow patrons (no strong cooking smells). If you plan to eat a meal, it’s often better to grab a quick bite at a nearby restaurant before heading in.
