SeanMacGabhann

I think you've hit the nail on the head - I thought about it (opening a bar) 5 years ago but I would never think about it now. Fair play to those that do

Madworld I think people* are disinclined to comment because the big v smal business debate has happened on here many a time - with predictably mixed results personally, I think that small and big businesses can co-exist. In non-commodified markets such as speci-a-list** health (for the most part)I think that the more businesses in an area offering the service then the more likely that people will be drawn to the area increasing the market (see also bars and restaurants in ED) I think it's when uber brands and big supermarkets compete with the smaller operations that the competition becomes unfair. To take your Chener v Books etc example, the vastly superior buying power of Books etc would give them a huge advantage over Chener and there would be little (price wise) chener could do about it (althought it MIGHT tempt them to fix the leaky ceiling) At least in ED I think there is a market which isn't totally price-led and people do seem to prefer a local business so in this case we shall have to wait and see * of course this SOUNDS like I'm speaking for everybody but I don't mean to - its just my opinion ** Anyone on here who has tried to spell this word correctly will know why I've hyphenated

Although it should be noted that The Chocolate Lounge has only just closed (according to their website)

Nice one citizen Isn't there a Muttley dog around as well

But can your living room seat 80+? Still, put's it all in perspective doesn't it? yes it does a bit too MACH fa'ing perspective Lol was really sweet - plenty of questions and a nice touch after the film

Went to my first Cinema Paradiso event last night, the laff-riot that is "London to Brighton". Just kidding about the laughs people, it was a very harowing, but very good indeed film Just wanted to echo Muttley's comments above in almost all respects - it's always been a great room, now being used for community stuff. The organisers were friendly, the seating wasn't AS uncomfortable as I'd been led to believe (although we did snag a table at the back) the screen was good. Just a shame the season is nearly over. I hope they come back to the same venue. I asked about them doing requests and they said they would be up for it if EDT management agreed So come on Piers, your birthday, big screen showing of Spinal Tap - make it happen

I've been in a few times lately (no surprise there) and unusually haven't seen Kate (the owner) around which I reckon is a good sign. Plenty of good staff in there now to which she can delegate to an concentrate on the business At the weekend they had a red on the tasting table which was well lush and even tho it was pricier than our usual we had a bottle - must remember the label and recommend it

I went to Dulwich Paradiso Last night and walked up LL afterwards - EDT, Black Cherry, 72, Hisar, Bishop, Palmerston, Liqourish, Tandoori Nights etc - all busy or extremely busy. Cafe El Paso? Deserted. Made me quite sad - I like them

Think Orange

Georgia Have you become the by-default organiser for the June drinks? Nice one

Welcome aboard chichi - not sure you ARE from the establishment of the same name (but it is one of my favourite names in the area - reminds me of ren and stimpy swearing)

I've been there quite a few times and agree with Georgia it's not as bad (if you take it for what it is) as people make out But the lack of other customers is always a putoff

Galvin I'm sure as this thread devlops there will be many a latin label for the rest of the demographic (Duranis Duranis - a now thirty/fortysomething white middle-class person who still thinks they are 21 as an-off-the-top-of-my-head-bad-example) Personally I don't think many people have problems with mothers (or fathers) or the "working class" - but I think that if any parent decideds that JUST because they have a child they think it's clever and big to spend an average weeks working salary on a buggy wider than the average ED pavement just to display their parenthood then they do become the target of a little ridicule - I wouldn't worry about it, it doesn't seem to discourage anyone having babies As for references to "chavs" et al - there are some people in this world who do equate any working class person as such and that is poor form. There are many middle-class people on this forum but also plenty working-class and definitely lot's of brought-up-workingclass (and the odd poshie too!) - it's a big tent (for ?80) and one of the reasons I like coming here. But to paraphrase Chris Rock, if I get mugged on the way home it's not going to be by a member of the WI - it will be someone with the uniform we know and love and that's why people who wear the usual caps/trackies etc run the risk of being labelled. I don't think they are labelled just because they are working class (plenty of working class people choose to not wear those clothes. And yes I know that wearing them doesn't automatically make you anything)

(tu)PS Andrew - been posting a lot lately haven't you?

Andrew I think it was the shop the enquirer was asking about but you would think there was somewhere in the area that sold contemporary music cds. I like the stall on Northcross Rd but it's not as if you are akways going to find what you want there

Least hassle is 63 bus. No changing. But at that hour leave extra time as black friars gets snarled. 815. I would catch bus at 7 to be sure. Should arrive plenty early. Time for coffee

Dub Guinness/Muphy's?? I think you'll find that Beamish is the Corkman's stout of choice (not that I drink any of 'em)

But you have given me a great name for my new alter ego !

** wonders if he should bring some of the Sik Sik Wat he made to the EDT film tonight for Tillie to try ** ** decideds against ** ** wonders how long before whoever makes these asterisks decides the market has taken off and can charge moe **

** isn't it dragon's blood **?

Quartered doesn't seem the right word but you get the drift

very kind of you to say so Georgia ;-) When are Tillie and Steph going to let the Dragon's Blood thing go????? You loved it really

Cheers Keef It's not specific to this morning - it's any morning with me. 8:30, coffee at my desk I start to function (by function I mean start posting on here obviously. Work happens later)

Cracking first post!

I'm passionate Steph, what can I say I didn't use that stuff yesterday, but I did cook a stew that ended up way to hot anyway -