The Golden Ball is York's first community co-operative pub — a Grade II-listed gem in Bishophill with a beautifully preserved Victorian layout and a tiled bar. Its Monday open mic, hosted by Tom Beer from 8pm, is known as the city's most eclectic, with loads of variety for the audience and a pint thrown in for every performer. The pub also runs a separate, more traditional Sunday folk night from 8:30pm where anyone who plays can join in.
About Golden Ball
The Golden Ball is York's first community co-operative pub, a Grade II listed Victorian local at 2 Cromwell Road in Bishophill (YO1 6DU), listed on CAMRA's national inventory of historic pub interiors. Taken over by a residents' co-operative in 2012 (profits go back into the community), it has a strong, long-running music programme: weekly open-mic sessions and folk nights, monthly live bands, plus blues and frequent Latin nights. The pub has run a Sunday folk night for over 30 years — bring an instrument and join in, or just listen, from 8:30pm. Well-kept locally produced cask ales complete the picture. A genuinely grassroots, community-owned music local.
Planning Your Monday Night
Arrive by 19:30 to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until late. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
What should you charge for paid gigs?Most open mic musicians are ready for paid work sooner than they think. Check live UK rates by role, city, and venue size.