‘Born again’ club istipped for award

Founded in 1978, the Parkfoot Social Club is said to have been hit by dwindling membership over recent years, and faced an uncertain future.

However a rescue committee is said to have headed off looming closure by making sweeping changes to the way the club is run.

Now it is said to be not only appealing to local people but also drawing guests from farther afield.

The Parkfoot’s improved fortunes have also won it a nomination in the prestigious Scottish Pub of the Year Award, to be decided in August.

Inclusion in the country’s top award scheme for pubs is said to send out a strong message that the club is “back in business”.

A club committee spokesman said: “A lot of work has gone into improving the profile of the club, while bringing in quality entertainment.

“There are two pool tables in the games room too – really it is a different place from the way it was just a fairly short time ago.

“The Parkfoot also has a better selection of drinks, with interesting new beers, because the rescue committee ended a restrictive tied agreement with a former supplier.

“Now it’s free of tie, meaning the committee is free to shop around and buy in drinks which people will find appealing.”

Registered social clubs like the Parkfoot were historically run by amateurs, who often had no experience of running licensed trade ventures.

New licensing laws have put clubs on the same legal basis as pubs, with the result that many old-style venues – confronted with the need to professionalise – have closed.

The Parkfoot committee says its award nomination shows the potential for future success.