*********the Xmas meet up that everyone is invited to but just happens to be in london 2007*****

[Tortington]

Eleusis
Countess Dracula
COV
Kewcumber
Flame
Mustrunmore
rbj949703
MarsLady
Gomez
littlelapin
StarryStarryNight
magnolia1
deweydell
Bubble99
TheMaskedPoster

I agree that we won't be able to please everyone. But, it is worth exploring and discussing a few options fo a limited period (say for the next couple of days) and then on Thursday taking a vote and making a decision.

Agreed there is no dancing at Pizza Express, it was just a cheaper option.

I agree we have plenty of time to save up, and a proper christmas meal for under £35 is hard to come by.

I am back to my usual reserve, and say HILTON!

What options though, Eleusis? Come up with some other venues and we'll talk, OK?

ok, hunker.

What about something like Jewel

My thinking is that if we do something like this that people who want cheap eats before hand can have it. And those who are happy to fork out £40 or so for a nicer meal can do that. Then we all meet at the bar by say 9:00 and the night rolls one.

Jewel does serve food if we want it.

I've sent them an e-mail to see what prices would be like for 60 or so people. It might come back as way too expensive. But, at least we can consider it until we have a reason not to.

Or possibly Shillibers also in Islington. The have a DJ and dancing. We could get a buffet for less ££. Even if we get the most expensive buffet it's about £18. (plus VAt and service probably) But still cheaper than the Hilton.

Isn't Jewel quite noisy though?

Eleusis,
you are the only one who wants to explore different options it seems.

Why dont you select a few, talk to them and get some actual information and post in ONE post your suggestions,(not just links)?

Haveing a few suggestions and links dotted around the thread is not going to grab anybodys attention, it is just pie in the sky until somebody actually contacts the venue and can come up with a plan.

I am not the only one who wants to explore other options. And I'll let you know what they say just as soon as I find out.

I've only been to Jewel once and I don't remember it being that noisy. But, I have asked them that question. I asked if we could have our own room that would lighted enough and quiet enough for conversation.

Eleusis, I am just suggesting a way of getting your point across in a way that is easier to take into consideratin for most.

If the budget is a heavy consideration, and we want privacy, this PUB in Barnes (near Barnes Bridge British Rail) has a really nice riverside location, outdoor beergarden (for smokers) overlooking the Thames, and a function room for hire:

The White Hart

I have been there, been exceedingly drunk in there, it is not far from my home.....

i dont have paypal. and i dont want to make a paypal account just for this meetup.

what can be done?

please please please stop changing the date and venue. its confusing me.

o and about the numbers. i obviously cant add.

the white hart function room is fuddy duddy to say the least but nice views and a disco ball...

where do you live SSN?

CountessDracula, there is no pleasing you, is there? The decor at Hilton is tepid in its blandness, a function room in a pub is fuddy duddy. If you care so much about WHERE you eat, come up with a few valid suggestions yourself, or forget this concern for ONE NIGHT only and focus on the pleasure the COMPANY of fellow mumsnetters will offer.

oi, Starry. Chill out. CD is entitled to her opinion. And we all know how finicky she is. Check out one of her wher shall I go on hols threads.

CountessDracula, I live in south west London. Actually, I am stuck there most of the time, I dont get out much to suggest hip and fashionable venues across London. I am THAT sad. And frankly I dont care....

Ok Eleusis, by what you are saying now, does that mean we should just disregard her?

CD - sorry if I come across too unchilled.
I am chilled!

Of course not.

Ok, Eleusis, how do you like the White Hart suggestion? I have sent them an email asking for some info. Just in case. It is probably the most non-poncy suggestion....

I have to go now, as shopping is beckoning....

Hmmm... not really enough information in your link to judge. It looks okay. I don't mind fuddy duddy pubs. But I suspect the location is a bit out of the way for some. People travelling from outside of London will have to travel to London and then out to Barnes. It's not a problem for me, I just foress that it might be for others.

Do you know how big the function room is?

sorry I dont, in my mail to them I asked if they could accommodate 60 people, with a menu, dancing, cash bar and a price per head.

But it might be possible to find local accommodation at lower prices than in Hilton or central London, for example in nearby Hammersmith, or there is a Travel Inn in nearby Putney.

sorry I dont, in my mail to them I asked if they could accommodate 60 people, with a menu, dancing, cash bar and a price per head.

But it might be possible to find local accommodation at lower prices than in Hilton or central London, for example in nearby Hammersmith, or there is a Travel Inn in nearby Putney.

sorry I dont, in my mail to them I asked if they could accommodate 60 people, with a menu, dancing, cash bar and a price per head.

But it might be possible to find local accommodation at lower prices than in Hilton or central London, for example in nearby Hammersmith, or there is a Travel Inn in nearby Putney.

sorry, trigger happy