Comments on: jason's_planet will be in London. Let's meet up!

jason's_planet will be in London. Let's meet up!

jason's_planet — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:09:54 -0800

Hey, there, London. I'll be visiting from May 16 through the 26th and would like to drink with you. I'll probably spend the first day or two getting my bearings and recovering from jetlag. I understand that the last three days of my vacation will be a bank holiday and people will probably have made other plans. That leaves us with Sunday, May 18th through Friday, May 23. I've made plans for the evening of Thursday, May 22. So . . . Sunday, May 18th through Wednesday, May 21 and the evening of May 23rd are the best times for me. Any drinking establishment is good, as long as it doesn't feature slugs or lettuce or Red Bull or Burberry caps. No need to reinvent the wheel; if a place has worked well in the past, that's fine by me. But if we have to break a tie, let's pick the place with the best beer selection. So . . . when and where would you like to meet up? Looking forward to meeting all of you in person!

By: grouse

grouse — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:14:53 -0800

Weeknights are pretty hard for me to get into London, but I hope you enjoy your trip!

By: flashboy

flashboy — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:36:24 -0800

I can only do the 18th and I'm flying to Ireland early the next morning so... um, well, probably factor me out. But if it does happen on the 18th, I'll try to swing by for a bit before going home to frantically pack.

By: robocop is bleeding

robocop is bleeding — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:43:18 -0800

My wife and I will be in London on the nights of the 19th and 20th.

(We'll also be at the Explosions ATP if any other Mefites are going...)

By: Lotto

Lotto — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:47:19 -0800

I might be in London that week. Watch this space.

By: chrismear

chrismear — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:39:31 -0800

One vote for Friday 23 May here.

By: hugsnkisses

hugsnkisses — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:40:10 -0800

Weekend meetups tend to be better in terms of ability to attend, ability of getting rather merry etc.

On the location side of things, today's justification for suggesting a Smiths is that they provide a perfect hearty English pub atmosphere for those visiting from abroad. Also this absolutely class review of the Lyceum Tavern:

Nearby Kings College ensures this pub is 'student friendly' so the theatre crowd mingles with the students, which means the totty quota will be exceptional, especially for a pre-theatre pub.

Alternatively, I've had my eye on The Rising Sun for a while. But then we did just trek out to Farringdon again recently, whilst the Strand remains a handily central area.

By: jason's_planet

jason's_planet — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:40:08 -0800

Weekend meetups tend to be better in terms of ability to attend, ability of getting rather merry etc.

Fair enough . . the only reasons I suggested a weeknight were:

*I was concerned that nobody would be in London 5/24-5/26 because of the bank holiday, that everyone would be at the beach or something.

*For the first weekend, I was concerned about jetlag. I'll be getting in on Friday morning. I wasn't sure if I'd actually be awake and alert and sociable on Friday evening. (Or even Saturday.) But again, if this concern is unwarranted, I'm open to Saturday the 17th.

Would you all prefer the weekend? Is that how you usually do it?

By: armoured-ant

armoured-ant — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:12:25 -0800

This is where I point out that I'm gigging at the Good Ship in Kilburn on the 20th. We could meetup there AND on the 23rd.

Unabashed Self-Link to Facebook Event.

I feel a bit like ludwig_van.

By: cillit bang

cillit bang — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 05:17:02 -0800

Hear that Jason? A trip to Kilburn's in your future!

I vote for drink.

By: essexjan

essexjan — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:27:07 -0800

I feel a bit like ludwig_van

Can't wait to see the 'tache.

By: essexjan

essexjan — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:30:36 -0800

May I also add that this takes place on Saturday, 24th May so if the meetup is on that day, it must be arranged at a pub which has a TV tuned to BBC1.

By: nthdegx

nthdegx — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:37:18 -0800

I actually vote school night. I'd rather have a hangover on someone else's time.* However, I suggest Jason picks the day that suits him best and then we can see who's where.

*Not really, oh worshipful theoretical future client/employer with extremely thorough Google-checking practices.

By: goo

goo — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:29:16 -0800

Count me in! I vote non-school night, I hate being hungover a work, but I'll go with whatever the consensus is.

By: goo

goo — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:31:12 -0800

And I just read essexjan's link - a Eurovision meetup would be all manner of untold ossumness.

By: randomination

randomination — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:28:44 -0800

I just read essexjan's link - a Eurovision meetup would be all manner of untold ossumness.

Actually, last year's (100% awesome) Eurovision thread ended with a 'everybody must meet up and have a Eurovision party' exhortation.

Not sure about my freeness yet, I will keep staring at my diary until something does or doesn't appear.

