London II: Jessamyn and Her Sister Want to Have Dinner with You
posted February 23, 2015 2:04 PM RSS | iCal | +googleCal
Thu February 26 at 6:30 PM, Water Poet
11 Folgate Street, London E1 6BX, UK (Map & Directions)
I'm back in town with my sister, staying in an AirBnB place in Surrey Quays/Rotherhithe. Would love to meet up for dinner/drinks on Thursday. Doesn't have to be right near here but would be nice if it was easily public transportationable from here. Who is in and can suggest a place?
Only real preferences are food and drinks (sister doesn't drink but likes food and meeting people) and a place where we could sit and hang out.
I could be in, not sure about dinner, but certainly a drink or two.
posted by knapah at 2:53 PM on February 23, 2015
posted by knapah at 2:53 PM on February 23, 2015
I'm in too! Eventually I have to get back to Euston Station so something on an easy transit link to there would be nice.
posted by tractorfeed at 5:10 PM on February 23, 2015
posted by tractorfeed at 5:10 PM on February 23, 2015
I would love this - I'll make it if I can.
posted by you must supply a verb at 2:02 AM on February 24, 2015
posted by you must supply a verb at 2:02 AM on February 24, 2015
I'd love to join you but will be coming in from Cambridge, so can't 100% commit to being there.
posted by yomimono at 2:37 AM on February 24, 2015
posted by yomimono at 2:37 AM on February 24, 2015
(The intersection of the Jubilee Line and the Euston branch of the Northern Line is Waterloo, where there are loads of Places for Stuff. That's probably all I can add in terms of useful information.)
posted by Grangousier at 2:38 AM on February 24, 2015
posted by Grangousier at 2:38 AM on February 24, 2015
Technically Euston is on both the Bank and Charing Cross branches of the Northern Line, so either London Bridge or Waterloo would work - I don't have a strong preference myself. I imagine a pub or similar would be good if we're planning to be there for up to a few hours and need both food and drink.
posted by adrianhon at 4:28 AM on February 24, 2015
posted by adrianhon at 4:28 AM on February 24, 2015
Can't make it London on Thursday unfortunately, but hope you enjoy your stay.
posted by crocomancer at 4:34 AM on February 24, 2015
posted by crocomancer at 4:34 AM on February 24, 2015
Tapas Brindisa is london bridge and has great "social" food (menu) but there are plenty of respectable pubs as well if people were looking for more a more meal for those who want it drinks for those who don't deal. (I've never eaten in the anchor or the old thameside but they both have nice views of the river, though cold i suppose this time of year).
posted by Another Fine Product From The Nonsense Factory at 4:57 AM on February 24, 2015
posted by Another Fine Product From The Nonsense Factory at 4:57 AM on February 24, 2015
Ooh, the Overground goes from Surrey Keys/Rotherhithe to Whitechapel/Dalston/Shoreditch etc...maybe curry at
Tayyabs? Or somewhere else in the vicinity?
posted by freya_lamb at 4:58 AM on February 24, 2015
Tayyabs? Or somewhere else in the vicinity?
posted by freya_lamb at 4:58 AM on February 24, 2015
As a (probably irrelevant) aside, since I'm coming in from Didcot, I'll probably make a day of it, and probably spend at least some of that day lurking at the British Library pretending to work. If you haven't been, I recommend it, if only to see The Thing. If anyone wanted to meet up at/after lunchtime at/near the BL (as a separate thing to any dinner plans), I would be up for that as well.
(top tip: avoid going to the BL straight off a transatlantic flight having not slept for like 30 hours and catch your first glimpse of The Thing while walking down a flight of stairs.)
posted by you must supply a verb at 5:07 AM on February 24, 2015
(top tip: avoid going to the BL straight off a transatlantic flight having not slept for like 30 hours and catch your first glimpse of The Thing while walking down a flight of stairs.)
posted by you must supply a verb at 5:07 AM on February 24, 2015
The second meetup and for the second time I am out of the country. Gutted! Hope the two of you are having a great trip.
posted by Gordafarin at 6:05 AM on February 24, 2015
posted by Gordafarin at 6:05 AM on February 24, 2015
Depending on timing I'll either be coming from Westminster or Walthamstow.
(happy to rely on you good people to select a venue)
posted by knapah at 7:32 AM on February 24, 2015
(happy to rely on you good people to select a venue)
posted by knapah at 7:32 AM on February 24, 2015
I'm in for the drinking bit.
