I feel I really should defend Edinburgh Folk Club. Sure the artists pick their favourite club, but in my experience there is not much major difference between what clubs pay. Edinburgh is my local club and is also the spiritual home of the band I'm with. I reckon the reason they won was because the crowds are always good sized, very knowledgeable, and appreciative of good music. Performers are always very well treated by all. It has been running for nigh on thirty years, and has seen many many mainstays of the scene down those years. As performers, we appreciate welcoming freindly clubs. As a regular visitor to the club as a punter, I know there'll always be a few friends there. Question the merit of awards if you wish, but I think it would be wrong to suggest money would be the reason for picking one over the other.
m.d.