Yep, can't beat a pleasant surprise. Played a pub in Bognor Regis - really no what to compare Bognor to for you @blue but it is a rundown seaside town that doesn't have a great reputation. Got to the pub - it was a strange Sunday early evening gig - 7 to 9. Pub had about 5 punters in. Joe Longthorne (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Longthorne) was playing on the jukebox, and three people at the bar were discussing the merits of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Dean Martin. We were due to play some blues-rock, having made our set a little heavier from what it originally was.
Discussed this with the singer, and we decided to keep volume down, and kick off with a couple of lighter songs. Played the first song, and, from out of nowhere, the pub had filled up. Raucous applause for the first number, so we launched into the full set. People dancing from the second number, and the most amazing response we've ever had.
Played the place once more - not quite as good, but still a great gig. Unfortunately the pub was yet another victim of the greedy Pub Co syndrome, and closed as the managers couldn't agree new lease terms.