Clubs That Are Now Pubs
I've recently visited a few clubs that have opened their doors to non-members, and I found myself wondering whether more are doing this, and if so, why? Is it that the footfall has reduced to the point where they need the extra custom to survive? I rather like the phenomenon, whatever the reason, as it means there are more watering holes available, their beers seem to be cheaper and some of them feel more like a traditional local than most new chain bars.
Any thoughts,insights, observations?
'Beer is for all day, not just for breakfast'.
I've been in a few clubs that now welcome non-members, but there is still a membership for reduced price drinks and socials etc. One I went in had a members only room that was full with 30 or so people and I sat alone in the larger bar area.
I think it is down to rising costs, younger people not drinking as much and excessive taxes. I think you'll be hard pressed now to find a hotel or golf club that doesn't welcome non-members into its bar. I see that a few golf clubs are now popping up on this site.
WE ARE THE BREADMEN - UP THE BEES 
I quite agree that some are more like pubs than many pubs, and if there is genuinely no membership requirement then I don't see why they shouldn't be listed. In fact I recently added one, which has very definitely taken over the role of the village pub, which closed. The trouble comes when they have limited "openness", eg still have membership rules but will admit CAMRA members, GBG holders etc. Possibly ok to list so long as this is made clear, or not?
Situation not aided by WhatPub's poor descriptions of "This is a club, which means that the bar may be only open to members" which is totally unhelpful, just like their useless "This is a hotel, which means that the bar is only open to residents" which may or may not be true. Incidentally, I note that they don't seem to call it WhatPub any more.
On leaving the bar, I felt a strong blow to the back of my head. Turning round, I discovered it was the pavement
I have added a few clubs near me which have rebranded themselves as "social clubs" and are open to all. As far as I am concerned they count as pubs.
The days of each town having a Tory, Labour and Liberal club have long gone...
I am a salmon !!
Not just political social clubs: Paddington Railway Club.Originally Posted by Delboy20
No, the 'new' whatpub site, unlike earlier version, does not include 'whatpub' in the address, but rather CAMRA.
Was thinking about this earlier in the week, I prefer the old site (possibly due to familiarity) but PG now links to the new version.
The navigation takes a bit of getting used to but once you know it you know it I suppose, it's good for putting a pub crawl together with the added map feature.
Last edited by Mobyduck; 20-03-2025 at 18:05.
"Everybody's got to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer."
-W.C.Fields
I far prefer the old site. It was more navigable and the real ale logo was clearer.
As opposed to murky.
"Everybody's got to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer."
-W.C.Fields
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