We are Bumblebee at the Hive & The Hive Bistro.
A beautiful shop & Bistro in the heart of Barrow-in-Furness. Offering wonderful home and giftware, great food and drinks, for every home and occasion.
For the past 18 years we’ve hand-picked beautiful items from fabulous suppliers to bring to Bumblebee. Our shop gives our customers fantastic inspiration and items to dress their home, with a unique shopping experience.
We stock vintage home and giftware, new and pre loved furniture and lighting. We specialise in providing beautiful gifts, from accessories like scarves and gloves to caring quoted trinkets for friends and family. There are cards, jewellery, decorations, and presents for weddings, birthdays, children’s celebrations and more from our lovely suppliers.

But how did Bumblebee come to bee: In the beginning…

Bumblebee started out as a passion of mine. I am a nurse first and foremost, but I always had an interest for anything creative, and loved rummaging through nick knack shops and auctions.

A trip to the flea markets in Paris with my good friend Madeline only fuelled the desire to source and sell lovely things. I was inspired by two business owners, Mick and Christine from Ulverston, both had an eye for beautiful things. Mick encouraged me to open my own shop and told me always be true to yourself. Only sell what you love, remember you’re selling a lifestyle. I’ve always remembered his words.

The dream becomes reality…

Bumblebee opened in 2002, in a little shop on Scott Street in Barrow-in-Furness, selling beautiful home and giftware. I had amazing support from my family and friends. My dad said he was always very proud of our little shop.

But the dream kept getting bigger. Another building on Scott Street always caught my eye, and I would stand opposite and imagine what could be…
One day in 2011, whilst admiring the beautiful building, a passing conversation with Davis Jewellers led to us purchasing the property, pigeons and all! The building needed a complete overhaul, but I loved it!!!

It always felt like a special place, quiet and peaceful. With the help of an amazing builder Mike and his team, the building was transformed. Bumblebee at the Hive was created, filled to the rafters with beautiful home and giftware, we opened in 2012. We’re currently putting together a history of Bumblebee – for more pictures and stories, you’ll soon be able to click here.

I love what I do and the balance of nursing and Bumblebee is perfect for me. Here at Bumblebee at the Hive we have an amazing team and I feel grateful to work with amazing women who are now far more than colleagues, they’re family. Meet our team here.
I love and appreciate our Bumblebee family, including our wonderful customers, without whom, we wouldn’t be here today.

And the dream continues…

We’ve been working non-stop behind the scenes pushing Bumblebee forwards and making even more dreams reality. Our website now hosts a lovely Online Shop, which we hope will help us keep providing beautiful items to our lovely customers near and far away.

We’ve also opened our new venture inside 71-73 Scott Street – The Hive Bistro! We’ve always thought a lovey bistro upstairs would be the perfect setting to enjoy scrumptious homemade meals, cakes and indulgent coffees. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment – give us a call on 01229 837761.

Another idea we’ve heard from so many customers, is the opportunity to spend a night or live in Bumblebee…now we know the shop is lacking a few essentials (like a bed!), but that wouldn’t stop us Bees. 2023 will see the opening of Beehive Cottage our holiday let in nearby Ulverston – a Bumblebee experience with cosy wood burning stove and a beautiful romantic bathroom that looks out over the cute secluded garden.

So let’s keep busy Bees, and go on this adventure together.

Much love,

Jackie and the Bumblebee Team xx

p.s. keep up to date with all shop and bistro goings on by checking out our Blog, Facebook & Instagram