international Pbase meet-up in London March5-6

[barbara_heide]

update from Facebook thread... David Procter is coming too...

[clickaway]

I'd recommend Premier Inn over Travelodge.

When I stayed in Norwich Travelodge, they would not store my overnight bag during my final day which was a nuisance as I was travelling back by train. Therefore, had to try and take pictures on the Sunday with case on wheels in tow

Ray

[enjayel]

Premier Inns look good to me... but which one?!?
Any ideas yet for which part of town should be "home base"?

Nancy

[barbara_heide]

Lisa and I, we are going to stay near Bayswaterroad between Lancaster Gate and Paddington... that sounds pretty central to me


cheers
Barbara

[bigpaul]

Hiya gang, it looks like I may be having my first Pbase meet in the South and I'm looking forward to it already.
I have been to a few Northern meets so I know a few of the crew so not as scary as the first time I turned up with Kevin to meet Neil, JJ and Phil.

Big Paul

[neilhorner]

Don't worry Paul , Phil and I will be there to keep an eye on you !

[phillipn]

Don't worry Paul , Phil and I will be there to keep an eye on you !

yeah... but who's gonna keep an eye on us!?

[gaild]

The most central Premier Inns are probably County Hall, Southwark, Euston and Kings Cross.

Gail

[captain_superlekker]

Travelodge far inferior to Premier Inn - rubbish windows, can be noisy, and, as Ray points out, they will not keep luggage, leaving you clobbered with the inconvenience and high prices of Left Luggage in the Major Train Stations. Premier Inn is okay although in March you should get some better deals on Laterooms. Earls Court is a good place to stay, lots of pubs and small independent hotels, or the Gloucester Road area which is a bit more upmarket. In Gloucester Road, the Radisson Vanderbilt is decent enough and can usually be found on late booking websites. Both are in walking distance from a good Metro Line (Piccadilly). I would not recommend the Euston or Kings Road area or anywhere East London - West London is a better bet especially if you are looking for a bit of character. County Hall is very central and has many hotels inside - from a Marriott to a Premier Inn, and its right by the action and the Millennium Wheel and the River Thames. But sadly, London is expensive and poor value for accommodation.

[bigpaul]

I may be trying to over plan things, I'm arriving in London at Kings Cross has anyone made any plans as to where and when (ish) we are meeting up so I can sort out how long I need to allow for my travelling across London

Paul

[clickaway]

I think they'll be a number of people coming who aren't regular visitors to London and wondered if anyone had any requests on specific areas or themes?

Ray

[cathryngallacher]

I will be there. Looking forward to seeing everyone, as I've missed the last couple of meets.

[tinkettle]

ok, so I have never been to a pbase meet up before so would love to come and meet everyone. I live just north of London so probably won't stay over but will definitely come on the Saturday.
Sounds like quite a few people are coming so should be good. As a suggested theme, there is plenty of "life" going on in London markets?

[captain_superlekker]

Is anybody driving from Up North and would be able to ride share for an appropriate monetary contribution?

Suggestions for things to visit:

The tinklette is right, the markets are always a cool place to visit. Portobello is pretty nice and you always see quite some people there - okay, a bit of a cliche but great for some people watching. Packed on Saturdays, great potential to get lost as a group.

Camden passage near Angel is pretty nice. It has the advantage of Exmouth Market and the Canal nearby - makes for a bit of nice strolling off the beaten track yet plenty of characterful London atmosphere.

Columbia Road is also nice, but it gets touristy and is only on on a Sunday?

Or what do people think of old stalwart Borough? Lots of places to eat there.

Leighton House is supposed to be beautiful, and it's in beautiful Holland Park.

The William Morris House and Walthamstow Market. The longest outdoor street market in Europe!

In West London, a walk down the Thames from Richmond and Ham House are beautiful if the weather is good. However, Ham House is national Trust, and they are funny about interior photogrpahy. Syon House only re-opens 16 March.

As for meeting points, would it make sense to meet in one of the major stations as there are many not-Londoners attending (except Kings Cross, their catering facilities are limited to standing room only) ?

A good central meeting point (off Charing Cross Road, near Covent Garden and Leicester Square) would be Notes Coffee Shop. 31 St Martins Lane, WC2N 4ER (020 7240 0424)

Alright, then.

[reddishtiger]

Anja, there are only two days!