Perhaps one of the reasons that Lewes is able to support two clubs is that we have rather different formats.

The Royal Oak is more toward the concert club end of the spectrum. They have a guest most weeks. After an opening tune session, the residents take the first half before the guests first slot then a few selected floor spots will start the second half.

We at the Lewes Arms have a smaller and cosier room and are more floor spot oriented and have more open nights. We do our utmost to get anyone on who wants a go. Residents take their turn amongst the others and will drop out to make room if there are a lot who want to perform. Hence for us, there is no distinction between a punter and a floor singer. Obviously, on busy nights, there may be too many to get on so a bit of selection has to be done.