I'm in N Norfolk and usually go into Norwich for music. Music usually starts between 8:30 and 9:00.

I'm quite a late night person (although these days I can't keep up drinking and playing until the early hrs) and didn't like the early finishes (pub licence conditions apparently) when we first had them. I've grown to accept it though and particularly in one, have even grown to like it as everyone has a (free) drink and a chat after playing. In contrast to one of your opening comments - I find some weeks, it's the only time I do get to talk to everyone.