INSIDE THE WORLD OF MEETUP

 An evening out in Nottingham with few expectations. Met the group in Faradays which seemed more of an eating places with lots of tables reserved. A dozen of us turned up most of which were older than I was. Due to limited space we got split up across the venue which limited conversations for the first 2 hours. We then moved up the road to The Stage which far more lively and suitable. After the initial few drinks the night improved, but people started leaving. By this point I was clock watching for the train and left around 8:30. An average night at best.

  I was originally meant to be going walking but the event got cancelled a couple of days before. Hockley Hustle was a massive event advertising 400 acts over 40 venues. Far too big to be researching on YouTube, the little research I did do I forgot to transfer to phone and turned up clueless anyway. We met for breakfast in Weatherspoon's before being taken on a walking tour of the venues. This was interesting as I seen many streets and pubs I'd never seen before. Starting off in rough trade we seen the first 2 acts, Jonny Olley then Kelsey and the Embers. Both were entertaining and it was a good start to the day.  Everyone wanted a change of scenery so next stop was Billy Bootleggers, nice venue but too quiet for my taste.  Then it was onto the very modern looking metronome to see Sancho panza which I liked. The others went to back to rough trade but I stayed to watch these a bit longer. But the time I arrived it was getting crowded and there was no chance of gettin...

  I was not up for a big night out so turned down the opportunity to go to Nottingham. The pub was completely packed out and it took 10 - 15 minutes before I found the group tucked into a corner.  It's wasn't a cheap place with a beer costing 30% more than in my local. While the food was also overpriced the burger I had was far more filling than expected. I met a couple of people from previous meets but overall it was a much older crowd. Most dispersed as soon as we finished eating.  There was talk of going to the White Hart but I was clock watching for the bus by that point and went home an hour earlier than planned. 

    I had a choice of Strelley on Saturday or Beeston canal on Sunday. Having done Beeston only a few months earlier I opted for the Saturday walk. We met at Strelley hall and headed west crossing the M1.  It was a warm sunny day and a flattish, easy enough walk. We headed south then back to the road near where we started. Had an hour of coffee and cake at Strelley hall then headed home.