[Swlug] Christmas dinner thoughts.

[Alan Gray]

Dear SWLUG member,

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.

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.

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.

Contact me on here, or if you prefer, use alan at grayhs.org

These are my thoughts to get you thinking.

The December meeting when we would likely do this would be on:-

Tuesday 10th December (That's just a peak in the calender, nothing is fixed)


What do you want to eat or, probably more useful, what to avoid?

Does it need to be Turkey and the trimmings?

Is there a special dietary requirement for health or preference?

How much are you prepared to pay?

How do you you feel about allowing partners?

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.

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.

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.

I know some find even the smell of 'Indian' an issue so I have not 
looked in that direction.

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!

Finally please remember some restaurants ask a large deposit for groups 
and we do not have a facility for handling monies.

These are three to think about :- (all are in Cardiff)

*1) Vegetarian Food Studio on Penarth Road* (as last year) - 
https://vegetarianfoodstudio.uk

  Was £25 per head

*2) Coopers Carvery on Cowbridge Road West :- 
*https://www.cooperscarvery.co.uk

  Carvery only £10 or £23 per head for festive option.

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.

*3) Deli Fuego on City Road :- *https://delifuego.com

  (https://restaurantguru.com/Deli-Fuego-Cardiff/menu has a 2023 menu)

  £25-£35per head depending on choices.

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.


Any thoughts and opinions? Please let me know.

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.

Kindest Regards

Alan Gray


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