You've actually got a few options Rotherhithe-way if you do want to stay local to that (and get the Thames views). If you don't mind slightly shabby pubs (because it's a Sam Smiths) The Angel has great views and (if the upstairs is open) plenty of room. There's also The Mayflower which is very nice (and does good food), but if it's busy we might collectively struggle for space.
Whether there or more central though I'll definitely pop in for one or two.
posted by garius at 10:20 AM on February 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
You've actually got a few options Rotherhithe-way if you do want to stay local to that (and get the Thames views). If you don't mind slightly shabby pubs (because it's a Sam Smiths) The Angel has great views and (if the upstairs is open) plenty of room. There's also The Mayflower which is very nice (and does good food), but if it's busy we might collectively struggle for space.
Whether there or more central though I'll definitely pop in for one or two.
posted by garius at 10:20 AM on February 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
Hmmm. I live in Rotherhithe and spend most of my time these days in the BL, and am free Thursday night, so feel like I have no excuse but to attend my first Mefi event in over 12 years of being a member. Blimey.
In terms of Rotherhithe drinking/eating spaces, The Mayflower is good (we did Thanksgiving dinner there last year), but so, so cramped. Somewhere that's almost never cramped, has great views, but is perhaps lacking in appropriate publy ambience is the Old Salt Quay. Am happy to try the Angel. Otherwise, Rotherhithe station/Canada Water is handy to just about anywhere, especially in the Whitechapel/Shoreditch High Street/Hoxton kind of region.
posted by Sonny Jim at 11:01 AM on February 24, 2015
In terms of Rotherhithe drinking/eating spaces, The Mayflower is good (we did Thanksgiving dinner there last year), but so, so cramped. Somewhere that's almost never cramped, has great views, but is perhaps lacking in appropriate publy ambience is the Old Salt Quay. Am happy to try the Angel. Otherwise, Rotherhithe station/Canada Water is handy to just about anywhere, especially in the Whitechapel/Shoreditch High Street/Hoxton kind of region.
posted by Sonny Jim at 11:01 AM on February 24, 2015
Some potential places: The George Inn (London Bridge), Brewdog (Shoreditch), The Water Poet (Shoreditch)
All the other places people have mentioned also sound good. Curry is great, we just need to make sure we work out a place we can head to afterwards for drinks (of which there are many, but just figuring it out in advance!)
posted by adrianhon at 11:32 AM on February 24, 2015
All the other places people have mentioned also sound good. Curry is great, we just need to make sure we work out a place we can head to afterwards for drinks (of which there are many, but just figuring it out in advance!)
posted by adrianhon at 11:32 AM on February 24, 2015
Hello! We spent the day today going to the Soane's Museum and the Hunterian Museum. Good fun. I am not hellbent on staying within Rotherhithe, a place where we could get dinner and drinks (we're unlikely to make a late night of it) at the same time would be great. Thames views sounds good. Old Salt Quay and George look like they either have the same owner or the same web designer, which is it? I don't know geography well enough to pick a place but we're fine with anything that's one bus/tube ride away. Local folks traveling from further away should make that call.
posted by jessamyn at 2:35 PM on February 24, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by jessamyn at 2:35 PM on February 24, 2015 [2 favorites]
Yep, those are both Greene King pubs. Capitalism, it's a heckuva thing.
posted by adrianhon at 3:53 PM on February 24, 2015
posted by adrianhon at 3:53 PM on February 24, 2015
I selfishly vote for the Water Poet on account of deeply convenient transport connections...
posted by you must supply a verb at 3:00 AM on February 25, 2015
posted by you must supply a verb at 3:00 AM on February 25, 2015
Holy poo! I'm excited to meet Jessamyn and a bunch of other London MeFites. (I've just moved here and I'd love to meet more people in general.)
posted by harperpitt at 3:46 AM on February 25, 2015
posted by harperpitt at 3:46 AM on February 25, 2015
Sorry to double-post, but I'm in Shoreditch and would love something easy to reach from there. But, of course, I'll travel.
posted by harperpitt at 3:48 AM on February 25, 2015
posted by harperpitt at 3:48 AM on February 25, 2015
Another vote for the Water Poet in Shoreditch! But the George in Southwark looks great too.
posted by HandfulOfDust at 6:45 AM on February 25, 2015
posted by HandfulOfDust at 6:45 AM on February 25, 2015
I also vote for The Water Poet. The George is nice but incredibly crowded in my experience.
posted by grahamparks at 7:00 AM on February 25, 2015
posted by grahamparks at 7:00 AM on February 25, 2015
Water Poet is convenient for me from work or home, so I'm up for that. Timing?
