The Monday club, which offers trips, bingo and socialising, tends to attract the over-50s, but managers are aware of the need to bring in younger members.
“We’re a lovely, friendly bunch,” says Janet. “We do need to keep the younger generations coming to keep the club thriving.”
Dan Neale, a 36-year-old hospitality worker, comes to play snooker, but enjoys the “cheap drinks” and “nice atmosphere”.
“You see everywhere is getting dead expensive and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of support for clubs these days, so it’s really nice to see somewhere like this still open,” he says.
With bills continuing to rise, these qualities may work to the advantage of the clubs.
Dr Ruth Cherrington, a cultural historian who has researched the history of working men’s clubs, believes they remain important to British society.
“They should be supported because they do provide something that’s often lacking in many places in this country, and that’s somewhere relatively cheap to go out, socialise and have a bit of a night out and fun for the family,” she says.
