Holiday Inn Old Sydney - NYE 2013/2014

[froggerADL]

I know there are a few people staying at the HI Old Sydney for 3 nights around NYE, so I thought I'd start a thread to see if anyone wants to meet up for food and/or drinks, for lunch and/or dinner. Anyone else in Sydney would also be welcome obviously.

I arrive 29/12/13 and depart 1/1/14. I won't be eating out on NYE due to ridiculous prices. Express your interest here and we'll see if we can organise something.

 

[777]

We're staying Sun 29th -- Jan 1st. I will have family (many small children) and friends in tow but i reckon i would be able to get away for a catch up/ drinks/ dinner on the night of the 30th or during one of the days?

 

[Homer]

I know a very good venue right across the road that is, er, exceptionally friendly to AFFers...

 

[kpc]

I'm a possibility for 30th evening...

 

[777]

Is 30th evening firming up for everyone? It seems to make sense. Happy to dinner or drinks anywhere nearby...?

 

[froggerADL]

I know a very good venue right across the road that is, er, exceptionally friendly to AFFers...

I'm sure I'm showing my ignorance here, but could you name the venue?

 

[froggerADL]

Is 30th evening firming up for everyone? It seems to make sense. Happy to dinner or drinks anywhere nearby...?

The 30th is looking very good. Any more takers?

 

[Homer]

I'm sure I'm showing my ignorance here, but could you name the venue?

Sorry for the opaque comment froggerADL. I own a restaurant across the street from the hotel in question but I needed to check with Admin first before offering to help facilitate an informal AFF gathering. Admin has approved this message.

Our restaurant was one of the first Thai restaurants in Sydney. Called Sailors Thai after the original Sailors Home that houses the restaurant, it was started by Australia's "godfather" of Thai food - David Thompson - about 19 years ago. Our casual Canteen venue, which serves a Sydney version of Thai street food, is open on the 30th and I would be happy to meet up with a few AFFers to share some food and drinks if people are interested. It is a busy time of year and Canteen does not take reservations so, depending on the numbers, if people are interested I would suggest dining early.

 

[QF WP]

I'd be there in a heartbeat if I didn't have plans with family and last minute fares are expensive - but as I am down in SYD fairly often, will have to catch up sometime Homer...whilst I knew you owned it, I still haven't been to your restaurant.

 

[froggerADL]

It is a busy time of year and Canteen does not take reservations so, depending on the numbers, if people are interested I would suggest dining early.

Thanks Homer. What time would you suggest on 30 December?

 

[777]

Thanks Homer. What time would you suggest on 30 December?

Count me in for the early evening of the 30th. Happy to have a meal and/or a few drinks at Canteen -- and then if we're crowding up the place we can head for a quiet one at one of the pubs nearby.

Anyone else up for it?

 

[kpc]

I'm a likely starter

 

[Austman]

Or could lunch at Canteen on the 31st be an option? I (+1) am at the HI too, 30/31/1 but not even landing at SYD until 19:00 on the 30th.

 

[Homer]

I'll get the team to hold a group of seats together once we know the numbers and a time that works for most. As long as it's not too late, otherwise it can be, er, controversial if people are staring at empty seats while they are queueing... I'll be around on both the 30th and 31st so can work in.

 

[Austman]

No interest in lunch on the 31st? Oh well, I don't mind... go ahead with the dinner on the 30th and we'll try to meet after dinner on the 30th for drinks?

 

[froggerADL]

I've started a thread on Flyer Talk to try to generate some interest.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/comm...r-sydney-30-december-2013-a.html#post22009958

 

[777]

Homer, what time would you recommend to minimise issues with your team? Personally i'm happy to go early if the crew are happy to head somewhere for a drink after?

Is Markis around? Haven't seen him there but was pretty sure he was in on this one?

 

[ozstamps]

We will be in Ghana West Africa then otherwise would have enjoyed popping along - have a great night!

Glen

 

[Homer]

Homer, what time would you recommend to minimise issues with your team?

It's tricky to answer. The 30th is a Monday night which is usually fairly quiet, but then it's the day before NYE so it could be busy...or maybe not... If it was, say, a Friday night I'd say no later than 6 or 6.30. Then again, if there are not many of us, it's easy to hold some seats. Lots of factors I'm afraid!

 

[TheBOSman]

I will certainly be there, will be in Sydney for 5 nights over NYE. I'll reply to the FT thread as well.