Dale De Groff Mixes FOR YOU!

[Tonyfinch]

We can rope off a VIP section marked "soaks who slipped on the ice when pissed and now their husband has to dress them" for you although it may be a bit lonely

Shit, Charlene. Does this mean you can't hold the bottle in one hand and the glass in the other pouring constantly as you normally do?

[Charlene Leonard]

don't worry about that. I've found drinking straight from the bottle gets round that problem and a martini glass is far lighter and easier to hold than a cup of tea.

[Fat Guy]

c) The Match Bar chain ( under the guidance of DDG's consultancy) has become the most consistently good bar chain in the UK and arguably the world.

Second most.

[Simon Majumdar]

c) The Match Bar chain ( under the guidance of DDG's consultancy) has become the most consistently good bar chain in the UK and arguably the world.

Second most.

Well, it's no ALL BAR ONE, I'll grant you, but they do their best

S

[Charlene Leonard]

c) The Match Bar chain ( under the guidance of DDG's consultancy) has become the most consistently good bar chain in the UK and arguably the world.

Second most.

what's the first?

[Andy Lynes]

Can I have a recap on who is and isn't coming and if you are bringing anyone along please :

Simon

Stephen T

Thom if he's in town

Journo's from Restaurant mag (possibly)

Miss J

Sam (and Scott?)

Charlene (the bar will be open but it should be quiet at that time as Simon says, hence why they are keen to have us!)

Boncey

Magnolia (is she around at the moment does anyone know?)

Gavin

Macrosan

Jay Rayner?

Jon Tseng (but doubtful)

[Simon Majumdar]

Robin is going to be there I believe

I will ask Mag's as I am going to hook up with her soon

S

[boncey]

Can I have a recap on who is and isn't coming and if you are bringing anyone along please :

Boncey

I'm afraid I won't be there.

I have decided that I must remain true to the Dry January tradition - not that I look down on Steve in any way for going I should add.

I shall go to the club in Wet February as it does look good.

[Thomas Secor]

Im in (work going well).

Simon, I am wondering if you are aware that the Player is run by the same folk running Milk and Honey, your other favorite place in London. Or was it the most loathsome place in London?

[Kikujiro]

I must say I'm a little affronted that Mr De Groff did not check my schedule before organising this.

You must all go and make the evening such a big success he is tempted to repeat it.

[Simon Majumdar]

Im in (work going well).

Simon, I am wondering if you are aware that the Player is run by the same folk running Milk and Honey, your other favorite place in London.  Or was it the most loathsome place in London?

I am aware. They are all part of the Match Group ( read my review my yankee friend )

They are as different as Chalk & Cheese

S

[mogsob]

How exciting! My favourite bartender in London . . . and a drink named for us. I will certainly try to attend (with my better half). Perhaps it will bring back memories of the Blackbird, which was during its short life simply the best cocktail lounge in NYC.

Dale's drink seems to be a variation of a Combustible Edison -- can anyone confirm?

[macrosan]

They are as different as Chalk & Cheese

Never heard of it. Is that a snack bar for teachers, or just another trendy pub ?

[guajolote]

Dale's drink seems to be a variation of a Combustible Edison -- can anyone confirm?

Nope.

recipe

[Kikujiro]

General question on the Player Club: I've read carefully through the website and I think it says that entry is members-only after 11 (but not before then). Or is it members-only all the time (despite the Time Out review they reproduce)? Could Simon, Jay, or another barfly clarify ... ?

[Simon Majumdar]

Like Milk & Honey it was a Member's Only club but now they both let ordinary stiffs in until 11pm then chuck them out into the cold night air so the members can have the place to themselves. I think both also have a members only room even at open to the public times

S

[Thomas Secor]

Simon's correct. Although, they seldom seem to chuck anybody out in practice. Too difficult to figure out who is a member and who is not at that point. I think its more of an effort to establish some pretence of adhering to their license, which requires it to be members only post-11. What is certain, is that it would be difficult for non-members to get in following 11.

And I would point out, although I am not an expert on members clubs, that these two seem to fall into their own category. Most of my english friends who go thinking of them as members clubs, are not particularly enthused about their experiences. To the extent that the concept "members club" conveys any sense of elitism, discretion in admission, availability only to those of a certain background or level of wealth, these joints are not fitting the definition (as indicated by the "anyone who pays their 150 pounds a year can join" policy). Perhaps following on that, the level of service is probably not close to that at a trendy members club like Home House. You just arent likely to feel like a big important somebody walking into Match or M&H.

I really enjoy both places. And I have had great cocktails at relatively modest prices at both.

[bateman]

Might pop along for a couple. Don't bother sticking me on a list in case I can't come in the end. I'm a member down there so won't be a prob getting in.

[Andy Lynes]

Great, hope to see you there.

[Simon Majumdar]

Simon's correct.  Although, they seldom seem to chuck anybody out in practice.  Too difficult to figure out who is a member and who is not at that point.  I think its more of an effort to establish some pretence of adhering to their license, which requires it to be members only post-11.  What is certain, is that it would be difficult for non-members to get in following 11.

And I would point out, although I am not an expert on members clubs, that these two seem to fall into their own category.  Most of my english friends who go thinking of them as members clubs, are not particularly enthused about their experiences.  To the extent that the concept "members club" conveys any sense of elitism, discretion in admission, availability only to those of a certain background or level of wealth, these joints are not fitting the definition (as indicated by the "anyone who pays their 150 pounds a year can join" policy).  Perhaps following on that, the level of service is probably not close to that at a trendy members club like Home House.  You just arent likely to feel like a big important somebody walking into Match or M&H. 

I really enjoy both places.  And I have had great cocktails at relatively modest prices at both.

The Player and M&H are not "Members Club" in the sense of the word that we have in London. That would be places that operate just for the benefit of their members and guests like the upmarket Athanaeum or the more mid market Soho House. The two bars are, as Thomas quite rightly states, using the club laws as a way of providing a welcome "after hours" drinking hole for people who are prepared to pay for the chance to drink after chucking out time

S

[macrosan]

I have never been chucked out of a members' club. I would like to see someone try to chuck Simon out of any sort of club. Another two reasons for ensuring my attendance on Wednesday.

I am having a suit specially asbestosised for protection against the possibility that Mr Gruff might still be honing his flaming skills.

Edited January 17, 2003 by macrosan (log)

[Gavin Jones]

I mentioned this to somebody. My memory is that the Player isn't packed early on (even on Fridays) so I'm guessing one more drinker's unlikely to be a problem.

[Andy Lynes]

I am very sorry to say that Dale DeGroff will now be unable to be at The Player Club tomorrow due to unforseen circumstances. The club have offered to mix us the drinks, so it there will still be an opportunity to try a Flaming Orange Gully. Are people still interested?

[StephenT]

Sorry everyone, I think this is my fault. Forces outside our control have obviously conspired to keep me on the path of righteousness that is Dry January by removing this temptation. With this in mind I think I'd better not go as that might result in the bar being hit by a meteorite to prevent me from drinking there.

[Fat Guy]

I'm still interested!