NYC mefites ocherdraco and (The Rt Hon.) MP visiting Sydney
posted April 4, 2014 3:07 PM   RSS | iCal | +googleCal

Wed June 11 at 6:00 PM, Young Henry's
76 Wilford Street, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia (Map & Directions)
UPDATE: We will be meeting at Young Henry's for a beer or two, then moving on to Hartsyard for dinner. If you want to join us for dinner, please let me know by 11 May, as I'll be making any final changes to our reservation then. Can't wait to meet everyone!
Original post: Hello, Sydney mefites! As part of the trip I mentioned in this AskMe about the Blue Mountains, my boyfriend and I will be in Sydney from 9-13 June, and we'd love to meet up with local mefites during that time. What part of town would be best for a meetup? And since these are weekdays, what time of day would work best to get together: lunchtime, or after the workday has finished?

We're looking forward to it!
posted by ocherdraco to Meetup (105 comments total)

OMG. SWEEEEEEET. I'm there with bells on, you know it. I'll drag the Snook along too. Where are you guys staying? That might determine the best time to have a meetup. Hell, I can probably even take a day of work if you want somebody to show you around. :)

I've just posted a couple recommendations in your AskMe, but here's another one just for you: Quiltsmith in Annandale.
posted by web-goddess at 5:29 PM on April 4, 2014


Oooh, that looks lovely.

We're not sure yet where we're staying for this part of the trip. At this point, Josh and I will be on our own (any suggestions for good, cheap accommodation in Sydney is welcome!). We're happy to go anywhere to meet up within Sydney.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:16 PM on April 4, 2014


I am tentatively in for anything, pref day time or early evening, pref 9 or 10 rather than 11, or 12 but either way.
posted by smoke at 3:02 AM on April 5, 2014


I would be in for something after work hours, say 5:30pm onwards.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 10:21 PM on April 9, 2014


I should be around, if it's after work.

My parents have stayed at the Hyde Park Plaza a couple of times. The renovated rooms are nice, and it in a great location, close to a train station, walking distance to the harbour and also the less touristy Oxford St.

Do the two of you have the same food preferences you mentioned in your post?
posted by kjs4 at 7:07 PM on April 10, 2014


Josh is vegan. The meat and potatoes person is my dad--he won't be with us at this point.

It sounds like there's a consensus for after work hours. We're hoping to figure out accommodations this weekend, so that might help pin down a neighborhood. Thanks for the hotel rec!
posted by ocherdraco at 8:50 PM on April 10, 2014


My fam stayed near Central Station when they visited, which was fine too. The center of Sydney's pretty small and easy to get around, as long as you're near a train station or one of the main roads for buses.
posted by web-goddess at 3:11 AM on April 13, 2014


Okay, we've got our hotel booking now—we'll be staying at The Bayswater, just down the block from the Kings Cross train station, so I think we're up for going just about anywhere in Central Sydney or the immediately adjacent suburbs for a meetup. I see that lots of previous meetups have been in the Rocks—that's cool with us, though we are happy to go anywhere y'all think we'll all have a good time.
posted by ocherdraco at 6:19 PM on April 13, 2014


(Also, we are super excited to meet all of you.)
posted by ocherdraco at 6:19 PM on April 13, 2014


I see that lots of previous meetups have been in the Rocks—that's cool with us, though we are happy to go anywhere y'all think we'll all have a good time.

It's mainly been for the view; but it's getting chilly now, and rooftop bars may not be all that pleasant. Here were my previous suggestions.

More previous suggestions here (Newtown)

What kind of venue are you looking for? If you want to stay close to home, there are plenty of bars in the Cross, but they can get pretty busy - it's a nightclub district.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 6:25 AM on April 14, 2014


I think we'd prefer a non-Cross location. Thanks for all those great suggestions in Newtown, Htwrt! I think that's a part of town we might not get to otherwise.

So, I propose: meetup at Young Henry's for a beer or two, then those who want can continue on with us to Hartsyard for dinner.

Does that sound good? It looks like Tuesday June 10 or Wednesday June 11 are going to be the best days for us—does one or the other look best to y'all?
posted by ocherdraco at 7:13 AM on April 14, 2014


Nice choices. Those dates are good for me.

