[Diamond Joinee Whitby]

Sadly if it's not a child-friendly venue then I won't be able to attend this year. It's a shame as Max was really looking forward to it.

Perhaps we could go for a different venue next year?

[Captain K]

Diamond Joinee Whitby, on 19 Nov 2008, 01:45 PM, said:

Perhaps we could go for a different venue next year?

I vote for that more strongly than Hercules. (As I said last year! )

But, Max will be able to be there until 6 p.m., apparently.

[Joinee Smith]

Is there no chance of finding an alternative venue? Or are we too close to the off now?



Jason

[Kneller2]

I'm pretty certain the answer to this is no. It's very very difficult to find a pub that is prepared to close an entire section in the weeks running up to Christmas. It was a mammoth search as it was to find one that was nice enough, big enough and secure enough to house us.

This post has been edited by Kneller2: 19 November 2008 - 01:55 PM

[Diamond Joinee Whitby]

Kneller2, on 19 Nov 2008, 03:54 PM, said:

I'm pretty certain the answer to this is no. It's very very difficult to find a pub that is prepared to close an entire section in the weeks running up to Christmas.

None of the three different pubs we've used in the past?

[Kneller2]

Diamond Joinee Whitby, on 19 Nov 2008, 01:55 PM, said:

None of the three different pubs we've used in the past?

3 years ago, the pub was too small, 2 years ago we had problems with security and size, last year there were complaints about price of food etc.

Unfortunately, it's difficult to please everyone when we only have a limited number of possible venues .

I'm just passing on what i've heard

This post has been edited by Kneller2: 19 November 2008 - 02:42 PM

[Captain K]

Kneller2, on 19 Nov 2008, 01:59 PM, said:

last year there were complaints about price of food etc (i believe this pub is a no-goer this year anyway).

Wait, I'm confused now. I thought from the photos and map that it was the same pub as last year?

And for the record, the complaints I heard were price of food, food area was hidden behind screen, food finished too early, there wasn't the promised security, and that the drinks were expensive...

[PJ Stevie G]

Captain K, on 19 Nov 2008, 02:03 PM, said:

Wait, I'm confused now. I thought from the photos and map that it was the same pub as last year?

And for the record, the complaints I heard were price of food, food area was hidden behind screen, food finished too early, there wasn't the promised security, and fact that the drinks were expensive...

There was food last year?

I should really pay more attention...

[Captain K]

Stalker GD Joinee Stevie G, on 19 Nov 2008, 02:10 PM, said:

There was food last year?

I should really pay more attention...

That's exactly my point. I missed it too.

[Joinee Varwell]

Well, as I understand it, it will be family-friendly before 6 (yay), and beer-friendly after 6.

All-round win. Yay to those who are organising it and all their effortings.

[Kneller2]

Captain K, on 19 Nov 2008, 02:03 PM, said:

Wait, I'm confused now. I thought from the photos and map that it was the same pub as last year?

It would seem you are right. All i know that booking another venue is not really an option.

...and to say that i very much appreciate the people who are arranging it all...and whatever venue they have chosen, i salute their efforts

*i personally thought that the pub choice last year was the best so far*

This post has been edited by Kneller2: 19 November 2008 - 02:43 PM

[Diamond Joinee Whitby]

Can I just add that i'm also grateful for those putting all the time in with the arranging.? It's a tough task. This year doesn't work for me, but I didn't expect anything to change and hopefully it'll be a better venue next year.

[Poohbah (Gsq)]

Quote

UPDATE: This year's venue only allows under 18s until 6pm. After 6pm anyone under the age of 18 will have to leave, whether they are accompanied by an adult or not. We're sorry about this restriction, but there is nothing we can do about it.

Can't you just come until 6pm? Or is that not feasible?

[Diamond Joinee Whitby]

It's a bit of a trek to be honest and it's the post 6pm stuff that I enjoy.

