East Mids meets - time for another change of venue?

[judas]

What do you reckon folks? Moving every few months keeps things, if not fresh, then at least varied. While I've no complaints whatsoever about the hospitality we get at the Amber (you can't knock free barbies!), as the nights draw in and less time is spent kicking tyres, maybe it's time for somewhere a bit more warm and cosy? What about a return to Starkholmes for a while?

Over to you lot!

[Balmoral Green]

I always liked Starkholmes, it is cosy.

[Prof Beard]

I'm not so sure, Amber is easy to get to and has a good big car-park. If it ain't broke don't fix it?

[judas]

The reason I brought it up is that a few people have mentioned to us offline that they're not that keen on the Amber and for the most part can't summon the enthusiasm to make the run out.

[CmdrBond]

New to this site, whereabouts are the meeting places mentioned??

[plasticpig]

I am happy with the Amber.

[Prof Beard]

judas said:

The reason I brought it up is that a few people have mentioned to us offline that they're not that keen on the Amber and for the most part can't summon the enthusiasm to make the run out.

Nevertheless, turnouts have been good even on the quieter nights - some nights have had excellent shows and new people keep turning up.

[EmmaP]

I'd welcome a return to Starkholmes.

[madbadger]

I'm happy with the Amber.

If others are unhappy I don't mind a move.

[Hot_Stu]

I'm Easy......

Amber:
Pros

• it is usually empty so we are never in anyones way
• Landlord is welcoming
• Beer is OK
• The run back up the hill !!!!

Cons

• Small room reaching capacity as more prople come inside earlier (it's dark and cold outside)

Don't know the Starkholmes ... so cannot comment

[madbadger]

Hot_Stu said:

Don't know the Starkholmes ... so cannot comment

The road to Starkholmes:



Like this but more bumpy.

[Fort Jefferson]

Balmoral Green said:

I always liked Starkholmes, it is cosy.

And close to where you live.

Prof Beard said:

Amber is easy to get to and has a good big car-park. If it ain't broke don't fix it?

I'm with the Prof.

[EmmaP]

madbadger said:

The road to Starkholmes:



Like this but more bumpy.

I used to love the drive to Starkholmes and the bumpy bits never bothered me that much. I've experienced far worse in Italy (and my car has been lowered and has sports suspension). I like the fact also that it is a proper country pub, with character, that's nice and cosy.

I don't like the Amber as the drive is rather dull (though I've just been told about a better route) and the bar is very small.

Edited by EmmaP on Thursday 20th September 11:43

[andymadmak]

The Amber is great for the summer meets because of the big car park and free BBQs. But, it's a little cramped for the winter if everyone turns up.
Starkholmes is lovely and cosy, but the car park is smaller and the road is a little bumpy for the more extreme cars.
I like both ( but then again I would cos I recommended them both in the first place!) Is there a third choice anywhere? I'm not keen to go back to the Anchor, and the Peacock has always struck me as being a bit "Wayne & Waynetta", but there are lots of other pubs in the area that could be looked at. The Jug and Glass in Lea is quite nice, very cosy, good beer, OK parking, and not hard to find. We could try there if you like or if anyone has another suggestion?

Andy

[Balmoral Green]

Fort Jefferson said:

Balmoral Green said:

I always liked Starkholmes, it is cosy.

And close to where you live.

Nope, The Amber is an absolute doddle for me to get to, under ten minutes and a simple route. Starkholmes is much further away.

Funny thing is, The Amber is also much easier for the Nottingham/Long Eaton PH'ers too, just turn right at Buckland Hollow/Excavator pub, keep going, and you're there. Yet the Notts folks prefer the haul out to Matlock.

[scissorhands83]

i wouldnt mind where we go as long as its no further away, its nearly an hours drive, there is soon to be another midlands meet organised on the alternate tuesdays to the current one over towards Southwell/Newark/Lincon if anyone is going to be intrested, we did start doing these in spring but will26 decided to become a dad and it all went tits up!!!

matt

[Prof Beard]

Balmoral Green said:

Fort Jefferson said:

Balmoral Green said:

I always liked Starkholmes, it is cosy.

And close to where you live.

Nope, The Amber is an absolute doddle for me to get to, under ten minutes and a simple route. Starkholmes is much further away.

Funny thing is, The Amber is also much easier for the Nottingham/Long Eaton PH'ers too, just turn right at Buckland Hollow/Excavator pub, keep going, and you're there. Yet the Notts folks prefer the haul out to Matlock.

My sat nav tells me Starkholmes is 5mins further away than the Amber. Whilst thats no big, given discussion of other possible venues, I would stress that it already takes me an hour to get there and if it became much more extended I'd probably drop out.

[plasticpig]

Prof Beard said:

Balmoral Green said:

Fort Jefferson said:

Balmoral Green said:

I always liked Starkholmes, it is cosy.

And close to where you live.

Nope, The Amber is an absolute doddle for me to get to, under ten minutes and a simple route. Starkholmes is much further away.

Funny thing is, The Amber is also much easier for the Nottingham/Long Eaton PH'ers too, just turn right at Buckland Hollow/Excavator pub, keep going, and you're there. Yet the Notts folks prefer the haul out to Matlock.

My sat nav tells me Starkholmes is 5mins further away than the Amber. Whilst thats no big, given discussion of other possible venues, I would stress that it already takes me an hour to get there and if it became much more extended I'd probably drop out.

Its an extra 15 minutes for me to Starkholmes which is why I rarely attended when the meets were there but have been reasonably regular atendee at The Anchor and the Amber.

[The Dude]

I prefer Starkholmes - it's just a nicer pub. Neither of them are much closer than the other so that's not an issue for us.

With the Amber, the lingering smell of toilet cleaner stays with you for the drive back so granted it certainly has a charm all of it's own.

The Amber is certainly better in summer with the BBQ, I'll admit that.

[paddy27]

Must admit i prefer the Amber as well. Bit closer and easier to get to, i already drive an hour to get there to. Not that we go every 2 weeks though.