posted by knapah at 7:26 AM on February 25, 2015
posted by knapah at 7:26 AM on February 25, 2015
The Water Poet says they take bookings, if the Definite Yesses get to be a booking-advisable number...
posted by you must supply a verb at 8:18 AM on February 25, 2015
posted by you must supply a verb at 8:18 AM on February 25, 2015
I need no excuse to head over to Shoreditch, so am happy to take people's lead on the Water Poet.
posted by Sonny Jim at 9:14 AM on February 25, 2015
posted by Sonny Jim at 9:14 AM on February 25, 2015
Water Poet works for me - although apologies in advance for anyone I then semi-drunkly bore with stories about the Liberties.
posted by garius at 9:45 AM on February 25, 2015
posted by garius at 9:45 AM on February 25, 2015
Ooh, exciting! Not yet sure what time I'll be finishing work tomorrow, but I'll do my best to come along.
posted by EXISTENZ IS PAUSED at 9:48 AM on February 25, 2015
posted by EXISTENZ IS PAUSED at 9:48 AM on February 25, 2015
The Water Poet is good for me coming into Liverpool St from Essex.
posted by essexjan at 9:54 AM on February 25, 2015
posted by essexjan at 9:54 AM on February 25, 2015
Let's do it! Booking for what, 12 people? What time?
posted by adrianhon at 12:19 PM on February 25, 2015
posted by adrianhon at 12:19 PM on February 25, 2015
WATER POET! Earlier is better than later for us. 6? 7? Let me know and I can finalize this so people can make plans.
posted by jessamyn at 1:14 PM on February 25, 2015
posted by jessamyn at 1:14 PM on February 25, 2015
Assuming I get out of work on time, I should be there 6:15ish or so.
posted by garius at 1:23 PM on February 25, 2015
posted by garius at 1:23 PM on February 25, 2015
I could get there somewhere between 6.30 and 7.00. Do you think we need to book a table? I think we probably should...
posted by HandfulOfDust at 1:29 PM on February 25, 2015
posted by HandfulOfDust at 1:29 PM on February 25, 2015
Yeah let's book a table for ... 6:30? For 12? I'll post my (local) number in the thread tomorrow and people can ping me if they have questions about where we are or who is there or whatever. YAY.
posted by jessamyn at 1:33 PM on February 25, 2015
posted by jessamyn at 1:33 PM on February 25, 2015
Great, someone call and do that and I'll tweet/confirm here. Sound good?
posted by jessamyn at 1:49 PM on February 25, 2015
posted by jessamyn at 1:49 PM on February 25, 2015
I'm working from home tomorrow so I can get there for 6.30 with no problem. I think you have my number from your last visit. If not, let me know and I'll PM you with it.
posted by essexjan at 2:19 PM on February 25, 2015
posted by essexjan at 2:19 PM on February 25, 2015
Urk, I just called the Water Poet - they're not taking any more bookings 'at this point' so we'd have to take our chances finding a table. The woman on the phone said it was likely to be 'quite' busy by 6.30. What to do???
posted by HandfulOfDust at 2:26 PM on February 25, 2015
posted by HandfulOfDust at 2:26 PM on February 25, 2015
Make a reservation for six maybe? We can easily be there by then. If it's not the time that matters but it's just busy then I'm not sure.
posted by jessamyn at 2:32 PM on February 25, 2015
posted by jessamyn at 2:32 PM on February 25, 2015
I think just turn up and wait for a table to become available. Given the location I'd guess it'll have a lot of after work drinkers who don't stay long.
posted by grahamparks at 2:36 PM on February 25, 2015
posted by grahamparks at 2:36 PM on February 25, 2015
The Water Poet will be rammed after work on a week night - it's on the main drag through Liverpool Street. Maybe start there but move elsewhere for food?
posted by freya_lamb at 3:34 PM on February 25, 2015
posted by freya_lamb at 3:34 PM on February 25, 2015
Eg St John's Bread and Wine is close by. I've not been so cannot vouch but might be bookable.
posted by freya_lamb at 3:43 PM on February 25, 2015
posted by freya_lamb at 3:43 PM on February 25, 2015
I just called the Water Poet again. They are fully booked tonight, but they keep tables back for ad hoc visitors, and we're likelier to get a table if we arrive a bit earlier than 6.30 – say 6.00. Maybe the best thing to do is for Jessamyn and as many others as possible to arrive around then and colonize the place that way?
