So the inn in Riften is named the Bee & Barb, right? But I've never known anyone to call a fishing hook a "barb," though that's one word to describe the end, and bees themselves aren't what Riften is known for- It's known, apart from some less-than-wonderful bits of colour like a thieves guild hall in the sewers that has been there at least 700 years and having been burned to the ground in the past, for its mead, which comes from the bees' honey.

So why that name, the Bee & Barb, as opposed to something more sensible like the Hook & Honey inn? I've got a pretty good idea of why they went with that, but I'd like to see if other people get it as well.

I'll shoot first!

Bee because bees make honey (sweet/good)
Barb because it stings (bad/poison/corruption)

Riften's controversy.

Perhaps, but it does show a fishing hook on the sign and Riften is known also for its fishery (forgot that bit).

A hint to my thoughts

Where's the fishery in Riften?

On the side facing the lake, it's in the outer district of the city and several npc's work there.

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Riften_Fishery

I seem to recall a discussion about this on a UESP talk page, though I can't remember which in particular, as it was ages ago. Are you in the boat with those who think it references the Queen Mother and her sixual exploits as a young girl that a certain religious order had censored?

Whats the event? the only major event i remember happening in Riften was a rebellion against the Jarl. but cant remember the details that much.

Bees could be for Goldenglow Estate.

Barb... could be... once in Riften, you're "hooked"? Or the Thieves Guild gets their "hooks" in you?

[EDIT]

Or Barb for the original Inn's Nordic Owner, Barbara Big-Bones?

Yep, you got it. Didn't know if it was already something someone had figured out, but it occurred to me yesterday that that... "Bit" took place in Riften. "Bee" is for "Barenziah," and "Barb" is for, well...

Look for the original uncensored version of The Real Barenziah. Warning that it's pretty awful and also nsfw.

Looks at the Avatar of the OP and snickers.

Lady Barenziah was led stray by a Nord Stableboy in Her Youth and experienced a unique trait that a subspecies of Khajiit have.

"The Real Barenziah" in Daggerfell had content that would be considered obscene in a Video Game sold today.

I'd forgotten my avatar was still a khajiit. It was a dunmer when I posted here a lot. Hehe.

I think you're overthinking it, barbs are the pointy bit at the end of a fishhook and Riften is big on fishing; bees produce honey which mead is made from....so it's a clever play on words ( B&B ) for a tavern in a fishing town

They had a small hiccup with the Site a few weeks ago, I had a very low resolution Oblivion Avatar again

Ah so it's the inn from the book... that would make sense.

Gah I can't spell at all lately.