London Planning Thread

May 5, 2009 2:55 PM

We need to pick a date and time between July 17 and July 19 and a location.

Venu suggestions?

posted by Optamystic to London, England at 2:55 PM (72 comments total)

ergh...Venue, of course.
posted by Optamystic at 3:05 PM on May 5, 2009

We should consider booking a room - that's what we've done at my company recently, and it didn't cost anything. We've booked The Salisbury at Covent Garden, and also The Lamb on Conduit Street.
posted by adrianhon at 3:25 PM on May 5, 2009

Can I put in a very early appeal for this to be on the 17th? I'm at a wedding on the 18th and might not be able to get back to London for the 19th.
posted by MrMustard at 11:11 PM on May 5, 2009

Sorry, before we go booking venues, is there a plan? Are we having dinner? A pissup? A picnic? What's the story?
posted by DarlingBri at 3:01 AM on May 6, 2009

If we have it on the 17th, then we're pretty much limited to a dinner or a pissup on a Friday night, both of which have proven problematic in the past, because of the size of our group, and the city of our residence.

With apologies to MrMustard's schedule, I think this occasion demands something a bit more epic. How's Sunday, the 19th for everyone? That would give us some daylight to play with.
posted by Optamystic at 3:31 AM on May 6, 2009

Later is most definitely better for me. I have at least a chance of making the 19th.
posted by ahughey at 4:57 AM on May 6, 2009

I could possibly make the 19th. If it's going to be 'epic' I don't want to miss it!
posted by MrMustard at 5:36 AM on May 6, 2009

So a picnic/BBQ then? All in favour?
posted by Optamystic at 6:00 AM on May 6, 2009

Not for me. I'll be long in Toronto by then.
posted by randomination at 7:34 AM on May 6, 2009

Hello. I am commenting in this thread so I that I can keep abreast of developments in my Recent Activity.

(Hoping it shows up there at least.)
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 11:28 AM on May 6, 2009

I have no problems with a picnic - it'd be very nice, but I do think it's worth having a backup plan in case of rain. And as for booking rooms, all of our company drinks nights have been on Friday nights, with 30+ people. It can be done!
posted by adrianhon at 11:55 AM on May 6, 2009

For people who will be travelling to London for the weekend, perhaps a Saturday night out and then a Sunday picnic? Or is that too much?
posted by triggerfinger at 1:00 PM on May 6, 2009

I'll see if I can make it down from the midlands for it. I guess I'll just have to see! See you in July, with luck.
posted by knapah at 2:00 PM on May 6, 2009

If there's an epic picnic to be had on the 19th, can I suggest Victoria Embankment Park by Embankment Tube, where there will also be live music all afternoon, including me.

That might be a reason to choose somewhere else of course.
posted by motty at 7:56 PM on May 6, 2009

That looks really promising, notty.
posted by Optamystic at 3:48 AM on May 7, 2009

motty, that is.
posted by Optamystic at 3:55 AM on May 7, 2009

As I don't live in London, the 18th will be the only date I can make.
posted by Olli at 6:57 AM on May 7, 2009

London doesn't have to be the only UK party.

Agree that motty's suggestion sounds good.
posted by MrMustard at 7:16 AM on May 7, 2009

Yay!
posted by public at 9:26 AM on May 7, 2009

Random thoughts:

1) We probably need to get a rough-ish idea of numbers before plotting a venue. Ten? Twenty? Thirty? ONE THOUSAND? (Not one thousand, probably.)

2) The idea of planning to do something in the open air during the British 'summer' with no clear backup plan gives me Teh Fear.

3) As such, we should probably both plan a picnic, and book a room in a pub or restaurant for the evening, so we have somewhere to run away to when God sends down his fierce wetness at us.

4) Or triggerfinger's idea of a Saturday night boozeup and a Sunday picnic could also work, because its a very good idea. And, as noted, gives people travelling from elsewhere more options.