Young Henry's is fun and big and open - their bar is tacked on to their brewing warehouse. Good place for group chats.

With Hartsyard, book ahead - they're small and the fill up quick.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:11 PM on April 14, 2014


Hartsyard isn't open on a tuesday, and getting in with a big group will require booking. But I'm just down the road, and totally up for either day.
posted by kjs4 at 9:23 PM on April 14, 2014


Okay! I've made a booking at Hartsyard for Wednesday, June 11th for five people (just a guess), and will make adjustments to the booking one month out—so if you want to join us for dinner, please let me know by then.

Does meeting at Young Henry's at 6 and moving on to dinner at 7:30 sound reasonable, or should I move the booking a little later?
posted by ocherdraco at 9:54 AM on April 16, 2014


Hi there everyone - if you are not coming to the national capital , then maybe the mountain will have to come to you! If my contract is finished by then I would love to make one of these meetings after a few failed attempts. I will update as things progress here.
posted by GeeEmm at 3:41 AM on April 17, 2014


Cool! I don't think we're going to make it Canberra (at least not while I'm still in the country; Josh will be traveling more after I leave), but we'd love for you to join us at the Sydney meetup.
posted by ocherdraco at 2:55 PM on April 17, 2014


Sorry guys I'm not gonna be able to make it. :(
posted by smoke at 3:19 PM on April 22, 2014


Oooh, good plan. Love Hartsyard. The Courthouse Hotel afterwards would be a nice extra touch of Australiana-meets-hipster.
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:58 AM on May 2, 2014


We'll be sorry to miss you, smoke!

Ubu, that sounds like a cool addition to the itinerary. If we haven't turned into pumpkins by then, it could be great.

Right now, based on RSVPs, it looks like it's going to be five for dinner: me and Josh, web-goddess and her +1, and Ubu. Anyone else want to join? Let me know by 11 May, so I can make changes to the booking if need be.
posted by ocherdraco at 10:44 PM on May 7, 2014


Okay, it is now 12 May! I will finalize the reservation today.
posted by ocherdraco at 12:52 PM on May 12, 2014


It's still 12th May on the other side of the international dateline, isn't it?

No worries in any case...Hartsyard is just a walk away & I can pop in any time & ask them to adjust the booking.
posted by UbuRoivas at 8:11 AM on May 13, 2014


Ubu, you are already accounted for. I've got down six for dinner; those mentioned in my comment above (including you), and his thoughts were red thoughts.

Since I forgot that Hartsyard is closed Monday and Tuesday, the reservation hasn't been altered yet. Was there someone else you were thinking of?
posted by ocherdraco at 8:33 AM on May 13, 2014


I'm up for a couple of beers but not for dinner. Looking forward to seeing you all.
posted by unliteral at 5:22 PM on May 13, 2014


We look forward to seeing you!
posted by ocherdraco at 5:52 PM on May 13, 2014


Just put it in my calendar. I'm definitely still in, as is my +1. :)

Looking forward to meeting you guys in the flesh, as well as my annual catch-up with Ubu, tellurian (I WILL NEVER STOP CALLING YOU THAT EVER), and htwrt.
posted by web-goddess at 3:57 AM on May 14, 2014


Hee! Fair enough, it's only been four years since I transmogrified (anniversary tomorrow).
posted by unliteral at 5:11 PM on May 14, 2014


♫ happy transmogrification day to you ♫
♫ happy transmogrification day to you ♫
♫ happy transmogrification dear unilateral ♫
♫ happy transmogrification day to you ♫
posted by UbuRoivas at 2:20 PM on May 15, 2014 [1 favorite]


Thanks UbuRoivas, and welcome to the list.
posted by unliteral at 4:42 PM on May 15, 2014 [1 favorite]


Well, Hartsyard is apparently never open at a time that I'm awake. Ubu, since you said you're nearby, would you mind stopping by at some point over the next few days to expand the reservation by one? It's under my name, Margaret Maloney.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:16 PM on May 15, 2014


Will do.
posted by UbuRoivas at 2:48 AM on May 16, 2014


Thanks so much!
posted by ocherdraco at 8:47 AM on May 16, 2014


So I completely forgot about this, but I will probably, almost certainly come for drinks at Young Henry's.
posted by kjs4 at 10:14 PM on May 18, 2014


Great!
posted by ocherdraco at 5:59 AM on May 19, 2014


Judging by my schedule, I am going to be in Sydney and free that night, so I will see about stopping by.