By: essexjan

essexjan — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:48:36 -0800

My own preference, if it's going to be the second weekend of j_p's visit, is for the Friday, because people who work in town are more likely to attend. A Eurovision party is in theory a good idea but probably not workable in practice at such short notice.

By: goo

goo — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:52:41 -0800

Yer I've just taken a quick survey of my living room and I'd have to buy too many chairs to offer to host. But one of these years we should make. it. happen!

By: chrismear

chrismear — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:13:19 -0800

A Eurovision party is in theory a good idea but probably not workable in practice at such short notice.

Whoa, whoa, we have almost four whole weeks. Let's just calm down, take a deep breath, and think rationally for a minute before we throw this beautiful thought away.

By: Mutant

Mutant — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:15:52 -0800

Mrs Mutant & I can make it but we'd prefer a Friday or Saturday. Also its gotta be someplace either without a dress code or with a low standard (it's my fault - she's always impeccably dressed in the latest Dutch fashions).

Not to derail, but anyone else going to see Einsturzende Neubauten on May 22nd, or Joe Jackson on June 22nd? If we've got critical mass it might be neat to plan a meet up around one of those two shows.

By: jason's_planet

jason's_planet — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:22:39 -0800

Also its gotta be someplace either without a dress code or with a low standard

Another vote here for low standards.

And I am picking Friday, May 23rd as the night of the meetup. That seems to be the evening that works best for most of you.

So . . . Friday evening, May 23. That's when we will have this meetup.

By: essexjan

essexjan — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:28:24 -0800

Ok, the when is sorted, now for the where.

Me, I like Clerkenwell/Farringdon/Holborn. Nothing too far west. Of course, the pub must serve fruit beer.

By: Kirjava

Kirjava — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:44:30 -0800

Wish I could come but sadly I am indeed away for the bank holiday weekend- I hope we can have another meetup sometime this summer. Hope you guys have fun, even without the Serbian musical madness!

By: sueinnyc

sueinnyc — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:07:02 -0800

I should be able to make it on the 23rd (no, really). Clerkenwell/Farringdon/Holborn is very convenient for me, so I support those suggestions though I'm also happy to go a bit further afield.

By: grouse

grouse — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:32:28 -0800

Have plans on the 23rd, so I'm sorry I'll miss you! If you're still in New York this Sunday you should come out to Hi-Fi.

By: armoured-ant

armoured-ant — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:04:34 -0800

23rd's good for me. Anywhere within Zone 3 is fine.

Also, any MeFites who want to come along to my gig at the Good Ship in Kilburn on Tuesday the 20th of May 2008 will still, of course, be welcomed.

And, hangover permitting, I'm totally up for watching EuroVision with some likeminded types on the Saturday.

However, I must stress that I am not playing at Eurovision (this year) and likewise, Eurovision is not taking place in Kilburn (this year).

By: chrismear

chrismear — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:20:01 -0800

I've always thought Kilburn sounds like somewhere that should be in Scotland.

By: nthdegx

nthdegx — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:28:24 -0800

Kilburn *is* somewhere that should be in Scotland.

By: nthdegx

nthdegx — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:28:48 -0800

...or at least quite a bit further away.

By: randomination

randomination — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:54:04 -0800

RANDOMINATION IN NON-SAM SMITHS PUB SUGGESTION SHOCK

By: randomination

randomination — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:59:33 -0800

Not sure it serves fruit beer, though, unless it's a lager top.

By: essexjan

essexjan — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:22:16 -0800

Non-Sam Smith's it may be, but it is a Young's, so it's all good.

By: vacapinta

vacapinta — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:25:02 -0800

I may be there too.

By: jason's_planet

jason's_planet — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:20:49 -0800

I like randomination's suggestion. (The Sekforde Arms in Clerkenwell)

The only issue I have with the place is the possible crowding.

Some of the reviews mentioned that Sekforde Arms was a kind of small pub.

Would we have enough space, especially on Friday?

By: randomination

randomination — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:24:24 -0800

Well, one of the comments on BITE mentions that it's quiet on Saturday because few people yet know it's actually open then...

By: randomination

randomination — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:25:25 -0800

Er. Except it's on Friday.

?

I obviously haven't had enough tea today.

By: freya_lamb

freya_lamb — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:37:54 -0800

I'm around, and dammit - this time I'll be there fo' sho! Am good for anything central.

By: Optamystic

Optamystic — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:11:07 -0800

Ok, lets actually do it right this time and make a concerted effort not to end up shouting at each other in a crowded pub on a friday night. We need to either find an out of the way boozer, or reserve a function room at a popular joint.

And get off my lawn.

By: grouse

grouse — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:23:48 -0800

My favorite meetup EVAR was actually on your lawn.