GrandPoohBah, on 19 Nov 2008, 07:20 PM, said:

Can't you just come until 6pm? Or is that not feasible?

[GJ Michelle P]

Stalker GD Joinee Stevie G, on 19 Nov 2008, 08:10 AM, said:

There was food last year?

I should really pay more attention...

Captain K, on 19 Nov 2008, 08:10 AM, said:

That's exactly my point. I missed it too.

There was plenty of notice on here about there being food, and about how there was a minimum buy on food and drinks to ensure return of deposit, and a brief rundown of some offerings. It was also fairly obvious, by being in the pub, that food was served there, not least by the fact that many people had dishes of food on their tables. No, no one is expected to read every thread, every message. However, failure to do so on your part should not be included in a list of negatives against the planners.

Edited to include the link with a lot of discussion of the food offered. Very easy to find the info right here!

This post has been edited by GJ Michelle P: 19 November 2008 - 07:35 PM

[PJ Stevie G]

GJ Michelle P, on 19 Nov 2008, 07:30 PM, said:

There was plenty of notice on here about there being food, and about how there was a minimum buy on food and drinks to ensure return of deposit, and a brief rundown of some offerings. It was also fairly obvious, by being in the pub, that food was served there, not least by the fact that many people had dishes of food on their tables. No, no one is expected to read every thread, every message. However, failure to do so on your part should not be included in a list of negatives against the planners.

Edited to include the link with a lot of discussion of the food offered. Very easy to find the info right here!

Woah woah woah, I wasn't having a go at the planners at all.

I was bemoaning my own lack of brains and foresight. I was also alluding to being distracted by something else that day.

This post has been edited by Stalker GD Joinee Stevie G: 19 November 2008 - 07:48 PM

[Captain K]

Yep, as Steve says about himself, I'm not having a go at the planners either. We all know they've worked very hard.

Legitimate concerns about the venue are worth airing, however, because otherwise we can't expect those very planners to know what people would like.

[Siobhán]

Stalker GD Joinee Stevie G, on 19 Nov 2008, 07:47 PM, said:

Woah woah woah, I wasn't having a go at the planners at all.

I was bemoaning my own lack of brains and foresight. I was also alluding to being distracted by something else that day.

Aw bless. You were busy. I nearly made accidental food based smut. And it was accidental.

[Joinee Smith]

Apologies, no offence intended either. Just wondering how feasible it was going to be to be more child/family friendly.
Thanks to all the planners for all your efforts organising this!



Jason

[Lethal Biddle]

I can see this being a bit of a bugger for those who have kids (or those who are kids), but as someone who is neither I don't mind the restriction in the name of a little more freedom & comfort. Plus, while I can't remember the exact "official" kick off time, there is the option of starting the day with a few groups who are planning group breakfasts at, say, 10am & children are welcome until 6pm. I think 8 hours of child friendliness followed by 8 hours of child un-friendliness is a reasonable balance for a predominantly adult filled & almost entirely adult funded event. Can't have everything.

I say this as observation & contribution to the dispute that teeters on the brink of being, not as any kind of rebuke or defense.

Sorry to hear you won't make it Matt.I'm sure we will have a toast in your name. Or perhaps some toast in your name.

[Kneller2]

For once, i agree with Elliot

[Captain K]

GJ Biddle (ga), on 19 Nov 2008, 11:29 PM, said:

for those who have kids (or those who are kids), but as someone who is neither

Elliot, my dear chap, oh yes you are! ;-)

[Golden Judas]

Having been around the planning of the event I can honestly say that there really is no pleasing all of the folk all of the time. The fact that some of you are still whingeing about the prices fae last year still irks me. You have been in London around Christmas time I assume?You do realise that it is the busiest time for parties/functions don't you? You complained of lack of security and size for the Midas(which no longer exists as The Midas). You complained about the same 2 years ago at that pub along fae the Cock which people tried to steal bags at .Last year you complained about the pricing(admittedly the pub was a little over the normal London prices)-but it's London, that's the way the prices are in central London.

