I think you will have to stick to tap water Phil, everything else is usually more expensive than bitter.

I start of assuming that most people in this game are honest. Landlords, musicians, audience even the 'local' press although they nearly always get something wrong. It seems to be the case that some landlords are much more effective at managing and promoting their pubs than others.

Pubs have folk nights, jazz nights, blues nights, darts, quizzes, poker, bridge, palm readings, Ann Summers Parties (I believe) curry nights, car club enthusiasts, darts, dominoes, chess, drafts, pool, TV arrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggg I could go on.

Some pubs open the doors and sell beer. In some circumstances this is enough and in some it isn't. If pubs are to survive they will have to do a lot more of those things in my list.

We have explored why folk clubs survive and why they don't in some detail. I cannot really sum it up but those of us who run folkie events will have to think very carefully about what is actually possible. The once a week club is only one choice amongst many.

Cheers

L in C