Meetup Social

Last night, another of those multi-Meetup socials.. I signed up with The London Movie Club (LMC), and we were off to the BFI Riverfront Balcony Bar again! Excellent venue.

Looking at the many eateries roundabouts, I felt like The Archduke.. there's never been any problem just showing up, but I thought I'd book. Unfortunately, they only gave available reservation times on the half hour - I knew I wouldn't realistically make it for 5.30, and would probably make it well before 6, but couldn't choose 5.45 as an option - 6 it was. I only arrived about 10 minutes early, to be fair - and wow, was it hot inside! Their heaters really are set high.. and there's one right over the door, where I had to stand for a few minutes, while they dealt with the person in front of me.

No problem seating me early - but I was glad I'd booked, it was quite full. I was upstairs for the first time - which is interesting, although the view isn't terrific, with all those concrete buildings. It took me a minute to find the roast chicken I wanted, on the menu - it's delicious here, and was why I came. It's on the bottom left, in the "Classics" section, with the steak frites. And I had some Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - yum. All yum.. I was only halfway through it, mind, when the organiser messaged to say he was there already! Well, I finished, called immediately for the bill - service, I have to say, is very attentive here. And over I went.

A short walk got me there - and it is a lovely venue. Last night, we apparently had the actual balcony to ourselves as well, but it was just a bit cold to be out there - still, it'll be lovely in the warmer months! What was nice this time was that the upstairs bar was open - much handier than having to lug drinks up from downstairs. Anyway, a lot of newbies, some familiar faces.. and funnily enough, despite this event not having been advertised for the Hideout horror group, lo, somehow we still managed to end up talking horror! :-) Just too tempting, I guess. And as usual, a really friendly group.

Anyway, we didn't stay too late, it being a school night.. but I still had enough to drink, and absolutely crashed when I went home - I don't even remember falling asleep, but I missed my nightly call to my mother. No anxious missed calls from her this time - I guess she's getting used to it! Doesn't happen often.. Naturally, I didn't blog last night - especially having to be in the office today. Lordy, the bus in wasn't a fun journey..

Tonight, back again with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - this time, for Casserole, at the Arcola.

Tomorrow, I was thinking film.. always the reason for a delay in previewing upcoming events, I have to wait for the listings. Anyway, I'm back with the LMC for once - we're headed to Trust Fall, a documentary about Julian Assange, as well as wider issues around freedom of information! First time I'll have actually gone to a film with them - it's at The Garden Cinema, and a bit early - I'll have to leg it from work.

On Saturday, my monthly catchup with ex-colleagues - this time, only James can make it, what with Ivan rehearsing and Martin at the theatre. Anyway, we're off to Brasserie Zedel, which I had such a great impression of before! Lunch, and then I'd like to check out the bar..

Sunday is, of course, Patrick's Day - and Buddies on a Budget is off to the parade! And so am I. And afterwards, I'm off to Seven Drunken Nights at the Dominion Theatre - well now, I could hardly resist! The title comes from the famous song by The Dubliners.

Now, I was going to go to a film on Monday as well.. and UITCS are off to Just For One Day at the Old Vic, the following day! Ooh, sez I.. I couldn't resist this, if only to see someone portray Bono! Wonder how many more I'll recognise.. Anyway, I was rather frazzled when I was booking this, on Monday night, having just flown back to London - my mother's landline was down, and of course it was up to me to do what I could to fix it. (It eventually fixed itself by means of her dropping the handset on the floor.. works fine again now..) Well, wouldn't you know it, I accidentally booked the show for Monday instead of Tuesday. Darnit! They won't let me change it - ah well.

So now I'm going to a film on Tuesday instead - and that would be Article 370, a Hindi film about a young woman in the police or something. And I have to go all the way to Cineworld Wembley to see it..

On Wednesday, back at last with London Classical Music and Theatre Group! We're off to the Opera House for a ballet..

And next Thursday, I'm back with London Social Detours at last.. she usually runs daytime events that I can't make. Anyway, we're off to a free concert by the Guildhall School Big Band, at the Barbican.. And then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again!