How this Sheffield social club successfully adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic - and why it has been named the best in the city

Crookes Social Club, which has more than a century of history, has been awarded the Sheffield CAMRA Club of the Year award, despite having to ‘spend cash reserves’ to stay active during the pandemic and keep to social distancing rules and regulations.

The Campaign for Real Ale award celebrates venues in Sheffield that focus on serving the best, and most well kept, selection of beers and real ales.

Crookes Social Club general manager Maurice Champeau said in a video produced by CAMRA: “It is lovely to be recognised for this. It is something we have worked very hard on, improving the real ale offering and the general beer quality that is coming through the club.

“It is very important as a club to do an offering of this type, so to receive a recommendation like this is great.”

It has been a trying time for the Mulehouse Road club and Glyn Mansell, chair of Sheffield CAMRA said: “Maurice, the manager, suggests the Covid-19 pandemic is the most serious situation the club has faced and has had to spend cash reserves earmarked for a refurbishment on adapting to operate in a Covid-Secure manner and creating a large outdoor social space.”

To stay afloat during the pandemic, the team behind Crookes Social Club came up with an inventive idea to turn The Mulehouse Road club’s bowling green into what they believe is the biggest beer garden in Sheffield.

Glyn said: "Despite this the team at the club continue to work hard to offer something for everyone. As well as a bar, the club offers activities from bowls to dancing, has two snooker tables and a pool table and participates in local leagues.

“There is a separate concert room that hosts live music gigs, dance and fitness events.

“Non members are welcome to drop in for a drink or attend gigs. Two well kept locally sourced real ales are available on the bar, currently from Bradfield Brewery.

“Congratulations on being voted Sheffield Club of the Year by local CAMRA members.”

Want more Sheffield retro? Working men’s clubs over the years

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