5) Should probably also start getting together a list of Londoners who have spare rooms/couch-space for people who are thinking of travelling from afar.
posted by flashboy at 9:47 AM on May 7, 2009

I would very much like to be a part of this, but I have an epic Travel with Mother weekend that weekend, so I can only do the 17th. If by some chance the date reverts to the 17th, I will do my very best to be there.
posted by sueinnyc at 12:41 PM on May 7, 2009

Seconding (thirding?) the Saturday drinks + Sunday Picnic combo.

Seems a good way of ensuring there are options for everybody.
posted by garius at 3:48 PM on May 7, 2009

Fourthing that - I'm about all weekend and will come to everything.

Perhaps we could have:

- Friday night kickoff for those who are away for the weekend
- Saturday drinks/dancing/meal
- Sunday brunch/picnic depending on weather

People can come to one, some or all of them. Personally, having never actually made it to a meetup as yet, I'll take the massive social plunge of very likely going to all of them.

I hope you like me.
posted by Happy Dave at 1:39 AM on May 8, 2009

An entire weekend celebration, eh? Nice.

And those who have concerns about planning an outdoor event during British Summer Time should remember that there is always a back up plan. And it is always the pub.

PS - I hereby guarantee that the weather on Sunday 19th July will be dry and sunny*.

*I didn't say where.
posted by MrMustard at 4:01 AM on May 8, 2009

A treble-meetup? One for every 3.33 years? Genius, I say! So Sunday will be the picnicky thing, that leaves Friday and Saturday. Since I can't make Saturday, I'll leave the planning for those who will be attending.

Anyone have any strokes of inspiration for Friday?
posted by Optamystic at 6:20 AM on May 8, 2009

Sat/Sun sounds good - though if it's Friday I might be able to fix it that I 'work' from London that day and get the boss to pay for my train ticket!

I'm happy with whatever - just gonna do my very best to be there.
posted by She Kisses Wyverns at 6:23 AM on May 8, 2009

Friday maybe we book a room somewhere?
posted by Happy Dave at 6:30 AM on May 8, 2009

Ok, I'm going to check on some rooms. Will report back later.
posted by Optamystic at 6:33 AM on May 8, 2009

This place looks good: The Duke of York in Marylebone (Same name as previous meetups, different place). Nice family-run joint, the room's available on the 17th, and they have a Wii with a big flatscreen and a sound system.

Thoughts? If no objections, I'd like to book it quickly.
posted by Optamystic at 7:08 AM on May 8, 2009

I like the 3 day festivities idea, but yes picnic location near a pub seems very wise indeed.
posted by Augenblick at 8:00 AM on May 8, 2009

Duke of York looks okay to me (it says that the capacity of the function room is 30; might be worth checking out if that's an absolute, fire regulations-type limit, and making sure we can cancel without penalty in case the Friday gets too popular.)

Anybody got any thoughts for Saturday? Another pub, a restaurant maybe, or some exciting unspecified activity that we haven't thought of yet?
posted by flashboy at 8:41 AM on May 8, 2009

I've booked the room, no deposit required. I saw it once, 35-40 would be the max that it would hold comfortably, but there is also the main bar area downstairs. Best to get a headcount as soon as possible. Also, do we want food? They do platters ranging from £5-£11 per head.
posted by Optamystic at 8:56 AM on May 8, 2009

It might be fun on Saturday to have dinner somewhere - maybe a curry or chinese?
posted by triggerfinger at 9:27 AM on May 8, 2009

Hey, if people want to do curry, we can go to The Lahore Kebab House (warning auto-play music). Simply the best curry I've ever had, it's BYOB and it's cheeeep.
posted by Happy Dave at 9:52 AM on May 8, 2009

This is for the Saturday I'm thinking.
posted by Happy Dave at 9:52 AM on May 8, 2009

What's the view on kids at the picnic? I've got two and the Sunday afternoon would be best for me.

