Dear All,

I will be in London, UK June 26-June 30th and was thinking of having an informal dinner one of those nights where people get together and talk about practice and whatever else seems fun.

I know little about London restaurants and the like, but would prefer one that was of reasonable quality, had reasonable prices (for London), but most importantly where some reasonable number of people can talk for hours and rearrange their seats and the like without being kicked out (a Pub perhaps?). Any information on best options is most welcome.

I will probably stay somewhere in the region of Kings Cross/Regents Park/Camden Town, but haven't determined a place to stay yet, though closer to there would likely be better, as that is where most of my business in London is.

Thanks!

Daniel

Hi Daniel,
Im around 26-28th and keen to meet up. Pub in Camden sounds good. Happy to scope out a suitable place and book table if you'd like,
Ed

Hi Daniel,
Sounds great, I'm definitely keen too, though I could probably only do the 26th, maybe the 27th. 
I'd be coming from Manchester and unfortunately don't know London well enough to help much with logistics.
Loren

https://thelighterman.co.uk/
A friend just recommended this in Kings Cross

Myself and maybe two others would be keen.

Would love to join you. Any dates fine though 27 not ideal.

Hi, I'd love to join you all. I'm available on any of these dates, although I may arrive a bit late if it is on the 29th.

Dang, I was just in North London a few weeks ago. Really sorry to miss you.

Ok, summarizing so far:

Edward: 26-28
Loren: 26, maybe 27, coming from relatively far away. First post on DhO since joining in 2011 duly noted. ;)
James and two more: no date preferences
Peter: prefers date other than 27 but could make it.
Julieta: might be late if the 29th

I arrive somewhat late on the 26th, so dinner would have to be late if that date.

Peter, looks like the 27th would be good for the rest if you could swing it. Thoughts?

The Lighterman looks good.

Of note, I will also be in Cambridge for the rest of the summer if all goes well, so there will be other opportunities, and I will probably travel on some weekends.

If you will stay in Cambridge for the rest of the summer, maybe I could actually make it from Sweden some time. I can’t eat in restaurants due to weird food intolerances, but I could perhaps join for the company if allowed by the restaurant, or join people for a walk or something.

Excellent, schedule has been cleared for the 27th, I'll be there.

I might be able to make it on 27th.

It would be cool to meet Daniel, and make some London dharma pals.

I will keep an eye on this thread.

Dodge. x

Wow, amazing.  I can probably make the 27th too.

Conal

I plan to be there too, with Ed. and possibly another friend as well.. to be confirmed. 
looking forward to meeting everyone!
Zoe

Daniel. I live in Cambridge. Have attempted to email you directly though no idea if right address....

Hi Daniel,

I can definitely make that.  Can you add me to the list please?

Conal

Dear Peter,

Didn't get your email. What's up? You can also message me here in the messages tab above.

Ok, looks like the Thursday, JUNE 27th at The Lighterman it is. I will contact them today to discuss whether or not we need reservations, and, if so, what times are available for a group this potentially large. I will let you know what they say here on this thread.

Hi Daniel

I would be interested in attending as well and can make the 27 June.  Please add me to the list. Thanks.

Hello Daniel, guys

This dinner is a wonderful idea. I will be very happy to take part. Please reserve a place for me as well.

Looking forward

Ok, sent an email to The Lighterman over a week ago and have heard nothing. I have no phone here, long story. Can anyone call them and ask about the 27th and ask about the size of the group and if we need reservations, and, if so, at what time?

Otherwise, if not needed, I will be there by 6pm and try to find a table for at least 12.

Thanks!

From their website:
Kindly note we accept reservations that intend to dine only and our terraces operate on a walk-in basis. Turn times: 1-5ppl for a period of 2hrs, 6ppl or more for 2.5 hrs. 

Normally the terraces would be fine I reckon at 6pm on a Thursday but if it's on the day of a heatwave (forecast 29°) it might be tricky anywhere without a booking. I've tried to book a table for dinner but the closest they have is one table for 8 at 8pm, and one table for 4 at 8.30pm, so I've booked that for now. Not ideal but I can cancel up to 48 hours before without losing a deposit.

I can have a look for alternative places later,

Ed

Thank you, Ed!

If the weather will be so nice and finding a place for a big group so hard, an option is to meet in a park and bring food. That way we don't need to book things we're not happy with or pay any risky deposits. Just an idea!

Julieta

Yup, that's a good idea, we could meet in Regent's park. As another option, I have emailed Star of Kings and asked for a table for 14 for 6pm. I'll let you all know their reply.

Hey, those are all kind and useful actions: thanks!

Thoughts from the rest of the group?

Also, a time? I was also thinking 6pm, but could be a bit earlier or later. I suspect people will arrive and mingle and depart at various times to suit their needs.

Are there bathrooms in the park?

Hear anything from the Star of Kings? Looks like a good venue.

I have the whole afternoon till night reserved for the meetup, so it's more less all good to me. Both a restaurant and a park work for me as long as we are able to hear each other  : )

I am not  familiar with King's Cross area, but if options there fail, I got a couple suggestions south of the river / Greenwich / Woolwich as a back up plan if you are fine with less central location. Just let me know if needed.

There are toliets in RP but they shut at 9pm, half an hour before the park itself does, which might be a bit early for any latecomers. 

No response yet from Star of King's depsite following up with a phonecall and email. I work round the corner though and if I haven't heard from them by tomorrow, I can, if necessary, do a King's Cross pub crawl in  my lunch break.

Hi Daniel, can't make the dinner due to work commitments, but please keep us updated about the summer at Cambridge because if you're in the UK for an extended stay it'd be super cool to meet up.

Dinner for 14 people (under my name) on Thursday 27 June (6pm to 8:30pm) at Star of Kings, 126 York Way, Kings Cross, London N1 0AX is now confirmed!
Looking forward to meeting you all,

Ed

PS If 14 is going to be more than we need, please let me know and I'll the venue know they can free some of those seats

Much appreciated, Ed.

Looking very much forward.

Jano

Hi Ed
I'm a bit late on this thread. Can I put myself down on the list for meetup on 27th. thanks
Danny

Sweet as, I'm down.

Sorry for the late notice, can you please add me! :-)
Cheers, Tom

Hey all, 

I plan on attending as well. I look forward to meeting you all.

Cheers :-)

Apologies I am not able to come.  Hope all of you have a good evening. 

Chuhr

We are going to try to find a quieter place to talk, as Star of Kings is very loud. Watch here for updates.

Hi all. It was awesome meeting everyone last night!

I emailed out our contact list this morning. If it's not in your inbox or Junk folder, I may have transcribed your email incorrectly. Let me know and we'll figure it out. Cheers!