I was there in 1962 at the Harrogate folk club when it was first at the Empress.We (my mate and me) used to go there at first because there was a chance of getting a bewer (Harrogate slang for a young lady) and then decided we liked the music a lot.
My observation is that the clubs which seem to do a bit better are the ones which are not tucked away in an upper room but are part of the pub, in an alcove somewhere. I know it is difficult because of general noise, but its not impossible to have really good nights at this type of venue. Pool immediately springs to mind as well as the Princess at rawdon (which I know closed but this was not really due to lack of support but more problems with new landlords.) The beauty of having the club in an alcove rather than and isolated room is that the other people (non folkies in the pub) hear some of our beloved music and LIKE it and this acts as oxygen to the whole thing. We have a gathering here in Leeds which meets at the Corner House Club on the second and last Sunday of the month and the atmosphere there as well as the quality of the music is great. It is only in its embryo stages really, but people would be welcome to come. It is run by Ron Hartley (doctor Ron) Lancashire folky of great calibre. Some of the regulars are Barbara Kempf (Brilliant guitarist and singer) Seamus Markey that Irish man of note. Raftery the Poet ..well known in leeds for his outstanding performance poetry. Mike Garner brilliant banjo player and guitarist as well as destinctive singer. Peter Taylor ..wonderful interpreter of the English song. Karl Griffin singer of good traditional chorus songs. Russ   brilliant English concertina player and singer of North East traditional stuff. Stuart Regan also North East traditional. Linda Coffey and Geoff her new Hubby who are brilliant together as well as seperately.   Directly opposite St Gemmas on the Harrogate Road. You will be welcome

PS The upper room concept can still be used for the revered guests

CAt