Fast forward to today, and the Bentinck Colliery Miners Welfare Social Club is still open for business. The crowd might be a bit greyer, but the laughter is just as loud. New faces are always welcome, especially if you can hold your own at dominoes. Just don’t bring a fancy cocktail request—the only “mojito” here is a pint of mild with a mint leaf on top. (Don’t try it.)
They still host live music—mostly covers of Status Quo and a few Elvis impersonators who are surprisingly good. And on Bingo night? The tension is real. I once saw a woman win £50 and cry tears of joy. The man next to her cried too, but that’s because he was one number short. So close, Dave. So close.
Annesley-Bentinck - University of Wolverhampton
