Clubland

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‘Brilliant.’ Alan Johnson ‘Compelling.’ David Kynaston ‘The beer drinkers’ Bill Bryson.’ Times Literary Supplement Ferment Magazine’s Best Beer Book of the Year. Pete Brown serves as a convivial guide through the rich history of working men’s clubs, tracing their origins from teetotaller social reformer Reverend Henry Solly to their mid-century heyday, when over 7 million Brits were members. This engaging narrative uncovers how these clubs became central to Britain’s social fabric, offering more than just cheap drinks and meals. Often viewed as outdated and associated with bigotry, Brown highlights their vibrant past, showcasing venues that once hosted legends like Shirley Bassey and the Bee Gees, providing family-friendly entertainment close to home. For many, especially in industrial towns like Barnsley, these clubs were transformative spaces. Brown delves into their significance in shaping masculinity, community, and class identity, portraying them as platforms for social mobility and self-improvement. Run cooperatively by working people, they served as an informal precursor to the Welfare State. As the movement nears its 160th anniversary, this spirited account revitalizes the narrative of a cultural phenomenon that still holds relevance today.