Also if folks want to help me fight jetlag, I'm landing on the first and will need the requisite "stay up until 10pm then drink and fall asleep" buddies.
posted by mrzarquon at 8:10 AM on May 27, 2014


I can now come for drinks at Young Henry's. Im gathering I'm too late for HartsYard.
posted by taff at 2:32 PM on May 27, 2014


Too late for me to do anything about it (I'm running around a bit like a headless chicken trying to finish last minute details before we depart in less than 48 hours). Ubu, did you ever get the chance to stop by Hartsyard and alter the reservation?
posted by ocherdraco at 4:12 PM on May 27, 2014


(Apologies if that comment sounded snarky—I didn't mean for it to!)
posted by ocherdraco at 4:13 PM on May 27, 2014


Didn't take it that way at all, possum!

I don't want to be a pain in the arse so won't expect ubu to change anything. Although Stacey might be free and in town also.

If the booking isn't changed, Im really still very happy to meet up for a drink and then choof off home after Young Henrys.
posted by taff at 5:36 PM on May 27, 2014


I'll be at Young Henrys for a drink... or two or three or however many I can scoff in. I'll need them after a thrilling day of accounting system training. I won't do dinner though, I plan on having an early night. I'm not a morning person at the best of times, so I don't want to rock up to the second day of training either severely sleep-deprived or two hours late.

Thanks for pointing me to this, his thoughts. This training thing has happened all of a sudden (a bit like the job itself really), but I didn't think to check if a meetup was already amazingly-coincidentally happening while I was there.

See y'all in a couple of weeks. :)
posted by malibustacey9999 at 6:25 PM on May 27, 2014


Yay!
posted by ocherdraco at 7:54 PM on May 27, 2014


I endorse this yay.
posted by taff at 8:26 PM on May 27, 2014 [1 favorite]


We are on our way! See you in just under two weeks!
posted by ocherdraco at 8:22 PM on May 29, 2014 [2 favorites]


Hey, quip and I would like to come too. It's been a long time since our last meetup. We'll join for drinks.
posted by amusebuche at 12:48 AM on May 31, 2014 [1 favorite]


amusebuche - are you & quip planning on coming to Hartsyard as well?
posted by UbuRoivas at 12:53 AM on May 31, 2014


Oh, sorry, for drinks. You already answered my question.
posted by UbuRoivas at 12:54 AM on May 31, 2014


Ubu, did you ever get the chance to stop by Hartsyard and alter the reservation?

So sorry for not confirming that earlier. It's reserved for 6 ppl now, correct?

Taff, being a Wednesday night I'm sure they could accommodate more given it's still a week and a half away.

Phone 02 8068 1473 Wed-Sun 5:30pm onwards. Booking under Margaret Maloney.
posted by UbuRoivas at 1:01 AM on May 31, 2014 [2 favorites]


Guess where I am right now. (Hint: it's not Sydney.)

Due to a weird incident involving a large orange plastic barrier and an engine of the plane that was supposed to take us to Sydney, I am commenting to you from Tokyo Narita airport, while Josh is winging his way to Brisbane. (Don't travel on separate reservations, folks.) We'll get to Sydney. Eventually.
posted by ocherdraco at 2:18 AM on May 31, 2014 [1 favorite]


So ubu, I should ring and add myself??
posted by taff at 4:17 AM on May 31, 2014


Sure, might as well.
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:48 AM on May 31, 2014


Quip and Amusebuche! It's been too long. Really looking forward to this get-together. :)
posted by web-goddess at 2:47 PM on June 1, 2014


I'm definitely in for drinks at Young Henry's, although I might be there a bit later as it looks like we are hosting a drinks thing for folks attending one of our trainings then also.
posted by mrzarquon at 4:44 PM on June 1, 2014


