Club not bitter about rising prices
In a week in which Banks's raised the cost of a pint, one working men's club says it has struck a deal that has allowed its members to toast its rock bottom beer prices.
In a week in which Banks's raised the cost of a pint, one working men's club says it has struck a deal that has allowed its members to toast its rock bottom beer prices. Marston's announced a 10p a pint rise yesterday, in a move that will have drinkers across the region crying into their beer.nextpage
It will also prove unpopular with landlords, many of whom are tied to the brewery and therefore have no choice but to pass on the increase. Whitmore Reans Working men's Club severed its link to Marston's, allowing it the freedom to set its own prices at a level that will keep members, such as former Express & Star seller Elvis Presley - who changed his name in honour of his idol - coming through the door.nextpage
Member Barry Hanslow, aged 69, of Boscobel Crescent, near Dunstall, says: " I saw how the club suffered because it ended up owing a lot of money - and once you have signed that piece of paper you are stuck. Now the club stocks Samuel Smiths beer, which is only £1.55 for a pint of bitter and we think it tastes great."nextpage
Joe Brown, who has been the club's steward for 17 years, adds: "Since we removed the link to a big brewery we don't owe anyone a penny - which is the best feeling in the world. Clubs need to know that there is life beyond the big breweries."nextpage
Another challenge facing the whole of Whitmore Reans is security. With a fatal shooting at the nearby Bagot Arms pub in March of this year, the club has ensured it has a secure entry system, with CCTV cameras that allows the bar staff to monitor who enters the venue.nextpage
"Another bonus of the CCTV is that we can see who is coming, and so have their usual drink on the bar by the time they walk in," jokes Joe. "I think the shooting at the the Bagot Arms Pub has meant people in the area are more wary of going out at night, especially with their families."nextpage
The club, now on Bitterne Drive, started out at Lowe Street before it moved to its present location in March 1970.nextpage
"Members can play darts, dominoes, poker and pool and as long as children behave themselves they are welcome until closing time," says Joe. "We have around 700 members and, when someone has been paying all their lives, when they become a pensioner membership is free."