About us

The Ram Folk Club has run on most Fridays (except Christmases, Good Fridays and Augusts) since October 1983. The club was originally started by Brian and Jane Ravenhill and is now run by a small group of music enthusiasts and performers. We don't have a committee, God forbid - it just 'happens'. We have a loyal and evolving clientele - i.e. you - and we only put on guests we ourselves like and can therefore recommend! We meet in the garden room (OK, the shed) of the Foley Arms pub, in Hare Lane, Claygate, Esher, KT10 0LZ (click here for a map), a place dripping with atmosphere, cobwebs and the essence and small traces of DNA of every artist and band that has graced that hallowed stage. There is a very special kind of warm intimacy about the place which makes an evening there so enjoyable. Go in the pub lounge, buy your drinks then head out through the door to the garden and club room. The pub has a large car park and plenty of parking in nearby roads (please be considerate of neighbours when leaving at the end). Claygate station (connections to Waterloo and Guildford) is only 5 minutes walk.

The Evening

Doors open at 8.15 (after the sound check) when Amanda will welcome you and gently take your money. The music kicks off at 8.30. In summer it is air-conditioned (we open the windows), and in winter it is as snug as a barn. The room seats about 80, with standing room for another 20. That's the limit we're afraid, so on a 'big' night get there early! It is very rare that we turn people away, but for various good reasons we don't usually do tickets in advance, mainly because we feel it is not in the spirit of the club, but also the practicalities.

Usually the evening starts with a couple of 'floorspots' - talented regulars who do a couple of songs each. The club also welcomes visiting musicians who would like to do a spot. The guest then does a 45 min set, followed by a drinks break and the famous raffle. The second half follows the same format, with the artist doing 45 min - 1 hour. We finish about 11.15pm.

If you haven't been before, we will make you welcome. We don't have a problem with the stereotyped image of Folk Clubs because those open-minded enough to give us a try don't see labels, just great music. And they come back! Even if you think you don't like Folk, give us a try if you like acoustic music in any of its forms.

Our mission

The club puts on a full and varied programme of Folk and Acoustic artists and bands at the top of their profession. Such is our reputation that we often have guests who don't normally play in such small venues (check out the archive). The music ranges from Traditional to Contemporary, Blues to Ballads, Instrumental to a cappella, Comedy, a smattering of jazz and much more.

Bands and musicians love the venue and clamour to comeback. It was BOO HEWERDINE who called it 'The Shed' when he relaunched his solo career here in 2001 (recorded and released on a CD as 'A Live One'). Famous names drop in occasionally to watch their peers and perhaps even do a 'floorspot', like hit-maker BENNY GALLAGHER (writer for the likes of Art Garfunkel & Bryan Ferry and one half of the duo Gallagher and Lyle). DENNY LAINE and Elton John's guitarist JOHN JORGENSEN have graced the stage, but mainly it is the less-familiar but highly-talented Folk and Acoustic Artists from here and abroad.

We like to think our publicity gives a true description of the type of music, and if you are 'connected' you can usually listen to samples of the music on the artists' web sites. Our fine, recently upgraded PA gives a natural acoustic sound so you can hear everything.

Boring but necessary

The only house rules we have are:

Turn phones off and respect the music - because of the very nature and the intimacy of the place please leave conversations for outside.
Please use gaps between songs or the interval to refuel or relieve!
Please note that we are a No Smoking venue

Disabled access

Being ground floor, we have reasonable disabled access up one step, and we will be happy to assist. Please note though that the pub does not as yet have a disabled toilet.

What does it cost?

We like to maintain the tradition of paying the artists a living wage, so that they keep on doing what they do! There are very few performers who are rich -they do it for the love - but they need to live. Please bear this in mind when paying your entrance fee. We usually charge between Ł6 and Ł10 (Ł1 off for members), which is much less than you will pay in town or in a theatre. Please note that none of this goes to line the organisers' pockets. Membership will cost you a whopping Ł3 per year and is far better value than a bus pass, keeping you posted four times a year and giving a reduction on entry. To join the email list (useful if we have a late change), email ramfolkclub@btopenworld.com.

The pub

We are blessed to be in a wonderful pub with the finest Wells & Young's beers, wine and good food. You can take your drinks in to enjoy during the performance, so you don’t have to rush out during the interval for a quick glass of overpriced tepid fizz like in some theatres!

This July (2007) we bade farewell to our wonderful hosts of the last couple of years, JEREMY and DIANE MARLEY, who have taken the chance for early retirement (no, they don't look old enough but the beer has magical properties) and are now busy setting up home in Folkestone. We have a lot to thank them for during their time here, being very supportive of the music. In 2006, through their efforts, the pub was awarded the prestigious Campaign For Real Ale Area Pub of the Year award - and rightly so! We wish them well for their future, and they have promised to pop back occasionally to listen to some music and advise on wine and beer consumption...

We would like to give a very warm welcome to our new licensees, 'JJ' and GEORGIE GRIFFIN and their young family. They previously ran 'The Brewery Tap' visitor centre in Wandsworth and the 'Crooked Billet' pub in Wimbledon village, before returning to South Africa a year ago. However, they have now decided that their future is here!

Finally, thank YOU for your support and keep coming! Please spread the word about the club and help to keep the music alive.

The Ram Crew