I don't know any of you and have been slack about Mefi lately, but Young Henry's is just down the road, and I'd love to make it along for a drink - but probably can only get there about 7pm. Um, will it be easy to find you all?
posted by 8k at 5:36 AM on June 4, 2014


We'll try to make it easy! My profile photo is a reasonably current likeness; look for that face, but with glasses.
posted by ocherdraco at 5:45 AM on June 4, 2014


I'm getting on a plane in a few hours to head to the US on short notice for my granddad's funeral. I get back Wednesday morning at 6am. So while I'm not cancelling dinner, I just want to warn you guys in case I'm a giant zonked out super weirdo.
posted by web-goddess at 2:26 PM on June 4, 2014


I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather, Kris. My condolences.
posted by taff at 2:47 PM on June 4, 2014 [1 favorite]


Um, will it be easy to find you all?

Just go around asking groups if they're "friends of Jessamyn". That's the usual protocol.
posted by UbuRoivas at 8:17 PM on June 4, 2014


Um, will it be easy to find you all?

Just look for the handsomest people in the bar.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 10:36 PM on June 4, 2014


We'll be the other group.
posted by UbuRoivas at 2:10 AM on June 5, 2014 [5 favorites]


So sorry to hear about your granddad, Kris. I hope your travels go smoothly.

We've been in Sydney now for a couple days, based out at Olympic Park. We've thoroughly enjoyed Vivid, and the bits of the Biennale at the MCA. We look forward to seeing y'all in less than a week.
posted by ocherdraco at 5:17 AM on June 5, 2014


Just down the road from me! Ironically, you've timed your arrival precisely with literally the only rain we've had in about two months. Sigh, I wish I could have made it to drinks.
posted by smoke at 3:35 PM on June 5, 2014


Quip and Amusebuche! It's been too long. Really looking forward to this get-together. :)

Indeed, web-godess. Hope to see you and sorry to hear about your grampa. We'll catch up soon if you can't make this one.

Ubu, can't wait to hear how you've been too!
posted by qwip at 6:32 PM on June 6, 2014


Thanks all, look forward to meeting you! And I'm so sorry about your grandad, Kris.
posted by 8k at 10:43 PM on June 6, 2014


Hi, stranger-to-you-all Mefite noob here, with the impression Sydney meetups don't happen all that often, and Newcastle possibly never. So, even though it feels a bit like gate-crashing, I'd like to grab this opportunity to come down and socialise with you at Young Henry's. Am not really strange.
posted by valetta at 8:35 PM on June 8, 2014 [2 favorites]


Come on down, valetta.

I am decidedly strange, and a country bumpkin to boot, but these lovely people didn't chase me with stakes at my first meetup last year. (Maybe they took pity on me because of the hair disaster, the shoe disaster, and the car disaster, but whatever. I'll take pity wherever and however I can get it.)

My phone number is 0438 257 076. I expect I will be utterly exhausted and will do my best to invent a reason not to go. Ring/text me and force me into it, please.

PS: if I get into a taxi on George St and say "Young Henry's at Newtown, please", do I have a chance of getting there without going via Canberra?!? Or should I just aim him towards the Enmore? I was severely ripped off by a taxi driver who didn't know where he was going and also refused my strident directions last time...
posted by malibustacey9999 at 5:09 AM on June 9, 2014


Excellent! Many thanks malibustacy, will ring you with strident directives. Something pitiless like "You'll be sorry if you don't come! We'll talk about you, piker!"

I reckon aim the taxi at the Enmore, it doesn't look like much of a walk from there to YH's on the map. I'm walking from the train station but I hardly ever get to Newtown so it'll be a pleasure.
posted by valetta at 6:04 AM on June 9, 2014 [1 favorite]


PS: if I get into a taxi on George St and say "Young Henry's at Newtown, please", do I have a chance of getting there without going via Canberra?!?

As valetta said, ask for the Enmore Theatre & walk from there. It's an impossible-not-to-know landmark. Nobody knows where Young Henry's is, not even locals. It's that hip.

The taxi should go along George St, which morphs into Broadway, then left on City Rd which morphs into King St, then right-ish at Enmore Rd.

