03/02/2010 @ 13:34
That close to the station, you'll find it a little tricky to squeeze 20 of you in on a Saturday lunchtime :-)
So here are my suggestions:
Venues in THE MAILBOX
(5 min walk - turn left outside the Victoria Square exit of New Street Station and follow the coloured lines on the floor)
> Pennyblacks wine-bar-cum-pub. V. good food, wines and beers. Usually a little quieter than other places due to it's location (tucked in the corner overlooking the canal), which is why I picked it for you. There is no separate restaurant; but rather, an eating zone.
> Bar Epernay upmarket champagne bar. Delicious food. Separate small resturant area at the back. Have a drink and a chat afterwards around the very modern fireplace in the centre of the room!
> Malmaison bar/restaurant of the hotel; situated to the right of the Mailbox entrance. Restaurant area is slightly separate; bar area is bigger and again, you could converse here afterwards.
> HaHa bar with large restaurant area and a smaller bar space (although there are lots of tables outside overlooking the canal)
If you are happy to find your way to the Arcadian (10 minute walk; tell me if you need directions), you could go to:
> PoppyRed or Mono - modern bars serving food: the Arcadian is much less busy than town on a Saturday lunch time
> Loft Lounge, around the corner from Arcadian - great modern bar serving very good quality New York inspired food. Very small restaurant area; lots of bar space and a patio for drinks afterwards. This is a gay bar, if that is important to you, but is very straight-friendly.
If you're happy to walk 10-15 minutes from the station entrance, read my post below :-)