Hospitality a lifeline for flood-hit non-league club
The clean up and flood defences have been a huge expense to Belper Town for decades.
Lara Woodward and Annette Carter, volunteers at Belper Town, a non-league football club regularly affected by flooding, credit their award-winning hospitality lounge for providing a vital income source for the club. The ground, which sits near the River Derwent, has frequently suffered from flooding, necessitating significant investment in clean-up efforts and flood defences over the years.
Despite these challenges, the couple emphasized the importance of providing a premium match day experience, which they describe as a passion and a way to showcase their beautiful ground. Annette Carter, a club volunteer for 30 years, noted that the flooding can be "really bad," prompting the club to raise funds to support its operations.
The hospitality lounge has been recognized by online reviewer The Padded Seat as the best hidden gem of the 2025/26 season, with reviewer Kyle Mattison praising the exceptional service and food. The club's elevation of the observation lounge above the pitch ensures protection from flooding, allowing fans to enjoy the view of the town's historic mill and church.
Despite the club's non-league status, Belper Town has managed to provide a professional and competitive experience comparable to that of league clubs, garnering positive feedback from visitors who have been to larger stadiums. The club's success in hospitality has been highlighted by The Padded Seat reviewer, who described the venue as having "exceptional" hospitality, a rarity for a non-league football club.
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