St John's Bread and Wine is on my 'places to eat' bucket list too, but I've just checked the menu and there's a £35 per head minimum spend requirement for group bookings, so.... maybe some other time! *buys Euromillions ticket*
posted by HandfulOfDust at 2:49 AM on February 26, 2015
St John's Bread and Wine is on my 'places to eat' bucket list too, but I've just checked the menu and there's a £35 per head minimum spend requirement for group bookings, so.... maybe some other time! *buys Euromillions ticket*
posted by HandfulOfDust at 2:49 AM on February 26, 2015
We'll aim for around 6 then. My cell is zero, triple seven, 6704331. Text with any changes of plans, I'll be mostly offline for the rest of today.
posted by jessamyn at 3:13 AM on February 26, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by jessamyn at 3:13 AM on February 26, 2015 [1 favorite]
Mannnn these always take place on a day I can't come! Have a fun evening all and have a good trip, Jessamyn.
posted by Ziggy500 at 3:50 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by Ziggy500 at 3:50 AM on February 26, 2015
I'll aim to be there 6ish or before.
posted by you must supply a verb at 3:55 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by you must supply a verb at 3:55 AM on February 26, 2015
I should be able to get there for 6pm or thereabouts, if I can get parked at the station my end.
posted by essexjan at 4:15 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by essexjan at 4:15 AM on February 26, 2015
A silly question perhaps, but how are we approaching the problem of people recognition, because it will probably be busy?
posted by garius at 7:03 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by garius at 7:03 AM on February 26, 2015
Garius, the usual "Are you a friend of Matt Howie?" works. If people look at you as if you're bonkers, then they're probably not the MeFi crowd. We'll also probably be dressed more casually than people coming straight from the office (except, of course, for those of us who've come straight from the office!)
posted by essexjan at 7:12 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by essexjan at 7:12 AM on February 26, 2015
I've been a bit MeFi-absent lately but saw on Jessamyn's Twitter that she's in London and said to my husband, "Jessamyn's in London! Maybe there will be a meetup!" ...and so there is! Sounds like it will be pretty packed but we can arrive early and try to save some space.
My last London meetup was in 2009, when we were here visiting from San Diego. Since then we've lived in Chicago with our lovely MetaFilter-heavy social circle. We moved to London this week and are staying in Shoreditch for the next few days until we find a flat. Can't wait to meet everyone—we'll be the terrified, socially awkward Americans who look underdressed for the weather, since we're still acclimated to Chicago winter temps.
posted by booknerd at 7:28 AM on February 26, 2015
My last London meetup was in 2009, when we were here visiting from San Diego. Since then we've lived in Chicago with our lovely MetaFilter-heavy social circle. We moved to London this week and are staying in Shoreditch for the next few days until we find a flat. Can't wait to meet everyone—we'll be the terrified, socially awkward Americans who look underdressed for the weather, since we're still acclimated to Chicago winter temps.
posted by booknerd at 7:28 AM on February 26, 2015
you must supply a verb, I'm also in the British Library. If you'd like to meet up and travel over together let me know -- my email's in my profile...
posted by tractorfeed at 7:53 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by tractorfeed at 7:53 AM on February 26, 2015
We're at the V&A and will be hovering in that atea writing postcards after maybe 5, so text me if folks are nearby sooner. I look like pictures of me, longer hair maybe. Sister is my height, a bit bigger, has glasses. We're both wearing black coats.
posted by jessamyn at 8:08 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by jessamyn at 8:08 AM on February 26, 2015
I have only just seen this. Might be around for one or two.
posted by permafrost at 8:18 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by permafrost at 8:18 AM on February 26, 2015
I will be wearing my Metafilter badge!
posted by grahamparks at 8:26 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by grahamparks at 8:26 AM on February 26, 2015
I'm going to try and get there a little bit earlier as well, e.g. 6:30.
posted by adrianhon at 8:35 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by adrianhon at 8:35 AM on February 26, 2015
Jessamyn and I both coincidentally posted from the V&A. I feel like this bodes well somehow.
posted by booknerd at 8:44 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by booknerd at 8:44 AM on February 26, 2015
We're both wearing black coats.
You mean Matt didn't present you with an "I used to moderate Metafilter and all I got was this lousy t-shirt" shirt when you handed in your badge and gun?
Disgraceful.
posted by garius at 8:54 AM on February 26, 2015
You mean Matt didn't present you with an "I used to moderate Metafilter and all I got was this lousy t-shirt" shirt when you handed in your badge and gun?
