That date suits me. I'd prefer to try somewhere else, but have no objections to Cafe Rouge particularly (though I thought the first one we went to served us better than the one last year, of the two).

The service last year was kind of a farce, bringing out too many then too few. There is a CR by the Bullring... on second thoughts, stick to Mailbox if we decide on that venue.

I think the 12th looks like a decent date, and it is the second Saturday of the month, too.

I think I'm in London for a work Christmas do on the 12th so won't be able to make it I'm afraid. Sorry chaps.

Oooooh bugger. Posted this question elsewhere on this forum as I missed this thread. I'd like to come, and the 12th works well for me :-)

There's also New Street, Bullring or if desperate Mailbox?

Drat. Other options... Here's a random assortment of places that spring to mind:

Brindley place also has the Handmade Burger co. Not very festive, but cheapish side at 10.99. Penny Blacks in the Mailbox? http://www.pennyblacksbar.com/ 18.95. Strada http://www.strada.co.uk (Mailbox or Brindley place, italian pasta pizza type stuff) 19.95 Chez Jules http://chezjules.co.uk/menus/specials-menu/) Central, French. 16.50

Just got this from Chez Jules

‘Yes we have space for your party on the 12th December. We have set sittings at Christmas, so you will need to decide whether you want the lunchtime menu and arrive at 14.30 or the evening menu and arrive at 17.00.’

Whatchafink?

Paul, you know I respect you and all that but please start using the Internet ;-)

http://chezjules.co.uk/contact/

I say do it!

Doh, by which I meant the 14:30 seating.

2.30 ditto. We need numbers and booking.

I wish everyone would die! Just got this back from them…

‘Hi Stuart

There seems to have been some confusion at this end with the date for your booking. Unfortunately we do not take bookings throughout December on Saturdays, and we do not serve Christmas lunch on Saturdays either. I do apologise about that.
You are more than welcome to come in on the day (I would suggest coming in about 1/2-3/4 hour before you actually want the table due to the size of your party) and you will be sat as soon as a table comes available. This would be for out normal lunch menu only.
If you are still interested in the 5pm booking we do serve Christmas Dinner on Saturdays.

Again, I do apologise for the confusion.

Kind Regards
Kat’

I’ve emailed them to say I ain’t happy and I’m waiting for a reply back. So far only Tim has paid so either I’ll reimburse you or spend it on some cheap cider ;-)

and their reply is ‘I do apologise.’

Back to the drawing board then, maybe some of you wanna tweet their ineptness ;-)

I’ve tried them all and they’re fully booked.

What recession?

Could move further afield? There's some places in the Arcadian http://www.thearcadian.co.uk/index.php?wcId=2 that might be less busy...

Okay, I’ll try Las Iguanas if everyone is happy with that. If not, can someone deal with this as I’m not a local lad and can’t vouch for places.

Hmm. Being buggered about aside, they do do nice food there.

I don't mind a later start, could meet in pub beforehand...

I'm happy with later start and the price (£22.50) for the record. Or Las Iguanas if that's available (I couldn't find a price on the site though - anybody find one?). To be honest I'll pretty much agree to anything on that day if it means we can get a damned table somewhere!

Everyone who has shown interest - would you be in at Chez Jules for £22.50 if that was the only option (which it might well be)?

Okay, preliminary booked the 17:00 sitting at Chez Jules, please go here and place your order.

Okay its booked for 12/12/09 at 5.00pm for 7 people. Anyone else who wants to go give Chez Jules a ring and add yourself to the Multipack list (you might need to use my name).