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The Hive Bistro Back

The Hive Bistro

A small-plates bistro in central Barrow focused on homemade food and Cumbrian produce, with local fish, meat, honey, tea, coffee and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices.

Seasonal small plates and sharing dishes
Local fish and shellfish from Walney
Cumbrian beef, honey, tea and coffee
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options
Central Scott Street location
Booking recommended due to limited opening
The full story

About The Hive Bistro

The Hive Bistro is an independent restaurant above Bumblebee on Scott Street in the centre of Barrow-in-Furness. Its menu is built around small plates, sharing and seasonal changes rather than a fixed list of pub classics, making it one of the more distinctive places to eat in town.

Local sourcing is central to the restaurant’s identity. The Hive says it uses sustainably caught fish and shellfish from A&J Fresh Fish on Walney Island, beef from Ashlack Hall near Grizebeck, Furness-area honey and Penningtons tea and coffee. Its drinks list also includes Cumbrian ales alongside wines and other options.

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Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes are represented across the menus, and the team invites diners with specific dietary requirements to contact them before visiting. Lunch service includes small plates and a sandwich board, while evening dining moves towards small plates and specials.

Current regular opening is limited compared with a seven-day restaurant: Wednesday evenings, then Thursday to Saturday from noon, with the final advertised booking at 7.30pm. Sunday openings are used for selected dates and special events, so booking ahead is sensible rather than arriving speculatively.

The Cumbria Guru verdict

Our local note

One of Barrow’s most interesting independent food choices, especially if you like seasonal small plates and locally sourced ingredients. The limited weekly opening makes advance planning important.

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Last updated 29 August 2026.