The Bell Inn is a historic, community-owned pub at 103 Walcot Street in central Bath (BA1 5BW) — bought out and run by its regulars, and one of the West Country's most celebrated grass-roots live-music pubs. Free live music runs across the week: Monday nights, every other Tuesday, Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons, plus DJs on Friday nights and all day Saturday. The programme ranges from jazz and blues to folk and roots (and, in the pub's own words, "some things we are not sure what to call"), showcasing local and international acts alike. Every Thursday the Bell Back Bar hosts The Playgroup open mic, with slots from 8pm or by email reservation, a 2kw PA system and a house piano for performers to use. Opening hours run Mon–Tue 4–11pm, Wed–Sat 1–11pm and Sun 12–10:30pm.
The Bell Inn Open Mic
Bath's Tuesday-night free open mic at 103 Walcot Street, BA1 5BW — community-owned pub, PA + guitar amp + piano, 12-minute slots.
Last updated: 26 August 2026
The Bell Inn Open Mic — Quick Facts
Bath's Tuesday-night free open mic at 103 Walcot Street, BA1 5BW — community-owned pub, PA + guitar amp + piano, 12-minute slots.
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
The Bell Inn103 Walcot Street
Walcot Street
Bath BA1 5BW
Walcot Street, Bath — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Highlights
What’s on in Bath this week — or see what’s on across the UK.
About The Bell Inn
About This Open Mic
The Night
The Bell is Bath's co-operatively owned music pub on Walcot Street - bought and run by its customers, staff and fans - and The Playgroup is its weekly Thursday open mic in the Back Room.
The night
Every Thursday, 7pm to 11pm, in the Back Room. Free to perform and free to watch. Music, poetry and comedy are all welcome: "Whether you are a singer with a new track, a poet with something to say, or a comedian looking for some laughs, we want to see what you've got." Even if you are not performing, come and support the local talent.
Gear
A PA, mics, guitars and a piano are provided, so you can turn up with nothing and still play.
Signing up
Come to the pub on the night to book your slot, or email ahead to reserve a place. Roughly 12-minute slots. Over-18s.
Also on
Live music three times a week across jazz, blues and folk, plus vinyl DJ nights at the weekend - all free.
Getting there
103 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BW, a few minutes' walk north of the city centre.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
The Night at a Glance
How The Bell Inn’s Thursday night runs.
Find The Bell Inn
103 Walcot Street, Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BW
Planning Your Thursday Night
Arrive by 19:30 to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until 23:00. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
Part of the Bath live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Bath's The Bell Inn open mic.
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