Club together (From York Press)

Club together

11:43am Saturday 6th February 2010

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IT’S funny how new horizons can suddenly appear, as if from nowhere. Until a few months ago, if I were asked about York’s club scene, I’d have imagined those sweaty cesspits in and around Micklegate, recalling grim and ignominious nights out of years gone by.

I’d scarcely have stopped to consider the other club scene – that of the traditional CIU premises and old working men’s clubs scattered around the city.

To the ignorant and unfamiliar, these places can suffer from a slight image problem, not helped by their characterisation in shows such as Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights. They can sometimes feel a bit anachronistic and dated, and several in York – such as the Promenade Club and The Groves – have fallen by the wayside in recent years.

Many others though are not only surviving but thriving and, in these days of economic hardship, are arguably better placed than anyone to ride out the storm, thanks to their inexpensive drinks, wide-ranging entertainment and good camaraderie. The St Clements Club in Count de Burgh Terrace is just one of those doing well. I first encountered this place last summer when some friends moved to South Bank and, after delivering a best-man’s speech here in September, I’ve been regularly tempted back.

I popped in last Saturday and the place was packed to the rafters and with good cause. On tap were a selection of Sam Smith’s beers, including Old Bitter and Alpine Lager, but also some other options. The new stewards, Helen and Ryan Fisher, have added Caledonian Deuchars, but I opted for Tetley’s Falstaff instead, at £1.60 a pint and 3.2 per cent ABV.

I’m not much of a fan of Tetley’s standard bitter but this was an altogether different offering with a real rich, malty flavour and I stuck with it for the rest of the night.

Darts dominated the front room, with proficient players and us lowly hopefuls all sharing the ochie, but the main entertainment took place in the back room.

The weekly Saturday “act” took centre stage, with three sets of old-time classics, while between his performances we were treated to a music quiz and bingo.

My musical knowledge is abysmal and I’d never played bingo in my life but the place was buzzing and it was a really enjoyable night – and I’m not just saying that because I landed £15 in winnings.

In years gone by, in some of these clubs’ heydays, ordinary punters might have had to be signed in by members, but those days are long gone. If you want a break from your local pub, and fancy some cheap drink and fun, then get yourself along.

l An old friend was visiting from Shropshire this week and wanted to visit some of York’s old historic pubs. We popped into the Punch Bowl in Stonegate, always great for a mixture of good beer, decent food and an air of history.

It was a pleasant surprise to be asked at the bar if we wanted our beer in straight glasses or mugs – I can’t remember the last time I was offered that choice, and it’s a nice touch.

Gavin is Yorkshire Columnist of the Year.

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