D&C Pub meetings

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Dingbat
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D&C Pub meetings

Post by Dingbat » Tue Oct 18, 2016 5:57 pm

Guys.

I've just taken a call from the Dartbridge Inn advising that they are not prepared to accept our 24 November and other future bookings unless we pre order our meals. I explained to them that we have been good customers of theirs for some 5 or 6 years and have, with the exception of our Christmas meals, never had to pre-order our food. It is the nature of our group that the whole concept of pre ordering food does not work for us. However they are adamant.

From my point of view, with a second grandchild about to make an appearance, closely followed by a long holiday, I simply don't have the time or the inclination to start messing about gathering food orders before our meetings. I have not yet cancelled the booking but neither have I accepted their demands. If someone else in the group wants to take it on, there is still a booking in place. However I feel that, having organised the group meetings for the last five or so years, I don't want to get involved in a more formal gathering with meals bring booked in advance. Neither do I have any appetite for trying to find an alternative venue.

I'm still happy to support the group and attend future meetings, but I think the time has come for me to stand down as organiser of the pub meetings.

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    colintf
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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by colintf » Tue Oct 18, 2016 6:45 pm

    That's sad Brian that they are playing this way and I fully appreciate all that you have done for us and likewise I would not want to have to preorder or be responsible for others orders. (A personal exception would be a Xmas gathering)

    I never like having to pre order either, much nicer choosing on the day :)
    Cheers
    Col

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    Hainsie
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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by Hainsie » Tue Oct 25, 2016 1:51 pm

    I know some pubs insist on it and the S&D group have had to do this on occasion.

    Its a real pain having to organise people's menu choices.

    Maybe just don't book a table amnd don't tell them we're coming! ;)

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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by mag1958mg » Wed Nov 02, 2016 11:41 am

    Lawrence has just telephoned the Head Office of Greene King regarding the changes the Dartbridge Inn want to make to our regular arrangements. As a shareholder he wanted to find out why something that has worked so well should suddenly be changed. He spoke to someone in their Managed Outlets Division who confirmed making groups place their orders in advance is not a company policy so is obviously something the management have decided themselves. She did say that sometimes pubs want food pre-ordered to avoid disappointment when large groups are involved. However, she is going to refer to Buckfastleigh and come back to him. He did point out that we have been meeting there for several years now, without problem, and did they really want to turn away business, especially in the winter when it is quiet. We will wait and see what happens, but intend turning up as planned on the 24th November.

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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by colintf » Wed Nov 02, 2016 12:52 pm

    mag1958mg wrote:Lawrence has just telephoned the Head Office of Greene King regarding the changes the Dartbridge Inn want to make to our regular arrangements. As a shareholder he wanted to find out why something that has worked so well should suddenly be changed. He spoke to someone in their Managed Outlets Division who confirmed making groups place their orders in advance is not a company policy so is obviously something the management have decided themselves. She did say that sometimes pubs want food pre-ordered to avoid disappointment when large groups are involved. However, she is going to refer to Buckfastleigh and come back to him. He did point out that we have been meeting there for several years now, without problem, and did they really want to turn away business, especially in the winter when it is quiet. We will wait and see what happens, but intend turning up as planned on the 24th November.
    many thanks for the update :thumbsu:

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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by Hainsie » Wed Nov 02, 2016 3:48 pm

    Nice one Lawrence!

    Hope it gets sorted...

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    Pete & Lin
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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by Pete & Lin » Fri Nov 04, 2016 6:14 pm

    Enjoying an early evening meal with Lin at Dartbridge.

    Just had an interesting conversation with the manager.

    Our meetings are perfectly safe with no need to preorder our meals.

    Will update later when we get home
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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by colintf » Fri Nov 04, 2016 9:58 pm

    Pete & Lin wrote:Enjoying an early evening meal with Lin at Dartbridge.

    Just had an interesting conversation with the manager.

    Our meetings are perfectly safe with no need to preorder our meals.

    Will update later when we get home
    That's great news, thanks Pete :thumbsu:

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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by mag1958mg » Sat Nov 05, 2016 9:22 am

    That's great news, thanks Pete.

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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by Pete & Lin » Sat Nov 05, 2016 11:52 am

    Sorry couldn't update last night.

    We were served by the manager, so I seized the opportunity to ask why the change.

    All he said is that there isn't a problem and as we are a relatively small group and regulars, there is no need to pre-order meals.

    He did make a couple of 'conditions' –

    a) During their busy season (Summer Season) it maybe advisable to arrange pre-ordered meals to assist them and to prevent us waiting too long to be served our meals. It will, however, be essential to pre-order Christmas meals.

    b) If there is a substantial increase in our numbers then we may have to pre-order.

    The main thing will be to keep in touch with them regarding 'changes'. Seemed pretty reasonable to us.

    We then checked the diary, no reservation on the 24th November (there was something written in but was scribbled out so much it couldn't be read).

    Thursday 24th November is now definitely booked.

    We also enquired about our Christmas Dinner meeting, this is the sticky one, because it has been left so late, the only Friday evening available is Friday 23rd December, we have provisionally booked this for 7pm so we can discuss it with all concerned, but he will need an answer no later then our meeting on the 24th November.

    After all that we were served probably the best fish and chips we've had for a very long time :).
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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by colintf » Sat Nov 05, 2016 12:26 pm

    That's fantastic news Pete, many thanks for seizing the opportunity :thumbsu:

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    Re: D&C Pub meetings/24th November

    Post by Pete & Lin » Sat Nov 05, 2016 4:36 pm

    We'll keep to this topic for our November meeting.

    The manager has our phone/email details, but it's strictly a temporary measure until the 24th, when anyone who would like to take over can do so.

    Table is booked for the 24th Nov.

    Pete & Lin
    Bob & Barbara
    Pete & Molly
    Lawrence & Val
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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by colintf » Sat Nov 05, 2016 6:36 pm

    I would of really liked to, but work stops play for me Pete, sorry :(

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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by mag1958mg » Sat Nov 05, 2016 6:44 pm

    Can you book Lawrence and I in for the 24th please.

    Val.

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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by Pete & Lin » Sat Nov 05, 2016 8:36 pm

    mag1958mg wrote:Can you book Lawrence and I in for the 24th please.

    Val.
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    24th November Natter at the Dartbridge

    Post by Pete & Lin » Wed Nov 23, 2016 8:40 am

    Just a reminder that the November meet is still going ahead, still room for a few more.

    Table is booked for 7pm.

    Pete & Lin
    Bob & Barbara
    Pete & Molly
    Lawrence & Val

    Also, the 24th November is the cut off point regarding confirming our booking & preordered meals for the 23rd Dec. Xmas Dinner Meeting
    (Pub must have final numbers/ menu choices & deposits by 24th November).

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    Val & Lawrence
    Bob & Barbara
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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by colintf » Wed Nov 23, 2016 4:55 pm

    Sadly I can't join you for either, but wish you 2 great evenings :thumbsu:

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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by Pete & Lin » Fri Nov 25, 2016 1:41 pm

    Excellent evening at The Dartbridge, although it was a last minute booking nine attended, thanks Steffi for coming down to see us & welcome Jamie from Newton Abbot - hope you joined your first visit and hope to see you again.
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    Re: D&C Pub meetings

    Post by colintf » Fri Nov 25, 2016 3:23 pm

    It looks and sounded like a great gathering
    Just sorry that I could not join you
    So good to see these gatherings continuing :thumbsu:

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