Oldham working men's club raises prices to survive rising costs

The Cartshaft, Shaw and Crompton's working men's club, has raised its prices after facing a £11,000 increase in beer and spirits costs, with secretary Tommy Birch saying they've been left with 'no choice' but to pass on the rising expenses to members.

The club, which has operated for decades as a community hub where 'everybody knows everybody by name,' hasn't made a profit in two years but remains committed to providing a 'safe space' for locals, despite business rates doubling annually for three consecutive years and utility bills climbing sharply.

Tommy explained that while big hospitality chains in Shaw can undercut them on drink prices, the Cartshaft offers something those chains can't-a genuine community feel where Newcastle fans travel from across the country to watch matches, and where the Shaw and Crompton Veterans group meets every Sunday in their own private bar.

The club hosts regular events including hoedowns that recently funded a sports room refurbishment, and an annual cheese and pickle day rooted in traditional rushcart celebrations, but they're now appealing to locals to use their function room at bargain rates of £50 (£40 for members) to help keep the doors open.

Tommy's message is clear: 'We're not here to make a profit, we're here to keep a place where people feel safe, welcome and part of something,' but without more community support, this 80-year-old institution that's become a haven for multiple generations could face an uncertain future.