The Golden Lion is a much-loved community pub and live-music venue at 244 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol (BS7 8NZ) — cask ales, a friendly local crowd and live music or events seven days a week: open mic on Mondays, live bands Tuesday to Saturday, and a film club on Sundays. Its Monday open mic runs 9pm–11:30pm, hosted by Jim Davies (of The Rin Tins) — an all-skills, all-styles night where everything from singing and original songs to poetry and comedy is welcome. A genuinely well-equipped open mic: a full backline is provided — acoustic guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and congas — so you can turn up and play whatever you like, solo or full band. A staple of the Gloucester Road open-mic circuit. Confirmed open and gigging in 2026 (CAMRA, Open Mic Finder, Time Out, Gigseekr).
The Golden Lion Open Mic
Gloucester Rd's monday-night free open mic at The Golden Lion — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 8:30pm, 15-minute slots, all ages.
Last updated: 3 June 2026
The Golden Lion Open Mic — Quick Facts
Gloucester Rd's monday-night free open mic at The Golden Lion — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 8:30pm, 15-minute slots, all ages.
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
The Golden Lion244 Gloucester Road
Bishopston
Bristol BS7 8NZ
Bishopston, Bristol — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
What’s on in Bristol this week — or see what’s on across the UK.
About The Golden Lion
About This Open Mic
The Night
The Golden Lion on Gloucester Road runs a properly equipped weekly open mic every Monday, 9pm to 11:30pm, with Jim Davies of The Rin Tins leading proceedings. It's a well-loved Bristol music pub and all skills are welcome — poetry, singing and comedy all get a turn. The big draw for players is the full backline: house PA, drum kit, bass, keyboard, congas and an acoustic guitar all set up, so you can turn up almost empty-handed and still play a full band sound. Sign-up is walk-in, so arrive early on a busy Monday.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
The Night at a Glance
How The Golden Lion’s Monday night runs.
Find The Golden Lion
244 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NZ
Planning Your Monday Night
Arrive by 20:30 to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until 23:30. Full backline is provided — just bring your instrument and pedals.
Part of the Bristol live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Bristol's The Golden Lion open mic.
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