Two UK GTGs - Edinburgh 25 Aug., London 1 Sept.
Aug 2nd, 2015, 11:36 AM
#64
Original Poster
<B>PatrickLondon:</B> Your scouting mission may not be necessary (but don't let us stop you 
) Looks like the Coal Hole is a winner.
I won't book yet -- will wait for the report back in case you found some hidden gem.
If nothing better pops up I'll go ahead and book for the 6 of us on Tues. 1 Sept. 6PM OK, or is 6:30 better?
(still open for newcomers BTW)
) Looks like the Coal Hole is a winner. I won't book yet -- will wait for the report back in case you found some hidden gem.
If nothing better pops up I'll go ahead and book for the 6 of us on Tues. 1 Sept. 6PM OK, or is 6:30 better?
(still open for newcomers BTW)
)
Aug 3rd, 2015, 06:36 AM
#67
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Not sure I'd call it a hidden gem, but certainly an option - the upstairs Opera Room at the Chandos, on the coner of St Martin's Lane opposite the National Portrait Gallery. A long room, fitted out in comfortable lounge/clubroom style, with dividers so it feels like separate areas, and no piped music or TV. Standard pub food available until 9pm (6pm on Fridays), order and pay at the bar. It's quite well-reviewed on the different websites, but they don't reserve tables and there's no guarantee that in the early evening it won't be packed out with the after-work and pre-opera/theatre crowds.
A lot of pubs in the area look quite nice but are too small, too loud with piped music or sports TVs, or they don't serve food in the evenings. I leave it to jamikins and bikerscott to comment on The Maple Leaf in Maiden Lane.....
I'm happy with the Coal Hole (the downstairs dining room again, I take it?)
A lot of pubs in the area look quite nice but are too small, too loud with piped music or sports TVs, or they don't serve food in the evenings. I leave it to jamikins and bikerscott to comment on The Maple Leaf in Maiden Lane.....
I'm happy with the Coal Hole (the downstairs dining room again, I take it?)
Aug 3rd, 2015, 07:27 AM
#68
Original Poster
Thanks Partrick. I've been in the Chandos a couple of times (ages ago that I can remember) but never went upstairs. Sounds like it would be perfect if they'd let us book. Oh well . . .
I think we can go ahead and book at the Coal Hole.
I'll book a table for six for 6PM - as long as some of us are there others can wander in later if 6:30 works better . . .
If anyone else sees this and wants to join us, post here so we can add to the booking.
I think we can go ahead and book at the Coal Hole.
I'll book a table for six for 6PM - as long as some of us are there others can wander in later if 6:30 works better . . .
If anyone else sees this and wants to join us, post here so we can add to the booking.
Aug 4th, 2015, 05:51 AM
#71
Original Poster
mission accomplished . . . sort of
I tried to book on line but it only allows up to six. So this morning I rang them up and the fellow said not to worry -- book for six since the tables downstairs have plenty of room to add chairs. Fine, so I go back on line and book for a party of six . . . and 6PM is not available. It is either 5:00, 5:30 or 8:30PM+. So we are booked for 5:30. I'm sure as long as at least one/some of us is there as a place holder it'll be OK. . . . The 'official' GTG is still 6PM but you can wander in any old time
I'm staying really near the pub so no problem for me to get there early.
6PM Tues. Sept. 1 (table available from 5:30)
The Coal Hole
91-92 Strand
(It is on the corner just down from the Savoy)
I tried to book on line but it only allows up to six. So this morning I rang them up and the fellow said not to worry -- book for six since the tables downstairs have plenty of room to add chairs. Fine, so I go back on line and book for a party of six . . . and 6PM is not available. It is either 5:00, 5:30 or 8:30PM+. So we are booked for 5:30. I'm sure as long as at least one/some of us is there as a place holder it'll be OK. . . . The 'official' GTG is still 6PM but you can wander in any old time
I'm staying really near the pub so no problem for me to get there early.
6PM Tues. Sept. 1 (table available from 5:30)
The Coal Hole
91-92 Strand
(It is on the corner just down from the Savoy)
Aug 5th, 2015, 04:48 AM
#78
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Yes, someday I'll make a GTG with you, Janis! I wish I could get to the UK as often as you--I'd improve my odds.
Have fun with lovely Patrick. (Haven't met the others...I'm sure they're very nice, too.)
Have fun with lovely Patrick. (Haven't met the others...I'm sure they're very nice, too.)
Aug 5th, 2015, 05:48 AM
#79
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Jane got a message about the number 2 bus.It is not serving the Grassmarket area for the next few weeks probably due to the Festival congestion. If using the no2 bus get off at Lauriston Place ,walk along Forest Road and down Candlemaker Row(this is the road the passes between The Grayfriers Church and Grayfriers Bobby's statue), takes you right into the Grassmarket , around a 5 minute walk.
Alternatively 14,30 or 33 bus to the Royal Mile walk up to George the IV Bridge, down Victoria street and into the Grass market, probably a slightly longer walk.
Alternatively 14,30 or 33 bus to the Royal Mile walk up to George the IV Bridge, down Victoria street and into the Grass market, probably a slightly longer walk.
Aug 5th, 2015, 10:19 AM
#80
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I'm sorry I'm missing the GTG in London it sounds like fun!
gailscout we talked about getting together in the East Bay to chat about London before your trip - if you have time, I'm heading to NY but will be around for the next week. You can find me at welltravbrit on Google's favorite - gmail
gailscout we talked about getting together in the East Bay to chat about London before your trip - if you have time, I'm heading to NY but will be around for the next week. You can find me at welltravbrit on Google's favorite - gmail
