It happens that I’ll be in London for a couple of days (basically, I wanted a couple of days layover to break up the longer flight.) So, I’ll arrive Tuesday Feb 1, staying in the West End (near Green Park) and just wondered if any members want to get together that night? (The rest of my time is pretty well filled up.)
I’ll have just arrived, so I’ll need to end early, but… any interest? First one to respond gets to pick time and place (an interesting pub within walking distance, preferably.)
Right, I’ve linked to this on NADS where a lot of us can be found these days. I’ll wait for someone else to suggest a pub though, as I rarely leave my own little bit of North London so only know my locals.
It’s just been pointed out (by someone who clearly pays more attention than I do) that the 1st Feb is a Wednesday. Are we talking the Tuesday or Wednesday night here?
As much as I’d love to, midweek just won’t happen for me at the moment.
I am supposed to be starting a new job (but with about 90% of people with whom I have worked before) on the Monday after two whole years of unemployment so I’ll be in the mood for a jar any night that week. Will keep an eye out here and on NADS for directions.
I can probably make it along.
I’ll leave the suggestions for pubs to the NADS thread, though I’ll point out that many of the pubs near Green Park (and the tube station of that name in particular) are tucked away down alleyways and backstreets in places like Shepard’s Market. In my experience these are reasonable pubs, but they might be a bit awkward for an out-of-town guest like Dex to find. Worth bearing in mind.
My blushes, Tuesday Jan 31.
… and I’ve been to London often enough to find back-alleyways and hidden pubs.
I should be able to make it. I was walking round SW1 last week and spotted a fair few pubs that looked good, many of which were called the Red Lion.
I’ve yet to make any London meeting, and this’ll be no different. Ipswich vs. Leeds that evening. Oh, and work and stuff, y’know…
Alas, I too can’t make midweek.
Yeah, I know mid-week is tough. That’s another reason for startin’ early and endin’ early, aside from the fact that I’ll be still seeing double from the flight o’er the pond
I’d love to meet, Dex. I’m not familiar with the pubs in the area, though. I’ve been waiting for someone else to name the venue.
OK, here’s the plan: anywhere in Mayfair, Covent Garden, Baker Street, or near enough is great for me. I just need to be able to walk there. The first one to come up with a suggestion wins, that will be it. If there’s no suggestion by my sign-on time on Friday, Jan 27, then I’ll pick one from my book of walking tours.
Peter, if it’s just you and me, it’s easier because we don’t need a place that’s comfy for a group.
So what am I, chopped liver?
I’m too British to get away with saying that, aren’t I?
I have some spies out looking for a suitable venue. Will report back shortly…
You and Bonzer both by the looks of it. 
FYI. Nads have moved boards. You find the new thread here
Have a good one with the Brits. We Irish would be more fun but hey, what ya gonna do 
First, Jennyrosity, my apologies: I didn’t read your prior posts as affirmatives.
Second, what is this Nads? I don’t do Nads. This is another website, isn’t it? I don’t do other websites. There is no Nads, there is only Gozer. Er. Something like that.
I’d rather not hang around a tube station waiting for people who might or might not show. I’d rather we have a pub so them of us as are tired (from long flights or work or whatever) can quaff a pint. Or is it pint a quaff? British vs American language is always so confusing.
So, I stand by my prior suggestion, that if no one has made a decision by Friday morning Chicago time, I’ll pick one from my ten-year old walking tour book.
Have a look at this: venues near Green Park tube and see if there’s anything you fancy. There are a few oubs in there - I thought Brutons sounded ok.
Ye Grapes in Shepherd Market is a good 'un. Quite large too. Directions (courtesy of fancyapint.com):
“Use the north side of Piccadilly exit from Green Park Station, turn right towards Hyde Park Corner and walk down Piccadilly until you reach White Horse Street on your right, go up this street into Shepherd Market and the pub should be in front of you on the right.”
Does Ye Grapes also have food, or is it just drinks? My situation is going to be that I’ll need food.
Since Bruton’s was the first named, that’s fine with me. This is, after all, not the Great Debates forum, so we need to actually decide sometime in the next coupla days. Anyone objecting, or offering a different venue, speak up.
I’ll try to be there around 6 PM, Tuesday, London time… that gives folks enough time to travel etc? Whoever gets there first, set up a table for “Chicago Reader” (I’ve found that “Straight Dope” causes raised eyebrows, they don’t hear the adjective.)
I’m looking forward to meeting whoever and all.