Annual Mega Herf in 2010

[nicwing]

Guys, I have posted a brief report of the Herf on my blog and had 4 or 5 messages via Facebook of guys who would like to come and join us next year including a Canadian poster (General Bob) who asks us to fix a date early so that he can make plans.

I know that a number of people who didn't make it this year have also commented on the picture thread and said they now wish they had made it so any thoughts?

• Same again?
• Same time of year?
• Still London the best location for everyone?
• Should we have a bonfire next year?
• How much would you pay to get descent grub?
• Like the venue or got any other suggestions?
• AOB

[Lascaux]

maybe aim for a bit earlier in the summer? july/august?
id much rather pay a good amount for a sit down meal and say maybe a different venue to accommodate that, ?50-60ish? boisdale or one of the hotel bars?

im all for bonfire, i can fire poi and play hypnotic bongo beats way into the morning, cigarstock '10 it'll be. grand

[michael69]

maybe aim for a bit earlier in the summer? july/august?
id much rather pay a good amount for a sit down meal and say maybe a different venue to accommodate that, ?50-60ish? boisdale or one of the hotel bars?

im all for bonfire, i can fire poi and play hypnotic bongo beats way into the morning, cigarstock '10 it'll be. grand

I agree with all this! although meal wouldn't need to be a sit-down affair.

Earlier in summer, and somewhere where a group BBQ could be booked perhaps? (I think, unless I'm mistaken, Doggetts do the BBQ thing)

[nicwing]

I think September is ideal, although earlier may be better.

July and August are school holidays and those of us with kids may be away on holiday.

[Pantomimehorse]

I think we should up the quality of grub but stay away from sit down and keep it a buffet type affair. I liked the way we all just mingled it was nice I think the more formal you get the more in scares people off.

also next time lets keep the raffle but tell people in advance to bring something along, I know a few people I was talking to didn't put in because they only had the amount of sticks they wanted to smoke.... not complaining myself mind seeing as how I won

A speech from Deano, why didnt this happen or did I miss it? WTF???

[Jimmeh]

i quite liked the food... lol. oh well.. I think a bbq would be good. Doggetts do do a bbq... i am flexible really - just turn up when and where im told :-D

[ACMCC]

If you liked that food Jimmeh, I feel envious - as you will spend the rest of your life pleased!, it can't get much worse - reconstituted fish! lol....
IMHO we should not go back there as they have no parasols on that terrace (as with the food - ?300 odd !?!) surely there is some ware better that is acceptable to all, I can't see how we can smoke fine cigars and eat fake fish? or am I missing something.

[Pantomimehorse]

haha I must of missed the fake fish, there was a nice plate of chicken brought out later on that was lovely...

[Jimmeh]

If you liked that food Jimmeh, I feel envious - as you will spend the rest of your life pleased!, it can't get much worse - reconstituted fish! lol....
IMHO we should not go back there as they have no parasols on that terrace (as with the food - ?300 odd !?!) surely there is some ware better that is acceptable to all, I can't see how we can smoke fine cigars and eat fake fish? or am I missing something.

You misunderstand me - i dont think that the food was good - i think that it filled a small hole (the chicken packed it down a bit when that came out) and that it wasnt absolutely disgusting. Ive had worse - i.e the McDonalds that was purchased on Sunday at about 4AM on the way back from London with Big_T after a micro smoke-fest....

[cohibaIV]

• Same again? O Yes!
• Same time of year? Yep, Sep good for me
• Still London the best location for everyone? London sounds easy for most, but I am up for any where.. I Like Scotland
• Should we have a bonfire next year? O Yes!
• How much would you pay to get descent grub? Decent venue, up to ?100
• Like the venue or got any other suggestions? Different venue, and BBQ sounds good
• AOB 1)Deposits of at least 25% need to be taken IMHO. 2)Are you going to sort it out Nick? 3)Can the Scots come next time?

Here we go

[Robusto]

Well...

I'm more for informal herf options than formal ones... I accept I may be in the minority...

I won't want to pay if a venue is too expensive to hire or to travel to... Wife and expensive children to support...

The London herf was great. The buffet wasn't - but we didn't gather for the buffet...

I'll make my own mind up when the next thing is proposed.

[ACMCC]

It doesn't need to be fancy - maybe ?20 (+100%) is enough to get some food a little better! the venue was ok, great if they had umbrella's...lol IMHO it's about finding a balance, the venue would be great on a nice summers evening, maybe the barbecue chef is great!

We could do two herf's a year a north and south herf so that our Scottish BOTL can join us! If the consensus is for no food or similar, then no problem, those that want to eat can eat earlier, I'ts the great company and smoke's that we are all there for...

We could make a short list of possible venue's and price point's and take a poll to get the majority's view. you could have an option with or without food so those on a budget can come and eat before hand. we have plenty of time to work out an option that suits everyone.....

[Simon-JG-hr]

We had some good discussions about this on the night (whilst working out exactly how lost we were...)

Nice food is definitely a must (I had to leave early, so unfortunately missed the step up from reconstituted fish to reconstituted chicken...) As many of us are spending a reasonable amount of money just to get to the herf, then a few extra pounds for some enjoyable food is a must. I don't want to ruin my ?10 cigar with 20p fish fingers - you wouldn't pair up a fine puro with Asda Smartprice lager, I don't see why the thought process wouldn't run to food also.

The venue was very good I thought - awesome views. Parasols are a must! It may rain again. And they must have been laughing all the way to the bank. If I could be arsed, I'd write a letter of complaint to them. But I can't...

you could have an option with or without food so those on a budget can come and eat before hand

Or indeed those who want decent food can eat before hand.

I'm sure I have more to add - but I can always come back to this thread (can't I?... ).

Either way, the herf was very enjoyable this year due to the company. I'd meet up in a pig-stye for another one if necessary.

[ACMCC]

Exactly...lol It could have been either... I agree, great evening, wee bit of fine tuning perhaps, just been speaking to a friend who runs an event company, and has just been looking at the roof terrace of the grange hotel st pauls, I think this is where some of the B/SOTL were staying on the night! holds about 40 and has fabulous veiws over St Pauls Cathedral, may be able to twist an arm for a good deal... I'll get them to find out more.....

[jpmoore]

We had some good discussions about this on the night (whilst working out exactly how lost we were...)

We were extreamly lost !!!