West London October meet-up

[Fionn]

My attempt to discuss books on another thread has led to a suggestion for a night out in west London, so my arm has been twisted...The date suggested is Friday 18 October, probably in Richmond or Putney. It's not clear yet whether it will be a meal or a pub, any suggestions welcome. Anyone who would like to come is welcome. So far it's Willow2, bossykate and me. 30 November is just too long to wait!

fionn, yes i could but it is then another bus/cab back to my house from there. sorry to make a meal of it - i'm generally fairly knackered by friday and was just thinking the comfort zone of cabbing it back would be good. however, don't want to be a complete wuss - given how far some people travel to get to meet ups.

this is why i don't volunteer to organise meets - there's always the awkward squad to deal with!

bossykate - Putney will be fine! Just have to decide a venue now.

Fionn- Putney fine with me. Checked with Don Fernandos and you can only book if there's 12 or more and then it's a set menu anyway, so was never a real goer. I don't really know Putney well as far as restaurants go - the only place I go is the very cheap and cheerful Talad Thai but it's queue up, eat and leave so no good. Other than that there is a very nice Chinese called Royal China but not that cheap. Is there a Strada (think that's what the chain is called) in Putney? Went to the new one in Richmond the other day and had v nice meal so if there is that might be an idea. Having said that I'm happy for Pizza Express if it makes life easier.

Pupuce - where would you be coming from? There's a fast connection to Putney from Waterloo or you can tube it, but it isn't really that far out of town at all.

How fast is the connection from Waterloo ???

pupuce - it's about 15 minutes. You can check on the website www.swtrains.co.uk

Hope you can make it!

Willow2 - I went to Strada in Richmond too recently and was very impressed. You can't book though, and I don't think there's one in Putney anyway. I'm surprised at DFs saying it would have to be a set menu as I've been there with large groups and ordered a la carte.

Did you pre-book though? Think if we turned up with out booking we could eat what we liked - just might have to wait a while for a table... and drink a lot of sangria....
...so no problem there then.

ooh - just had another thought - Cafe Mamma in Richmond is very nice too.

Willow2 - Sounds like Putney is better for bossykate though. I've been to Caffe Mamma a few times in the last few years but have had a dodgy tummy twice after eating seafood there. We must have been in the same Richmond restaurant at the same time at some point!

will avoid cafe mamma like plague now you've told me that! Putney is fine for me - just can't help with recommendations

fionn, wasn't ma goa the preferred choice last time, but full up on the date? could we maybe try that one again? alternatively, pizza express would be fine with me.

if neither of the above are any good, i will put my hands up to being an utter, utter feeble wuss and will just come to richmond! have been shamed into this as pupuce is thinking of coming from kent!

Pupuce - are you coming? I want to ask you about how you became a Doula - not because I want to but cos I've got my journo head on. If you aren't let me know and I'll contact you via your site.

I meant not because I want to become a doula...

Also, bossy Kate, getting the train to Putney or Richmond from Waterloo can take pretty much the same time - there are fast connections to Richmond that only stop at Clapham Junction so you could be here in fifteen minutes.

no problem, richmond will be fine, since this seems to suit everyone better.

Dear All

Would like to come too from SW, planned to come last time, was on hols. If it's the 18th in Putney/Richmond, please count me in too.

I'm still keen to come whether it is Putney or Richmond - although like Bossykate would prefer Putney for ease of cab journey.

There isn't a Strada in Putney, the tapas place La Mancha is quite good but I think there is the booking issue again.

I don't care where we go and am happy to hit Pizza Express in Putney again as the food is fine, the house wines are quaffable, it isn't expensive and everyone can get there easily enough.

er...can't work out what's been decided! Sounds like Putney is easier for more of you, so I'll try Ma Goa tomorrow and if that's full shall we go for Pizza Express? I'll need an idea of numbers so could you all confirm if you can still make it - what about pupuce and Sofiaames? And if I book for 7.30pm are you still alright to keep me company ks?!

yes, i'm in. Have already organized dh to babysit and have one bottle of expressed milk waiting in freezer from last week's bout of mastitis. Does anyone need a ride? I'm coming from NW10.

Fionn - am happy to go anywhere, Richmond or Putney. Pizza Express was good last time and have no problem going back there. Whatever is easiest to arrange - and let me know if you want help as don't want you to feel you've ended up being lumbered with arranging the whole thing.
SofiaAmes - really glad you're coming - wasn't sure if you were going to be able to tear yourself away!
(By the way, I've had a name change if you hadn't already realised)

Do you ever do day time meet ups? - ie for people like me with new baby who cannot go out at 7.30pm? and can new people like me come along?! I'd love that.

agaazaa - this is only the second meet-up I've been involved with. Everyone is welcome to come along - I arranged the meal in Putney in July as I wanted to meet some new people but I didn't know anyone before then. I sat at the table waiting for 11 complete strangers to turn up! Whereabouts do you live? And have you just got one baby?