PS...I think I preferred the sideways layout of the club, Villan...Once I got over the initial, "feels like an interview" terror. I agree with your comments about removing the end tables near the door because you can always add them if there are enough people attending.
Clubs like the MRFC have to continally evolve if they are not to become stale and we all have to try to support each other, whether performer or part of the regular audience. There is room for everyone with a little compromise, I think. Long live live music!