As for location, I'm a big fan of Primrose Hill as a picnic location but I know it's not convenient for everyone.
posted by athenian at 10:35 AM on May 8, 2009

Will do my best to make Friday night, but it may have to be a late appearance. I think kids at the picnic would be fine. Although some people might prefer sausage rolls.
posted by MrMustard at 12:00 PM on May 8, 2009

That pub looks decent, it has Cask Marque certification as well so it should have good ale. Excellent!
posted by knapah at 1:44 PM on May 8, 2009

Sounds great so far!
posted by errspy at 2:36 PM on May 8, 2009

Much like knapah, there's a good chance I'd head down from the Midlands to this, unless of course somebody arranges one nearer to home.
posted by Dysk at 4:38 PM on May 8, 2009

I am keeping an eye on this. But may be in East Sussex/Thorpe Park for the weekend. Hm.
posted by dash_slot- at 5:29 PM on May 8, 2009

I'll be coming to at least one of these things. Thanks to those organising.
posted by essexjan at 11:36 PM on May 8, 2009

Do we need to split this in to three so we can get an idea of numbers attending each event?
posted by MrMustard at 3:04 AM on May 9, 2009

Count me in for at least one of these events, if not all three. Man, it's been ages.
posted by generichuman at 10:15 AM on May 9, 2009

Hi all - long time lurker, relatively recent user. I would love to attend at least one event, and am very much looking forward to meeting you all.
posted by laumry at 11:52 AM on May 9, 2009

Much like knapah, there's a good chance I'd head down from the Midlands to this, unless of course somebody arranges one nearer to home.
posted by Brother Dysk at 12:38 AM on May 9 [!]

I'm in the Midlands too. I'll probably be going to the London event, but if you fancy meeting up for a beer in Birmingham beforehand, we can make Matt pay for our drinks twice.
posted by the latin mouse at 4:54 PM on May 9, 2009

I'm in the Midlands too. I'll probably be going to the London event, but if you fancy meeting up for a beer in Birmingham beforehand, we can make Matt pay for our drinks twice.

Hmm, I like your thinking. If a Birmingham meetup was to occur I'd be up for it. I wouldn't be able to commit to organising anything though.
posted by knapah at 5:58 PM on May 9, 2009

C-o-i-n-c-i-d-e-n-t-a-l-l-y I have just discovered a heretofore unknown Urgent Business Need to be in London on the days right before that weekend. What luck!
posted by atrazine at 2:30 AM on May 10, 2009

A Birmingham meetup! Really? Yes Please.
posted by srboisvert at 6:06 PM on May 10, 2009

That's all the encouragement I needed. Birmingham thread is here.
posted by the latin mouse at 5:54 AM on May 11, 2009

Please can you put down the dogsbody family for the picnic on Sunday. Not too bothered about location as long as it has good public transport links.
posted by dogsbody at 12:50 AM on May 12, 2009

Both Mrs Mutant & I have to submit dissertations in September, and I've got a deliverable due on July 26th so one event is about the only thing we'll be able to swing that weekend.

A picnic would be ideal! And even though after the last picnic we know what's really going on when you folks talk "picnic" (alcohol, alcohol, lordy mercy lots of alcohol) I'm still up for cooking.

So I'll make another MeFi coloured carrot cake (I found a way to precisely duplicate the font in frosting!), and maybe some other portable picnic dishes.

Not too fussed about location, so what works for the majority is fine by us.
posted by Mutant at 3:43 AM on May 12, 2009

Okay, a summary so far.

The London consensus is that we will be having a 3-day, all weekend series of events, thus allowing as many people as possible to attend an event, and a select hardcore to be all Mefi, all the time.

Is there any ability to start sub-event pages, or do we want to keep it all in one place?

Anyway, summary:


* Friday Night Pub Night*

Optamystic has booked The Duke of York in Marylebone (Gmap) starting time TBD, but likely sometime around 7pm (?) or perhaps earlier. Capacity is 35-40.


* Saturday Evening Dinner*
I've suggested a curry at The Lahore Kebab House. This could perhaps be supplemented by a pub in the neighbourhood beforehand, and indeed afterward. Any visiting MeFites coming from other parts of the UK or Europe may even want to consider lunch/wandering around somewhere in London together earlier in the day.


