ABOUT US
Learn more about the history of The Bear Club, and what makes us tick.
What was this place before?
It was a photography studio for about 25 years until 2014—a big white box for shooting cars, products, and people. Before then, it was a garage of sorts. Before that, we’re not sure… but go back some more to the dawn of the building around 1900, and it was part of The Great North Steam Company. Then the whole yard was a large milliners for many decades, with the old rail line running out the back, going to the (now gone) Bute Street Station.
Why is it called The Bear Club?
Why not? We can’t think of a better name for the place. The previous owner wanted something that would feel like a classic club name, a name people could adopt… who doesn’t love a bear? The solitary days he spent building the place apparently felt very ‘cabin in the woods’, and brought to mind a much-loved book he’d been given by 33 Records owner Paul Jolly, called The Bear Comes Home, about a jazz-playing bear trying to live the dream.
Why is it in Luton?
This is just The Bear’s natural habitat, and in our humble opinion, there’s no place better for it. Not only have we a rich, though oft-overlooked history of supporting emerging artists, Luton has been home to one of the few surviving independent jazz record labels for 40 years. And let’s not forget, jazz and blues were born and thrived in industrial working towns and cities in the USA, where hard working people came to play, listen, and drink. Sounds pretty familiar to these ears.
"It's like London..."
Sure. If that’s what you see. We see Luton, through and through, and Luton and its people have made it what it is.
You should open one of these clubs in [insert town name here]
It’s a very flattering thing that people get so into The Bear, they want one in their own town… Harpenden, London, Hitchin, Rome… it’s not really part of the plan to expand the thing, extend the room (impossible), and increase bear population. We might open something else, but it will be a beast of its own.
Why do you shut at midnight?
Cinderella rules apply here, and by midnight, you’ve all had enough vino to move on nicely, allowing us to tidy up and get home and rested ready for the next one. Remember, we have to do it all again the next night! Leave them wanting more!
Why do you close at Christmas?
Because we should all probably be somewhere else at Christmas.
Can you remember what I had last time?
Sometimes, it’s true, we can… but if you were that memorable, you have to ask yourself why. We’ll always endeavour to find you your perfect drink if your usual is not here.
