A VV meet

[Workingman]

Jo, I don't know what it is like now, but my memory from when I was at RAF Stafford tells me that the areas around New St Station and the Bull Ring, the Queensway interchange, Broad St and Bridge St were clubland... so probably areas to avoid?

[JoM]

The immediate area around New St station isn't so bad for nightlife, but cross over Smallbrook Queensway into the Hurst St/Ladywell Walk area and that can be pretty rowdy. Broad St is THE place to go for clubs and bars though (or not to go if you're over 30 ), I think even more so than years ago since the whole area was regenerated when the ICC and Symphony Hall were built - I used to go along there in the early 80s and it's unrecognisable now. Brindley Place is just off there and I'd avoid that too - lovely during the day but not at night

[Ally]

Frank, the Holiday Inn isn't far away from the Ibis but I'd think it'd be a bit of a quieter hotel. We've been there quite a few times for parties and functions and it's always been really nice, never needed to stay over though.

I'm not sure which Premier Inn Osc had checked out but there's one near to Broad St which I'd avoid on a weekend but there's another up near the cathedral, in the business district, which I think would be fine.
http://www.premierinn.com/en/hotel/BIRSOL/birmingham-city-centre-waterloo-street

That's the area I'd be thinking of staying on a weekend - around by the cathedral in the Colmore Row/Snow Hill area. I'd say it's probably just over a 5 minute walk from New St Station to there.

I think that Premier Inn is on Bennett's Hill..next door to the Briar Rose?
Just 2/3 minutes walk from the ramp at New Street.

I have friends in the pub/clubland business.

Would anyone mind if I asked their opinion and got the nod for some suggestions?

Jo..I like your idea of The Old Joint Stock..it has a few function rooms holding from 20 up to 50 (I think?) x

[meriad]

Ally, I'm sure no-one would mind if you asked your friends....

[Kaz]

Soewhere reasonably near to the station for those of us catching trains would be nice I don't mind a bit of a walk for myself - I do it all the time - but others might want to be nearish.............

Ally that's a good idea, thanks

[jenniren]

I remember staying at the Brittannia osc is talking about. Tbh I don't really remember much about the hotel itself, but as osc says we did commandeer the bar during the day which was nice as people had a central point to meet up. In the evening the hotel gave us a private room for dinner which was great too. It was also nice seeing people at brekkie and being able to say goodbyes the following morning, a great finish to the meet.

Kaz has a good point too, for those arriving by train something quite central that doesn't require too much walking to get to would be good. I tend to prefer to drive everywhere so for the drivers among us, somewhere that's near or offers reasonable parking would be good.

Be great if you could get some good suggestions from your friends in the business Ally

[Ally]

I remember staying at the Brittannia osc is talking about. Tbh I don't really remember much about the hotel itself, but as osc says we did commandeer the bar during the day which was nice as people had a central point to meet up. In the evening the hotel gave us a private room for dinner which was great too. It was also nice seeing people at brekkie and being able to say goodbyes the following morning, a great finish to the meet.

Kaz has a good point too, for those arriving by train something quite central that doesn't require too much walking to get to would be good. I tend to prefer to drive everywhere so for the drivers among us, somewhere that's near or offers reasonable parking would be good.

Be great if you could get some good suggestions from your friends in the business Ally

Please don't think I'm being contrary Jen..but I wouldn't recommend the bar/lounge in the Britannia for our meet.

The seating would be no good as it's more your 'sink in and difficult to get out again' seats.

With only small tables scattered round..we've stayed there loads (as it is so convenient for our travels when we are in Brum.)

I think somewhere where there is a bit more 'airy space' and nice big tables..and good food.

A few months ago when staying there Don and I sat for ages to be served for lunch...only to be told the chef hadn't turned up for work that day as he couldn't be ar*ed!

Again Jen ..please don't think I'm being funny, I just think there are much nicer places to go that will suit everyone for comfort.

What is good about this is we can throw ideas and suggestions about and come up with the perfect place.

Ally x

[Workingman]

I have friends in the pub/clubland business.

Would anyone mind if I asked their opinion and got the nod for some suggestions?

ALE, the more first hand knowledge we have the easier it should be to get somewhere to suit us all. Go for it, please.

[jenniren]

Oh sorry if it came out wrong Ally, I wasn't suggesting the Brittannia, just saying I remember the meet there. It was years ago now so the hotel has no doubt changed considerably and tbh I really don't know Birmingham well enough to know what else is available so I'm more than happy to go along with you peeps who know the area well.

Brum was my first ever 'cyber' meet and I was more than a little nervous. It was the organisation bit I liked best, having a central place to meet up as people tended to arrive at different times throughout the day so it was lovely walking in and being welcomed immediately. Ooj (dubsey as she was then) was the first person to speak to me although it was so busy I don't expect her to remember that. Having somewhere 'private' for dinner was a huge success too as it gave us lots of time to get to know people. Also being hotel based meant everyone knew where to meet up at any time of the day - not everybody was able to stay over or even for dinner.

All these years later I've been to lots of meets so no longer that nervous novice lol so more than happy to go with the flow. Just tell me where and when and I'll be there

[miasmum]

As I said Birmingham is fine for me, and I will come if I can. Problem is I only get 12 days holiday a year from work. I could do a Saturday provided it wasn't a Luke Saturday, but I wouldn't stay over.

So I will just wait and see what transpires and come if I possibly can