The Barley Mow is a cosy backstreet local at 39 Castle Road, Southsea (Portsmouth), and a perennial favourite for first-time performers. It hosts the Alleycats Open Mic on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, starting at 6:45pm. Like its sister Alleycats night at the Admiral Drake, the format has run since 1997: a fully featured PA with leads, a house acoustic guitar if you need one, three songs per act (occasionally more, never less), and no pre-booking — just arrive early to get on the list. Musicians, singers, poets and spoken-word performers are all welcome, and the supportive crowd makes it a great spot to play your first gig. It's a busy, fun night of local music in a proper pub. Check the Barley Mow's Facebook page to confirm the next Alleycats Sunday before heading over.
The Barley Mow Open Mic
Southsea's sunday-night free open mic at The Barley Mow — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 7pm, 15-minute slots, all ages.
Last updated: 3 June 2026
The Barley Mow Open Mic — Quick Facts
Southsea's sunday-night free open mic at The Barley Mow — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 7pm, 15-minute slots, all ages.
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
The Barley MowSouthsea PO5 3DE
Southsea — 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 Southsea this week — or see what’s on across the UK.
About The Barley Mow
About This Open Mic
The Night
Alleycats Open Mic at The Barley Mow on Castle Road has been a Southsea institution since 1997, running on the first and third Sunday of each month, 6:45pm til 11pm. It's a warm, properly run community night for musicians, singers, poets and spoken-word performers — three songs per act (occasionally more, never less). There's a fully featured PA with leads and a house acoustic guitar if you need it; no pre-booking, just turn up early enough to get on the list. Free entry, all welcome.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
The Night at a Glance
How The Barley Mow’s Sunday night runs.
Find The Barley Mow
Southsea PO5 3DE
Planning Your Sunday Night
Arrive by 19:00 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 Southsea live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Southsea's The Barley Mow open mic.
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