By: adrianhon

adrianhon — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:52:25 -0800

Can't make it alas, but hope you guys all have fun!

By: chrismear

chrismear — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:12:42 -0800

Well, I'm up for a ~~pub crawl~~ pre-meetup scouting expedition this Friday evening, if we really want to do our research and get this right.</html>

By: Optamystic

Optamystic — Fri, 02 May 2008 04:50:39 -0800

Now you're talking. Unfortunately, I will not be available for tonight's research expedition. Also, please excuse the pissy tone of my previous post. Allow me to rephrase:

We really should try to find somewhere that's not packed, if at all possible.

By: triv

triv — Sat, 03 May 2008 00:23:40 -0800

Colour me in attendance. I have no preferences as to the date and venue, so you kids sort it out amongst yourselves and give me a nudge when you're done.

By: chrismear

chrismear — Sat, 03 May 2008 10:50:48 -0800

Right. I trawled round some pubs near Barbican and Farringdon stations last night with a companion in tow, and here's what we reckon.

Both the Rising Sun and the Sekforde Arms weren't too busy, and I think we'd have no trouble carving out a space for ourselves if people started arriving between 6:30 and 7. Pretty much every other place in the area was seriously packed. (Apart from one real dive off Charterhouse which I won't dignify by naming. Although they did have a fairly good 80s music selection on.)

The Rising Sun is a safe, straightforward Sam Smith's. Quite small in terms of footprint, but there's a second bar upstairs so there's enough space. As you'd expect, there's no music. On a quiet little side-street opposite a church, so while the sun's out there's pleasant standing-outside opportunities to be had, although there's no seating. Bar lady downstairs seemed like she wanted to be somewhere else, but other than that it was a nice crowd. Chessboard table.

The Sekforde Arms did a filling bowl of 'cheesy chips', but felt a bit run-down to be honest, one of your 'someone's non-descript living room that's been turned into a pub' kind of places. Which is nice, if that's what you're looking for, but a bit off-putting if you're not. I think they had some quiet radio playing or something. Also there was an old bloke sitting grumpily by the fireplace who I'm fairly certain called me a bum when I walked past. Dartboard.

We visited a couple other places, and then headed towards Liverpool Street and went to a couple more places there. Nothing to write home about, though. If I had to pick a meet-up pub in the area, my gut would go with the Rising Sun.

(I realise, of course, that having done all this, if it turns out to be crap then I am setting myself up for some serious mocking. In my pre-defence, therefore, my judgement can't be trusted, because I was drunk.)

By: goo

goo — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:01:27 -0800

Thanks for doing the hard yards, chrismear! The Rising Sun, chaps?

By: armoured-ant

armoured-ant — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:25:06 -0800

CHRISMEAR FOR MAYOR. Oh, wait...

PS - Rising Sun is good for me.

By: essexjan

essexjan — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:50:51 -0800

chrismear, I applaud your utterly selfless devotion to ~~pissing it up on a Friday night~~ searching out a suitable venue for the meetup.

The Rising Sun sounds great.

By: essexjan

essexjan — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:52:02 -0800

Also, The Rising Sun, being a Sam Smith's, will have fruit beer, which is obligatory for meetups.

Now, is it Mee-Fie or Meh-Fee ...?

By: chrismear

chrismear — Sun, 04 May 2008 04:20:46 -0800

Meh-tuh-fill-tuh.

By: Optamystic

Optamystic — Sun, 04 May 2008 05:19:33 -0800

Well done, sir. Rising Sun it is, then?

By: Sparx

Sparx — Sun, 04 May 2008 15:18:00 -0800

It better be. Also, MisterOptamystic, Claire tells me I am am not fat at all, I just sit with a curve. Just saying :p

By: robocop is bleeding

robocop is bleeding — Tue, 06 May 2008 03:17:19 -0800

So we'll be missing the meetup, but for reference, where is the Rising Sun?

By: essexjan

essexjan — Tue, 06 May 2008 10:41:57 -0800

Here's the details.

By: YouRebelScum

YouRebelScum — Wed, 07 May 2008 07:33:17 -0800

decent job. wheat beer it is!

By: triv

triv — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:10:21 -0800

YO! CHRIS CHOSE THE VENUE SO IF IT SUCKS WE CAN HATE ON HIM AMIRITE?!!

By: cillit bang

cillit bang — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:04:10 -0800

OI! TRIV! BACK OF THE QUEUE!

By: jason's_planet

jason's_planet — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:27:41 -0800

Jan tells me that Chris is a good judge of pub character.

So . . . Rising Sun it shall be.

