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<p>Dear SWLUG member,</p>
<p>At our last meeting in the Gatekeeper the question of a
"Christmas/Annual dinner" came up. That is "should or shouldn't
we", "same as last year" etc etc.</p>
<p>I know there are many more connected to SWLUG that we never see.
For some that will be their personal preference. I am equally sure
there are others that might come, but for SOMETHING.</p>
<p>If you will not come whatever the circumstances then relax and
ignore me. If you might come, but something gets in the way then
help us understand.</p>
<p>Contact me on here, or if you prefer, use <a
class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="mailto:alan@grayhs.org">alan@grayhs.org</a><br>
</p>
<p>These are my thoughts to get you thinking.<br>
</p>
<p>The December meeting when we would likely do this would be on:-</p>
<p>Tuesday 10th December (That's just a peak in the calender,
nothing is fixed)</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p>What do you want to eat or, probably more useful, what to avoid?<br>
</p>
<p>Does it need to be Turkey and the trimmings?<br>
</p>
<p>Is there a special dietary requirement for health or preference?</p>
<p>How much are you prepared to pay?</p>
<p>How do you you feel about allowing partners?<br>
</p>
<p>There has been a lot of upheaval in the hospitality trade. My
observation is that prices have risen quite a lot in recent years.
At the same time menus have been cut back. Even so, many
establishments have not survived. In looking at prices I've
assumed three courses just for comparison. Be aware that a lot of
online info is seriously unreliable.<br>
</p>
<p>It does not come much cheaper than Wetherspoons where a three
course costs about £20 (plus drinks) so I consider that our
starting point. At the other end of the scale there seem to be
quite a few offerings at around £50 (plus drinks). In summary I've
looked at establishments that seem to be in the range £20 to £50.
Lower than that you take away in a bag and any higher I'd need to
hire penguin suit. I must, also, consider that we are a mixed
group and some will seriously baulk at £50 per person and, of
course that is plus any drinks. I have thus focused on the £25 to
£35 general range. Be clear its a guestimate average and your
choices can easily exceed the upper limit.<br>
</p>
<p>Please look at accessibility. I'm based in Tredegar so I drive
down, but need parking. Others use bus, train and feet. My own
situation gives me little feel for transport within Cardiff. So if
there is an accessibility issue then please tell me.<br>
</p>
<p>I know some find even the smell of 'Indian' an issue so I have
not looked in that direction.</p>
<p>On the question of partners. I think they should be encouraged,
but not required. This a yearly special event, not a normal
evening and our "computer widows" (or equiv) should be included!<br>
</p>
<p>Finally please remember some restaurants ask a large deposit for
groups and we do not have a facility for handling monies.<br>
</p>
<p>These are three to think about :- (all are in Cardiff)<br>
</p>
<p><b>1) Vegetarian Food Studio on Penarth Road</b> (as last year) -
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://vegetarianfoodstudio.uk">https://vegetarianfoodstudio.uk</a></p>
<p> Was £25 per head</p>
<p><b>2) Coopers Carvery on Cowbridge Road West :- </b><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://www.cooperscarvery.co.uk">https://www.cooperscarvery.co.uk</a></p>
<p> Carvery only £10 or £23 per head for festive option.</p>
<p>I've only used them once since they were taken over by Marstons.
They seemed ok, but it has changed. I, also, used the Toby Carvery
on the A470 a couple of weeks back. I was less than impressed by
the food and organisational issues.</p>
<p><b>3) Deli Fuego on City Road :- </b><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://delifuego.com">https://delifuego.com</a></p>
<p> (<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://restaurantguru.com/Deli-Fuego-Cardiff/menu">https://restaurantguru.com/Deli-Fuego-Cardiff/menu</a> has a 2023
menu)<br>
</p>
<p> £25-£35per head depending on choices.</p>
<p>These are something like Moroccan/Mediterranean/Italian. A
possible downside is they seem to be no alcohol. My wife and I
have used them a few times in the past, but not recently. Be
careful, much of the online info is from 2022. If interested I'll
check further. The Mina in Cryws Road, also, could be suitable and
is licensed. It is much smaller, though, so booking could be an
issue.</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p>Any thoughts and opinions? Please let me know.</p>
<p>Everything here is by me. Blame only me. Each venue has many
options and I've given very general prices as best as I can
estimate online. If I've made errors please let me know.<br>
</p>
<p>Kindest Regards</p>
<p>Alan Gray<br>
</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<br>
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