I like this place. Reasonable London pricing(I have tried). Lots of seating(I have tried). Good Food(I have tried). Security on the door. Our very own venue for the day. In central London. 3 weeks before Christmas.


And annoyingly I too agree with (sm)elliot.

[Captain K]

Those are fair points, but I have to say, my "whingeing" came because I was dismayed (that's not too strong a word) to see the same pub chosen again.

This is because I thought it had been clear how many people were on the dischuffed side last year. Perhaps it hadn't been made clear - perhaps because people had avoided "whingeing"... which is the whole point that it's worth doing now, so that it's heard, and if necessary I can say, "okay I was out-voted", which is much better than "I wasn't heard".

The pub choosing is difficult, yes. I know because I went with Emily and others to look at a really nice one last year, and I experienced the disappointment and frustration when they turned out to be double-booked or whatever it was that went wrong (that was a little unclear).

But it's not been a subject that's had much discussion this year. So I, like you, am a little irked. For me it's because I'm grateful, but I'd be less frustrated if I felt there'd been an invitation for the wider community to help. Perhaps phoning round venues and such back in the summer. Some of us didn't know it was such a burden because we weren't particularly aware it was going on.

Once again: THANK YOU, GENUINELY, ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN, AND ARE WORKING HARD TO MAKE THIS MEET FABULOUS.

My motivation here is only to see if I can have good cause to stop myself whingeing next year!

[PJ Hannah B-R]

Was last year a pitcher and piano? I didn't think it was?

Anyway, I myself thought last year's pub was an EXCELLENT choice with good drinks, nice service, nice seating area and fantastic loos!!!

[Neil Diamond]

It is a different pub to last year. Last year we were at Jamies on Maddox Street. This year we are at the Pitcher and Piano.

[Captain K]

GJ Hannah B-R, on 20 Nov 2008, 02:05 PM, said:

Was last year a pitcher and piano? I didn't think it was?

PJ Collins, on 20 Nov 2008, 02:07 PM, said:

It is a different pub to last year. Last year we were at Jamies on Maddox Street. This year we are at the Pitcher and Piano.

Didn't it get renamed and change management?

But if it is different, I am going away now to DO A HAPPY DANCE!

[Chairman 'Jamin]

I like it.

This way we won't have any pesky pedo's hanging around, and we can show slasher horror films.

[Worm]

Jamie's was on Maddox Street - the P&P is on Pollen Street.

Admittedly it could be the same building wiuth a different entrance, because they are very close...but seems unlikely.

This post has been edited by Worm: 20 November 2008 - 03:47 PM

[Captain K]

Worm, on 20 Nov 2008, 03:46 PM, said:

Jamie's was on Maddox Street - the P&P is on Pollen Street.

Admittedly it could be the same building wiuth a different entrance, because they are very close...but seems unlikely.

That was where my mistake stemmed from - when I looked at it on an online map it seemed so close, and the street looked similar from above in aerial view!

I'm looking forward to it so much more now!

EDIT: PM'ing Matt W with an idea, too.

[Diamond Joinee Matt F]

Captain K, on 20 Nov 2008, 02:07 PM, said:

Didn't it get renamed and change management?

But if it is different, I am going away now to DO A HAPPY DANCE!

It is most definitely a different place to last year. It is very near where Jamie's was, but it's not there.

[GJ Dandy David]

As an under 18 year old, I can honestly say it doesn't bother me.
It makes it easier to get home the same night if I have a definite leaving time, and it means I don't have to go against the guidelines by staying alone over night in the big city.

[K:VI]

I think it goes without saying that I am not unreasonably upset about this thread. I would ask that anyone who has a query, irk, or whinge about the venue to contact me direct. If any FAQs arrise I will add these to the venue details. Thank you.