Disgraceful.
posted by garius at 8:54 AM on February 26, 2015
Aargh we are here already and all the walk in tables are already booked for the evening. Also it is loud and a bit too suity up front. Perhaps we should rendezvous here and choose another place once we have quorum? you must supply a verb and I are at the table immediately to your right as you enter.
posted by tractorfeed at 9:16 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by tractorfeed at 9:16 AM on February 26, 2015
re: people recognition, everyone usually just keeps a lookout for anyone looking awkward and repeatedly refreshing a webpage on their phone and waves at them.
Sometimes it works...
Anyway, I'm going to head over shortly, but it'll take me a bit over an hour to get there, so please post any moves you make to the thread. Thanks!
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 9:24 AM on February 26, 2015
Sometimes it works...
Anyway, I'm going to head over shortly, but it'll take me a bit over an hour to get there, so please post any moves you make to the thread. Thanks!
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 9:24 AM on February 26, 2015
Thanks for the update, tractorfeed. I'm still more or less on course for 6.30, post in here if you decide to move on.
posted by knapah at 9:38 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by knapah at 9:38 AM on February 26, 2015
I'm vegan and called to see what they could do, as there's no vegan food on their menu. Apparently the kitchen said they can produce a vegan salad - I'll be interested to see what that looks like...
posted by Acheman at 9:48 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by Acheman at 9:48 AM on February 26, 2015
OK now that I see the update it seems the salad may be moot.
posted by Acheman at 9:50 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by Acheman at 9:50 AM on February 26, 2015
If you see the awkward girl with a teal shirt, blue jacket, and pink lipstick, please say hello and put me out of my misery.
posted by booknerd at 9:52 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by booknerd at 9:52 AM on February 26, 2015
We're wandering over now and are like five min away. Why don't we pick a new local place with space and maybe vegan options? Can someone get on the googles?
posted by jessamyn at 9:57 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by jessamyn at 9:57 AM on February 26, 2015
Head up the back to the garden, turn left, we're in the far left corner.
posted by grahamparks at 10:32 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by grahamparks at 10:32 AM on February 26, 2015
Has a new place been picked? I'm in Barbican but ready to head over in a bit. Hoping to see you!
posted by harperpitt at 11:05 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by harperpitt at 11:05 AM on February 26, 2015
Yo! Am in Clerkenwell but may not get away for a time - are you all still in the Water Poet?
posted by freya_lamb at 11:26 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by freya_lamb at 11:26 AM on February 26, 2015
There are 6 of us at the water poet, while a large contingent have headed to brick lane for food. We're planning to rendezvous later.
The drinkers are still in the far left corner of the beer garden.
posted by knapah at 11:34 AM on February 26, 2015
The drinkers are still in the far left corner of the beer garden.
posted by knapah at 11:34 AM on February 26, 2015
Where on Brick Lane? Anyone know?
posted by harperpitt at 11:45 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by harperpitt at 11:45 AM on February 26, 2015
All I know is that it's a Turkish place. Jessamyn's number is up thread
posted by knapah at 11:49 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by knapah at 11:49 AM on February 26, 2015
Tas Firin on Bethnal Green Road. We're waiting to be seated in the pub opposite.
posted by grahamparks at 11:50 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by grahamparks at 11:50 AM on February 26, 2015
I am inbound to the Water Poet, probably about half an hour.
posted by *becca* at 11:54 AM on February 26, 2015
posted by *becca* at 11:54 AM on February 26, 2015
Change of plan: Maida on Bethnal Green Road
posted by grahamparks at 12:16 PM on February 26, 2015
posted by grahamparks at 12:16 PM on February 26, 2015
Sorry to have missed this; I had to work late, and am also feeling a bit under the weather so had to come straight home and crawl into bed. Hope you all had a great time!
posted by EXISTENZ IS PAUSED at 3:54 PM on February 26, 2015
posted by EXISTENZ IS PAUSED at 3:54 PM on February 26, 2015
Was a great time, thanks for coming out all. My apologies for the MeFite I was texting with who was looking for us when we weren't seated at Tas Firin. We tried to catch you and missed.
posted by jessamyn at 4:57 PM on February 26, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by jessamyn at 4:57 PM on February 26, 2015 [1 favorite]
Had a great time - nice to see jessamyn and her sister, and to see all the new faces!
posted by adrianhon at 4:43 AM on February 27, 2015
posted by adrianhon at 4:43 AM on February 27, 2015
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by adrianhon at 2:43 PM on February 23, 2015