*Sunday London Recovery Brunch and Picnic*

For those who may have imbibed a little too much the night before, I suggest a recovery brunch at a London greasy spoon, somewhere central, maybe around 11am?

Later in the day, we have planned a picnic (with backup family-friendly pub needing to be identified). Current proposed location is Primrose Hill (Wiki, Flickr, website). Approximate time, sometime between 2 and 4?

I think that sums up so far?
posted by Happy Dave at 3:43 AM on May 12, 2009

Sounds like a good summary, Happy Dave.

I think it would be helpful to have a separate thread for each night/event.
posted by ahughey at 3:56 AM on May 12, 2009

I just wanted to pop in to say that this all sounds brilliant, I am in complete agreement with these plans, and you are all fantastic.
posted by chrismear at 3:56 AM on May 12, 2009

I'm creating separate threads now.
posted by Happy Dave at 4:20 AM on May 12, 2009

Okay, sub-threads up now.
posted by Happy Dave at 4:24 AM on May 12, 2009

I'm about 80% sure I will come to this - Friday night, Saturday night and a Sunday brunch sounds fun. Sunday afternoon I will probably be on the train to get back up north.
posted by triggerfinger at 11:48 AM on May 12, 2009

So what's the main event?
posted by jouke at 9:22 AM on May 13, 2009

I'm up for at least friday if not the lot. Yay!
posted by freya_lamb at 1:46 PM on May 13, 2009

P.s. Many thanks to the intrepid organisers.
posted by freya_lamb at 1:47 PM on May 13, 2009

Why hasn't London moved from Planning to Scheduled?
posted by vacapinta at 12:54 PM on May 18, 2009

I doubt Victoria Embankment Park has wifi, but if anyone in your party could scrape up a video chat internet connection, your proposed sunday brunch would coincide nicely with the previous evening's festivities stateside. We can offer you a live video toast from the east and west coast events that will be in full swing.
posted by StickyCarpet at 1:44 AM on May 19, 2009

I could bring a dongle, instead?
posted by the latin mouse at 12:28 AM on May 20, 2009

Can I add my name to any potential list? Not really concerned as to venue or indeed activity, but simply wanted to be sure I was included in anyone planning for numbers.
posted by Biru at 12:04 PM on May 22, 2009

Okay dudes we probably need to move this now out of the "planning" and into the "scheduled" bit of the thing does anybody know how we do that?
posted by flashboy at 6:12 PM on May 22, 2009

Can I add my name to any potential list? Not really concerned as to venue or indeed activity, but simply wanted to be sure I was included in anyone planning for numbers.

Biru, go to the London page (see the links at the top of this page) and click the 'Yes I'm definitely coming' radio button. We'll hopefully soon have radio buttons for the sub-meetups too.

Flashboy, Optamystic can do that, I emailed him yesterday, but he hasn't posted for a couple of days so I think he's offline.
posted by Happy Dave at 2:32 AM on May 23, 2009

There doesn't seem to be any way to set multiple dates as "scheduled".
posted by Optamystic at 7:53 AM on May 25, 2009

Check with pb, Optamystic, he posted about it in the Ten announcement thread, here.

Relevant instructions:

If you're an organizer for a location you now have the option to set up additional meetups once the primary meetup is set. After setting the first, primary meetup you should see a link under the map to "add bonus meetup". From there you can add another date/time/venue for the location. The new meetup will show up on the map and will be listed under the primary meetup date/time.

So I guess we make the Friday night pub meet Meetup No 1, then the other two can be added as bonuses?
posted by Happy Dave at 9:43 AM on May 25, 2009

Thanks for the tip. Done.
posted by Optamystic at 9:55 AM on May 27, 2009

Lush. I'll be there. Bringing a wheelbarrow.
posted by nthdegx at 3:05 AM on June 2, 2009

My name is Joseph Saunders and I approve of all of this shit.
posted by Jofus at 5:57 AM on June 3, 2009