38, Cloth Fair, London

Starting 6:30-7:00 on the evening of Friday, May 23.

By: chrismear

chrismear — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:43:37 -0800

YEAH! CHRIS HAS A POSSE!

By: hugsnkisses

hugsnkisses — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:51:20 -0800

robocop: I believe a few of us will be going along to Ant's gig on the Tuesday.

Who could resist partying it up in Kilburn?

By: TheDonF

TheDonF — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:46:48 -0800

I HAZ A SEASON TICKET TO LONDON! I CAN DO THE 23RD! TIS GUD! AWWWWWESUM!

By: Grither

Grither — Wed, 21 May 2008 05:27:59 -0800

D'oh! I'll be arriving in London on May 24th. Dang!

By: terrapin

terrapin — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:52:57 -0800

Wish I could be there.

Keep chrismear away from the cherry sammy smiths.... unless you like being shimmied against.

Have fun everyone!

By: chrismear

chrismear — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:46:45 -0800

lol whut

By: boudicca

boudicca — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:51:55 -0800

Thread hijack: I've got a FREE ticket going spare for Stewart Lee, Josie Long and Greg Fleet tonight at the Bloomsbury theatre at 7.30pm (details here). I'm guessing it will finish in time to join the meetup. Mefi mail me if you're interested.

By: armoured-ant

armoured-ant — Fri, 23 May 2008 07:08:58 -0800

I'm gonna be a lil late as I've volunteered to cover an absent mate's spot at a gig in Battersea. Let me know if you lot move.

By: randomination

randomination — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:18:42 -0800

Going to have to skip this. Sorry everyone, I've just got too much W. S. on at the moment. Rising Sun sounds great though. Next time for sure.

By: oh pollo!

oh pollo! — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:41:46 -0800

oh...not sure if I can make it now. I got to "Fight the Power" with PE tonight in Brixton. Have a good one...

By: vacapinta

vacapinta — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:12:22 -0800

I'm definitely swinging by. Might bring Mrs. vacapinta too.

By: goo

goo — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:12:59 -0800

I'm going to have to beg out too - migraine :(
Have a great night ya'll, and I'm sorry I won't get to meet you in London, Jason. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

By: Mutant

Mutant — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:43:02 -0800

To foil anyone else from opting out (and punish those that did so), I have made a Carrot Cake for the occasion.

I wanted to spell out 'Metafilter Meetup' but though I wouldn't have enough vowels to go around, as 'e', is so so popular.

So it's just MeFi blue.

See you folks in about twenty minutes!

By: freya_lamb

freya_lamb — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:47:14 -0800

Dammit! i rocked up at the Rising Sun - an hour too late it seems, not a mefite to be seen :(

Next time then...*sigh*

By: fvw

fvw — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:07:09 -0800

Well, I suppose that answers my question on whether to head out in the hopes of still finding them there. Last London meetup I was at I think people made MeTa posts on phones. Could the MeFiLo contingent please check in with HQ?

By: cillit bang

cillit bang — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:21:35 -0800

The party is very much continuing at the bus stop opposite Camden Town Argos.

at least until this fucking night bus turns up and takes me home

WHOOOOOOO!

By: Mutant

Mutant — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:22:03 -0800

Great meeting you folks! Wonderful finally being able to put a face (and personality) with the usernames. Hope you all like the pix , and we look forward to seeing yours soon (there were a crapload of cameras there tonight ...)

Take care!

By: Optamystic

Optamystic — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:25:59 -0800

More pix here. I will tag them at some point.

By: essexjan

essexjan — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:08:33 -0800

We were upstairs, freya_lamb. At least until 10.30, when the place closed and they chucked us out.

By: essexjan

essexjan — Sat, 24 May 2008 01:01:05 -0800

Photos added above.

By: freya_lamb

freya_lamb — Sat, 24 May 2008 01:32:45 -0800

Lord I'm confused. I went upstairs and no one was there - not a soul! Was I in the wrong pub? Oh lord. I was, wasn't I.

Doh! Next time y'all...

By: sueinnyc

sueinnyc — Sat, 24 May 2008 03:40:59 -0800

My photos

By: cillit bang

cillit bang — Sun, 25 May 2008 16:06:57 -0800

So I took bugger all photos worth uploading.

By: triv

triv — Mon, 26 May 2008 08:50:39 -0800

Yeah, I messed my dates up and completely forgot about this until today. Apologies to everyone, in particular to Essexjan who kindly messaged me about it!

Looks like fun was had by all :)

By: Wilder

Wilder — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:59:02 -0800

I had such a good time, thanks everyone, good to talk to friends old and new!

But I have to say the Eurovision party was awesome!!!

this was the most amazing weekend...phew...