Michael Palaeologus

I'm in.

I dont want to get into an arguement over a pub, but would like to go somewhere were we can all feel comfortable - that may cut out "gastropubs" and some of the "old-fashioned pubs" - but surely we have enough middle of the range pubs to keep everybody happy? The Vale is OK with me - but potentially contentious with others ...

Shall we give the Castle a go? I think that in the not too distant we will have to start revisiting local pubs. Perhaps we need to identify a rota in advance to give some fairness - shouldnt be hard

At least in here I am appreciated. Effortlessly lifts the swooning DM into muscular arms and carries her to sofa. Notes tempting glimpse of alabaster skin beneath the sheerest of gowns. "Here dear lady have a small snifter of the finest brandy. As a distressed maiden, may I relieve you of at least one reason for your distress?"

It would not matter one jot if he did hand back his ermine - he is still Diana's son and that will stay with him for life. The press would follow him and follow him and follow him - who he is and what he was would always be news for elements of the media. He didnt ask for that, he didnt go on a shite talent show, he was just born. In his case His Mum and Dad really did fuck him up, they didnt mean to but they did.

You are quite .... big ..... though.

So, where are we going?

He's a Royal Prince and the spare-heir at that. Joining the army and getting killed in a pointless piece of fighting is his fate. Thats what they did historically; either that or died in a mysterious plane crash. What else is he going to do? He may be a drunken Hurray-Henry but he didnt ask to be a pointless Prince did he? He LOVES the army, he is an army-balmy 22 year old who loves arsing about in the desert getting shot at and shooting back. Good luck to him. He was for at least 10 weeks the least pointless Royal. Except for Her Maj - God Bless Her.

A Pub by any other name would be just as sweet

You are not wrong Annasfield. How about the CPT?

It certainly has more votes from those of us who are posting regularly at the moment. I seem to remember a previous discussion during which a number of people expressed concerns about the Castle, including people who live near to it. The fact that some people dont fancy the Castle isnt crap, its demonstrably true - based on the utterly unscientific evidence of current and previous posts; but what else have we got to go on? I havent seen any of the same negative comments about the CPT and I dont think anybody has suggested going to a Gastropub.

There are times when you can have too much democracy! This is one of them. We have meandered from the Montpellier, to the Castle to the Hob via the Wishing Well. I know that the Castle has its fans, but it also has a reputation that will put some people off and that isnt in the EDF spirit (yes, we have one, I just made it up, it tastes like posh gin and DM has it on her weetabix in the morning). Many of us meet up for drinks and I for ne will be more than happy to have a drinkie at the Castle with the lovely Annasfield and its other fans. However, lets go to to Pub that is easy to get to and everybody will feel comfortable with. Also I cant help noticing that we get a better turn out when we use a local pub. So local pub, that is generally acceptable. Focus everybody.

Is it safe?

I think I might start up a knife sharpening business on the Green. Should do well.

Harsh. Dabs away a crocodile tear.

I think an ED Home Guard is called for. We can throw a patrol line around Goose Green and leap up any shifty (i.e. young) people that pass by. I have 2 collanders of anybody needs head protection. I wont be there, I will be at home, in a supervisory capacity.

"Some of my best nights out have been down around there (usually involving Ganapati or il Giardino + Bar Story)" - Not out in ED with your ED chums then Sean? I am, no - we are all .... hurt.:'(

Is it safe?

Keef - I dont believe it. You are the font of all pub related knowledge, surely? (and, no, I didnt call you Shirley)

Swaggers in, dressed in a medlee of camouflage, Browning automatic stuck in waist band of trousers (hence the Kevlar cod-piece) and SA80 cradled in arms. Killer sun-glasses adorn face, sun bleaced ginger barnet is offset by deep desert tan. Steely thews bulge from TIGHT cut combat trousers. "Hi Chicks, my weapon needs oiling. Wanna help?"

I'll be there - cant give exact time but will aim for 8.30. Perhaps you could meet somewhere beforehand for those that arent sure where it is. It being the Bellenden badlands and all.

At some point we did float the idea of going to a local pub and then going to a ED-borders pub turn and turnabout - so it could be the Montpellier this time and the Caste the next. Is 4/4 OK with people?

Definately each to their own. I am a Mirash fan, others find it too oily. Never been impressed by Surma.

Wise words Obi Wan CitizenED, my small, green, wrinkly chum.

Dont drink out of that glass Kel, it has some of DM's white spirits in it. She likes it as an "eye-opener" in the morning, before she moves on to Meths for elevenses.