The Bee and Barb is the inn of Riften, run by the Argonian couple Keerava and Talen-Jei. It is the city’s social hub, which in Riften means it is also a hub for schemes, debts and very shady job offers. If you want a bed, a drink or a lead on something less than legal, this is your first stop.
What you’ll find
- Keerava is the innkeeper and co-owner; Talen-Jei tends the bar.
- Brynjolf hangs around here before “A Chance Arrangement” is done.
- Maven Black-Briar drops in most nights, and her son Hemming shows up now and then.
- Marcurio, a mage mercenary who can be hired near the entrance for 500 gold.
- Mjoll the Lioness visits occasionally – she is also a marriage candidate.
- Louis Letrush, the man behind a dodgy business deal.
- Maramal preaches here on your first visit before moving to the Temple of Mara, where he sells the Amulet of Mara.
- Sapphire stays here until Shadr’s debt is settled, then moves to The Ragged Flagon.
- Regulars include Indaryn, Asgeir Snow-Shod and Vulwulf Snow-Shod, mostly at night.
Quests
- A Chance Arrangement – your entry into the Thieves Guild.
- Taking Care of Business – one of the debts you collect leads here.
- Promises to Keep – started by Louis Letrush.
Tips
Talen-Jei sells three drinks you won’t find anywhere else: the Cliff Racer, the Velvet LeChance and the White-Gold Tower. Collectors, take note. If you are planning a wedding, grab the amulet from Maramal and then come back – Marcurio becomes marriageable once he has been hired. And keep a hand on your coin purse; this is Riften.
Good to know
It is the only tavern in a major Skyrim city with no singing bard. Louis Letrush technically counts as one, but he never picks up an instrument – presumably too busy cutting deals.
Details checked against community wiki articles and the Skyrim game files, summarised in our own words.