I’ve been checking in with the folk at the ICA about how things are going from their point of view and the general picture is “Hoorah for us!” Thank you for being so well-behaved, lovely and interesting. I’m having discussions over the next few days that I’m hoping will result in being able to announce a whole other bunch of cool things to do there.
Having up to 70 people in the bar on a Friday is clearly a good thing for them and I’d like us to be able to keep it going with goodwill. One of the reasons we meet somewhere like this, rather than just camping out in some cafe or other is to avoid pissing people off, but however welcome and lovely we are, the bar is a commercial enterprise and so there are a couple of niggles with the caterers that we can easily deal with.
Firstly, generous bunch that we are, we’ve recently gotten into the habit of folk bringing along donuts and cakes. Obviously, we all love to celebrate the birthdays of our special members, but it would be appreciated if we didn’t bring stuff in from outside. They’re very happy to put stuff on for us specially if we ask in advance and they’re looking at what pastries & cakes can be on sale from this week on. I’m inclined to say that if we have a sponsor, perhaps we should include something for such sweet things and that I will let the caterers (and you) know ahead of time. And if you’ve something to celebrate and want me to arrange some confectionery to share with the throng, let me know.
Secondly you’ll have noticed me at midday encouraging you to buy some lunch or move away from the upper bar to let luncheoners in. The caterers are seeing a little dip in their Friday lunch covers. I’m interested to know why more people don’t buy their lunch there and I think there’s an opportunity for us to influence things to our mutual benefit. My first impressions are that it’s likely to be either about the cost or about the content of the menu.
So please do let me know, in the comments, by twitter DM or otherwise whether you’d be more interested in lunch on Fridays if there were a special deal for Tuttlers or if you have looked at the menu and have some suggestions for how it could be more engaging to you.
The Tuttle Club 
Last week I noticed a few people were eating so picked up one of the many menus on the tables, only to find it appeared to be drinks only (there were a few sandwiches, but not what I could see people eating.) There wasn’t a board up with details either that I could see, so I left it and went off for sushi (sushi!) but I’m certainly open to eating there if the prices aren’t too crazy.
Good point to make, Lloyd, re not bringing in munchies from outside. Something I’m sure no one really thinks about.
Re lunch, I come in from the western burbs, about 40 miles out of London, so staying on for a bit of lunch could appeal to me, especially if the menu’s good and there’s a special deal for Tuttlers 🙂
Nice post Lloyd and eloquently put.
Fair play to The ICA too.
We’ll respect and retweet accordingly 🙂
I can recommend both the burgers (+bacon +cheese) and the chips…very tasty indeed!
Price-wise about a tenner for the burger and chips or £2.50 for chips on their own
I also can recommend the burgers.
However, coming from the sticks (and not getting to London that often to know the prices) the cost does seem a bit side.
Frankly I think that’s abousltely good stuff.