This is not a pub!Officially we're registered as "Forest Fields Social Club". We are a private members club, which means that you've got to be a member or a guest to come in. However, membership is easy, and guests are very welcome! We're part of a network of independent centres working for social change, such as the 1 in 12 Club in Bradford and the Cowley Club in Brighton. The bar is a space where people can socialise, organise and meet with like-minded people. It's not controlled by a landlord who decides who can and can't come in you (the membership) do that. Having said that, the membership should be diverse enough for a wide range of people to make the space their own. What do we have in common? Loosely speaking the social club is for people who believe in the principles of mutual aid, voluntary co-operation and organisation without hierarchy. So if you're racist, homophobic or want to live in an authoritarian state, don't bother joining! The DIY Ethic It's the members' club we make it happen. Like the Sumac Centre, the bar is run entirely by volunteers. There are no paid staff. The day-to-day running of the bar is carried out by the Bar Collective, who are volunteers from the club membership. Even if you are not part of the Bar Collective, as members of the club you are encouraged to participate to help run it and make it a better space. When we achieve a society without bosses there will be no servants if it needs doing, do it yourself! How you could help
The Vegetarian Thing Everything sold and used in the bar is pure vegetarian (vegan). Most commercial beer is made using isinglass (fish bladders), and a lot of wine contains blood, bonemeal or egg white. If you are vegetarian or vegan you can drink here without worrying. We're also going to try and get some organic, fairtrade and nonalcoholic stuff where we can. Make your ethical suggestions at the bar. Drink for the Revolution! Money made from the bar will be used to pay off the Sumac Centre's mortgage. If we make any money in excess of this it will be donated to activist and social change projects decided at members' meetings. Volunteers are always welcome to help in our bar! |