An award-winning Leeds working men's club has denied the rumours that it is closing down. Garforth Working Men's Club (WMC), once named one of the best in Britain says custom has slowed down amid fears from customers that the venue will close for good.
The committee, made up of six members took a call from the Club and Institute Union (CIU) after they became concerned over the potential closure. However, the club's assistant secretary has denied this is the case.
Helen Butterfield told LeedsLive: "No we are not closing, there are rumours that we are shutting but we are not."
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Members of the club have been asking the committee why they are closing, people on social media and via text have become concerned about the rumours. The club say the rumours are 'upsetting' and have reassured visitors.
However, due to the rumours, the club has faced cancellations due to the hearsay, something that is too concerning the committee. Cancellations have caused a drop in income, entertainment evenings bring in around £1,000 and they have been scrambling to try and fill the vacant slots.
Garforth WMC made national headlines in 2015 after being crowned Traditional Club of the Year by the Daily Mirror. They faced issues in 2007 when the smoking ban came into effect, and like a lot of indpendent businesses, the pandemic was a real struggle.
Only now are they really recovering, Helen added: "We just want to stop these rumours, and we will be open as long as our members support us. The club is located on Barleyhill Road in Garforth and is a staple for the town. Regulars and new-time visitors are often in the club and some residents have said it would be a massive shame if it were to disappear.
One resident, Lesley, said: "I am in there quite often, it's not a place to just drink, it's a social experience, I have made friends through the club. You meet people there every week, I would hate to see it disappear."
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