But it's probably quicker & definitely cheaper just to catch a train to Newtown. Or buses 423, 426 and 428 will take you past the Enmore Theatre.
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:20 PM on June 9, 2014


PS: if I get into a taxi on George St and say "Young Henry's at Newtown, please", do I have a chance of getting there without going via Canberra?!? Or should I just aim him towards the Enmore? I was severely ripped off by a taxi driver who didn't know where he was going and also refused my strident directions last time...

Stacey, if you have to catch a cab, just tell it to go to the Enmore Theatre on Enmore Road. Young Henry's is maybe a 60m walk from there. Otherwise, Ubu's directions are solid.

Unless you have a hipster cab driver, he won't know Young Henry's specifically.

Hi, stranger-to-you-all Mefite noob here, with the impression Sydney meetups don't happen all that often, and Newcastle possibly never. So, even though it feels a bit like gate-crashing, I'd like to grab this opportunity to come down and socialise with you at Young Henry's. Am not really strange.

Welcome! Strangeness or lack thereof not a problem.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 6:55 PM on June 9, 2014


It's meetup eve! One more sleep till meetup!

We are looking forward to meeting all of you.
posted by ocherdraco at 5:39 AM on June 10, 2014


I'm back! Taxi dropped me off at home 45 minutes ago. I looked at the calendar on the wall in the kitchen and said, "Out? Where are we going tonight? OH RIGHT THE MEFITES YAY!" See you all there...
posted by web-goddess at 2:36 PM on June 10, 2014 [2 favorites]


Woohoo!
posted by ocherdraco at 5:42 PM on June 10, 2014


I'm so sorry. Family crisis. Can't make it.
posted by taff at 12:06 AM on June 11, 2014


I'm so sorry. Family crisis. Can't make it.

Oh no! Hope all is OK, taff.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 12:14 AM on June 11, 2014


Okie dokie, I'm reaching escape velocity and am departing the office. See you guys soon.

Can someone wear a silly hat or something to act as a landmark? I'm dressed in various shades of grey today so I'm useless as a beacon.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 12:16 AM on June 11, 2014


I'm still in the CBD doing work things, and have a 6:30 am flight to Melbourne tomorrow, so won't be able to make this.

Enjoy the night, wish I could have connected with you all.

Should I attempt to post another meetup for the 27/28 of June when I'll be back in Sydney?
posted by mrzarquon at 12:41 AM on June 11, 2014


Frist!
Cloudy Cider in hand.
posted by unliteral at 12:53 AM on June 11, 2014


OK crew, we're seated at the high table next to the mural of the sailor girl.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 1:12 AM on June 11, 2014


I'm hoping to get there just on 7pm. Will look for sailor girl mural!
posted by 8k at 1:41 AM on June 11, 2014


Apparently it's closed? I can't get door to open and their phone message says the tasting bar closes at 7..
posted by 8k at 2:17 AM on June 11, 2014


We are at 55 Enmore rd
posted by unliteral at 2:19 AM on June 11, 2014


Come on down
posted by unliteral at 2:20 AM on June 11, 2014


Sorry 8k, the place closed and we had to move. 55 Enmore Road, it's called Cittavino.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:20 AM on June 11, 2014 [1 favorite]


Just realised i maths wrong. 8k, I owe you a drink. Possibly uniliteral as well. Was fantastic to meet you all!
posted by kjs4 at 5:05 AM on June 11, 2014 [1 favorite]


Sure was.
posted by unliteral at 5:15 AM on June 11, 2014


I don't mean the math, I mean about meeting you all.
posted by unliteral at 5:17 AM on June 11, 2014


That was a WONDERFUL meetup. All parts. You are all fantastic mefites, and I hope to host each and every one of you at a New York meetup someday.
posted by ocherdraco at 6:00 AM on June 11, 2014 [1 favorite]


Thanks for a fun night, all.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 4:16 PM on June 11, 2014


Great to see you all. Sorry we had to rush off after drinks. Early morning this morning. Let's do it again soon.
posted by amusebuche at 3:47 AM on June 12, 2014


Hey peeps. I'm gutted I couldn't make it. A very very very wobbly little person needed some stabilisers. Falling finding anyone capable of that, I volunteered to stay with her and cuddle her and be subversive.

