The clubs I frequent (at least two a week) are existing very happily with a 'mixed' menu, very much as described in the second half of my previous post. Can't comment on what's happening elsewhere.

Some are 'performers' clubs, some are a mix of 'performers' on some weeks, and 'guests' on others. All seem to be doing OK. If we accept that folk music is a minority interest which is in competition with Open-Mics etc., we must also accept that clubs will never be a huge draw for the general public. But most of the ones I come across are ticking over nicely, with fluctuations in numbers depending, I guess, on what else is happening on any given night.