Talk:Meetup/Manchester/12

Venue

There's some discussion about the venue as people are signing up for the event so it might be worth starting a conversation about it here. Here are some random thoughts. Make of them what you will.

• It wasn't my idea to try Nexus, but I'd like to give it a go. Even if just for a one off. Although obviously I'm happy to go with the consensus etc. etc.
• I'm guessing that the main objection that people are having is that Nexus doesn't serve alcohol (or allow you to bring your own).
• I like a beer of five in the afternoon, but some people don't, so Nexus may allow us to attract a different audience.
• If we are trying to attract a different audience, we should probably look at the wording of the current watchlist advert. "Interested in having a chat with fellow Wikipedians over lunch or a beer? There are upcoming meetups in London, 11 March; Liverpool, 24 March; Monmouth, 21 April; and Manchester, 28 April!"
• The Waterhouse has been pretty packed during the last two wikimeets. Some peope were suggesting that we try somewhere else for that reason... although actually I quite like crowded pubs... and I've never been short of a seat in there.
• Nexus is a very nice friendly place. I don't think there is any cause to worry about it being too "arty" or anything like that.
• Nexus has nice tea, cakes, sandwiches, sofas, etc. etc.

Yaris678 (talk) 17:56, 26 February 2012 (UTC)

I was speaking to Mike Peel about this yesterday. The thinking is to appeal to non-drinkers or people who wouldn't want to go to a pub, e.g. youngsters, Moslems, etc.

I'm with Yaris on this one. Personally I like a few beers, but I think this alternative is worth a go as an experiment. If it turns out that most/all of the attendees are happy with a pub venue, then meeting 13 might be back at the Waterhouse. We might even end up moving on to a pub after the Nexus.

Quick question, does Nexus have Wi-fi? Wetherspoons is good in this respect, although I think I was the only person who brought a laptop. Bazonka (talk) 18:19, 26 February 2012 (UTC)

Oh, and I agree with the point about the wording of the advert - "...over lunch or a drink" might be more appropriate. Bazonka (talk) 19:16, 26 February 2012 (UTC)

Yes. Nexus has free Wi-Fi. Yaris678 (talk) 21:48, 26 February 2012 (UTC)

I asked Nexus whether they could accommodate us, but unfortunately they won't have the space that day (Saturday afternoons are fairly busy for them). So we need to find somewhere else, ideally where we can book a set of tables rather than having to grab what we can in a busy pub. Any suggestions? Thanks. Mike Peel (talk) 11:32, 2 March 2012

Why not see if the Waterhouse will let us book a few tables for an afternoon? The Litten Tree in Coventry were quite amenable to it. HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 21:15, 2 March 2012 (UTC)

My pal runs the Ralph Abercromby, off Deansgate, which you are welcome to google. If anyone is interested I could ask him if he fancies vaguely setting one of the rooms aside. I should imagine that one of the reasons the Waterhouse was a little hectic is that the mighty Manchester City were at home and kicking off late, so a few of the lads and lasses were getting their levels up, the better to enjoy the spectacle. Neither City nor ****** at home on the 28th, so the coast will be comparatively clear. BTW, consumption of alcohol is not compulsory. Although if significant numbers of children do show up then I shall immediately decamp to another pub. RSVP if any interest. Incidentally, no commission is involved. Purely pro bono. Regards Hengistmate (talk) 01:05, 5 March 2012 (UTC)

I like the Sir Ralph. Good atmosphere. Makes a change from the usual Weatherspoons. What is the food like there? Yaris678 (talk) 22:01, 9 March 2012 (UTC)

I'd give it a go. But it doesn't address the issue of encouraging non-drinkers, however I get the impression that most people would prefer a pub anyway (myself included). Does the Ralph Abercromby have Wi-fi? Bazonka (talk) 17:02, 10 March 2012 (UTC)

Menu Feast (who I hadn't previously heard of) say that it has free wi-fi. Never tried it myself. Yaris678 (talk) 07:51, 14 March 2012 (UTC)

I say we give it a go. If necessary, we can go somewhere else after a couple of hours (when we're reasonably sure there won't be anyone else turning up) if this place doesn't have everything we need. Once you've been to one Wetherspoon's, you've been to them all, which has some advantages, but is also a reason to try somewhere different imo. HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 09:45, 14 March 2012 (UTC)

OK, let's give the Ralph a go then, providing they have space available. Let's discuss non-alcoholic options at this wikimeet.... Thanks. Mike Peel (talk) 21:42, 18 March 2012 (UTC)

That sounds fair enough to me. If we can get a room or some tables reserved even better. the wub "?!" 21:05, 19 March 2012 (UTC)

Right oh. Shall broach the subject with George and report back. Food btw is Greek-ish. 81.96.104.201 23:04, 18 March 2012 (UTC)

Shall be doing a recce Thurs afternoon, in the interests of research. Hengistmate (talk) 16:20, 21 March 2012 (UTC)

After a lengthy and thorough consultation, I can report that George is happy to set aside the back room at the Ralph. It will seat 12 easily and 20 cosily. Own serving hatch. The grub has reverted to normal pub type - burger/chips stylee. It isn't the Midland, but it's buckshee, and George is an exuberant host. Mancs might remember him as licensee of The Circus. If it goes ahead, the procedure is: straight on past the main bar on your right, turn right, and you can't miss it. I await instructions. Don't want to railroad anyone, but confirmation would be welcome in the next couple of weeks. Hengistmate (talk) 21:11, 23 March 2012 (UTC)

This is a wiki—be bold! ;) If your mate George is happy to hold some space for us, then just take the "TBC" off and we'll give it a try. Does he sell any decent single malts out of interest? HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 21:51, 23 March 2012 (UTC)

For sure, the best thing is just do it. I'll be there and happy with burger, souvlaki, or whatever. Looking forward to celebrating my big six-oh with you all. --RexxS (talk) 02:23, 24 March 2012 (UTC)

Sorry. I was trying to reach a consensus . . .

I'll give it till midweek, in case there are any violent objections, then I'll confirm. Don't know if George sells single malts, but I've never seen him turn one down. Hengistmate (talk) 14:36, 24 March 2012 (UTC)

I don't think there'll be any violent objections - so let's give it a go. Thanks for investigating this option. :-) Mike Peel (talk) 23:50, 26 March 2012 (UTC)

Confirmed- Sir Ralph Abercromby Inn, Bootle Street, Manchester, M2 5GU. April 28th, 1pm. Hengistmate (talk) 14:22, 30 March 2012 (UTC)