TriviaNewtonJohn is in town soon so surely there must be another meetup soon. And this time my little monster can just drink a bottle of red wine and eat a kilo of dark chocolate the way adults solve their problems.
posted by taff at 5:43 AM on June 12, 2014 [3 favorites]


We will just have to come back and see you next time, taff!
posted by ocherdraco at 6:13 AM on June 12, 2014 [1 favorite]


Dear persons, it was a pleasure to meet you all and I wish I could have had more conversation with each of you, and drunk more of that Louis Black nectar. Another time. Anyhow the cabbie that pulled up on cue as soon as I left the building was pretty talkative and we had a great time all the way to Ashfield.

Ocherdraco, thanks for setting this thing up. Oh, and for the tea. That box had English Breakfast AND English Afternoon, which is good because breakfast is often a bit after-hours in this house.

Cheers.
posted by valetta at 6:43 AM on June 12, 2014 [1 favorite]


Valetta, you are the sweetest. You made me giggle with that.
posted by unliteral at 6:56 AM on June 12, 2014


Unicycle I'm glad, consider it payment in kind for the big welcoming smile you flashed me when I walked into YHs searching for the MeFi table.
posted by valetta at 7:13 AM on June 12, 2014


I had a wonderful time too! Was great to meet some of you even though I missed the hartsyard booking - kjs4 and uniliteral and I kicked on at that sweet little wine bar for a while.
Totally up for another one soon so kj4s can make good on the drink maths :)
When is TriviaNewtonJohn around?
posted by 8k at 5:05 PM on June 12, 2014


Yes, when TriviaNewtonJohn's in town, we should set up another meetup. At a bar. Maybe even with trivia.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:34 PM on June 12, 2014 [1 favorite]


And thanks for shlepping down from Newcastle to hang with us, valetta.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:39 PM on June 12, 2014


I have turned on the bat signal. Stand by.
posted by taff at 6:26 PM on June 12, 2014


Make it so. I'm not sure where I'm staying yet but I'll be around 23rd and 24th. Canberra you have me 20th to 22nd
posted by Trivia Newton John at 6:55 PM on June 12, 2014


That is a mighty efficient bat signal.

I'm not sure where I'm staying yet but I'll be around 23rd and 24th

...of June, TNJ?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 9:06 PM on June 12, 2014


The twenty third will be my first day at new job after six months pat leave, but it's on the city and Monday's we only have one kid so I could potentially make it, yay.
posted by smoke at 9:50 PM on June 12, 2014


Hello, yes His Thoughts, June. I wish I had a better idea of what I'm doing but I just haven't made any plans yet. On the upside, this means no clashes.

Smoke, I think a return to work gets a drink.
posted by Trivia Newton John at 3:30 AM on June 13, 2014 [1 favorite]


Histhoughts, I love to ride the train between Newcastle and Sydney, mainly because of the Hawkesbury section, where the line is down near water level and you get big wide river and shady billabongs + lush undergrowth, nice rocks ... and other interesting countryside, like massed mangroves, or the bit near Morriset where the big Gymea Lilies grow among the trees. I could drive but I'd miss all that.
posted by valetta at 4:59 AM on June 13, 2014 [2 favorites]


I have turned on the bat signal. Stand by.

Henson Park Hotel.

You know the tafflings & ubuling want it!
posted by UbuRoivas at 9:07 AM on June 13, 2014


Thanks to everyone for a lovely night! And I definitely think I got some math wrong, so I'm sure I owe several drinks. Next one is my shout. :)
posted by web-goddess at 7:26 PM on June 13, 2014


Web-goddess I am still in awe of that jumper you wore. I kept stealing glances at it, wondering "How did she get that Fair-Isle so damn flat?" I've tried, it ain't easy. Kudos.
posted by valetta at 9:58 PM on June 13, 2014


Henson Park Hotel.

You know the tafflings & ubuling want it!


It's on, Ubu. Next meetup deets here.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:30 PM on June 18, 2014 [1 favorite]



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