I haven't yet been to a bad one. You generally hear folk music at all of them, which is a good start.

The Loaded Dog in Sydney has the finest performer acoustics by general consent - X marks the spot where you appear to get 150 per cent natural foldback, a kind of acoustic dayglo effect. I like to sneak in early alone, and just sing in the space, aiming at the point where the back wall meets the high ceiling. The Loaded Dog also has a regular audience that roars the choruses back at you, and a very quietly wise Mudcatter host(ess).

I am privileged to have sung in a couple of those in UK mentioned above in despatches - Sharps and Herga. For those asking about the south-west, they might drop in on the Bude (Cornwall) folk club at the Falcon Inn? which has one of the loveliest rooms for a folk club, and a welcome to match.

I have spent a fine evening in gentle and talented company at the Raven? Folk Club at the Cross Keys in Chester.

But if you want to know where St Peter sends the most deserving souls, it is back down to the Good Intent in Rochester for the final, outrageous non-stop session of all time.

Cheers,
Chris