13/08/2026
Open statement from Crookes Social club Limited:
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Crookes Social club hired a room to the political party restore uk. This room was used by restore uk for a political meeting. When first contacted by the representative from restore UK enquiring to availability to hold a meeting much time was spent considering the position of the club in this endeavour. Several discussions were held both internally and with police licensing and council licensing officials prior to our agreement to hiring the room to restore. This meeting was not organised by or hosted by Crookes Social club Limited. We simply hired a room to a political party. something we have done many times in the past for different organisations.
The management of Crookes Social club feel strongly that it is not our position to dictate who can and cannot hold meetings at the club. we are an apolitical organisation and welcome people from all sections of the community and feel strongly that peoples right to free speech should always be upheld.
Following the meeting the bar team Crookes have received a vast number of direct and sometimes abusive complaints and at this point I wish to make it clear that this decision to allow this meeting rests with me and me alone. On this occasion my team had no input into the organisation of the meeting.
Crookes Club provide a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for all sections of the community to use the club for social, leisure, business or political purposes. We actively encourage all local people and organisations to use the facilities at Crookes.
The meetings held at the club in no way reflect the views of the committee, management, staff or members.
Since yesterday’s meeting we have received a number of complaints and we fully accept the vast majority of the comments made however we have received several messages applauding our decision to support free speech even though we may or may not agree with the message being delivered. It is worth noting that we have previously received serious pressure from external groups regarding the hosting of fundraisers for Palestinian causes and even collections for Ukrainian refugees but have chosen to go ahead with events in the interest of free speech.
I would like to assure all customers, visitors and members that we will continue to provide a safe welcoming venue for you, your family and your events in the future. I also offer my assurance that any and for all future bookings will firstly consider the views and beliefs of my customers.
I am away from the club until August 25th but am willing to meet with anyone who would like to discuss this matter further.
Maurice A Champeau.
General Manager
