Central London used to have loads of great restaurants to dine and dance in. Plus some fabulous concert venues, like the Royal Albert Hall (my favourite) and the Barbican Centre.
Here, we have plenty of places to go eat, with live music and a dance floor - mostly at beachside restaurants during the summer months, but then the restaurants take over in the winter months. And there’s also the massive Starlite Festival venues every year (started up by Antonio Banderas). There’s usually a great line-up of big names that play there.
Digger said
Nov 8 3:50 PM, 2025
Syl wrote:
Festivals are not for me either. When I was younger I went to concerts, Paul McCartney and Wings, Rod Stuart, all the bands of the era. The last one was a few years ago, Dionne Warwick at the Lowry.
I've seen loads of bands. Simply Red. Erasure. Heaven 17. Pink Floyd. Kate Bush. Bryan Adams. The Damned. Siouxsie and Banshees. The Cure. Depeche Mode. Sham 69. Steel Pulse. OMD. The Supremes. Prefab Sprout. The Hollywood Vampires. The Classic Rock Show. Ian Dury. Dead or Alive. Tori Amos. Genesis. The Stranglers. Elvis Costello.
I saw loads of them in Erics in Liverpool many moons ago.
Syl said
Nov 8 4:07 PM, 2025
Digger wrote:
Syl wrote:
Festivals are not for me either. When I was younger I went to concerts, Paul McCartney and Wings, Rod Stuart, all the bands of the era. The last one was a few years ago, Dionne Warwick at the Lowry.
I've seen loads of bands. Simply Red. Erasure. Heaven 17. Pink Floyd. Kate Bush. Bryan Adams. The Damned. Siouxsie and Banshees. The Cure. Depeche Mode. Sham 69. Steel Pulse. OMD. The Supremes. Prefab Sprout. The Hollywood Vampires. The Classic Rock Show. Ian Dury. Dead or Alive. Tori Amos. Genesis. The Stranglers. Elvis Costello.
I saw loads of them in Erics in Liverpool many moons ago.
There were some great cabaret clubs where all the big stars of the day appeared, I worked at Quaffers and Fagins or a while.
The Golden Garter, and Talk of the North were another two places that thrived in Manchester till the late 80's early 90's..all great places with great acts.
Anonymous said
Nov 8 4:11 PM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Since the other thread got derailed and went way off topic I think different thread is in order.
In the UK is dancing just a thing for young people? Single people?
Is a date compromised of dinner and dancing even a thing?
I assume pubs have live music but do they have dance floors where a grandpa like me can spin a pretty girl?.
No dance halls where young and old congregate and dance to a live band?
Video of Arthur for attention. Also, the song he is dancing to seems appropriate..😉
It seems to involve hanging around the bar getting boozed up at 63, and that’s the issue here. Don’t you have tea dances without all the getting drunk and looking for pickups?
Vam said
Nov 8 4:20 PM, 2025
It’s kinda hard not to name some of the places I used to go to a lot in London, without coming across as flash and ‘braggy’. So I won’t 😂
I will say I’ve seen in the New Year at some of the most beautiful locations/venues in the world. But I rarely go out on New Year’s Eve over here, especially since my guy passed away. This year though, I’m making an exception because a really good tribute band is performing at a local restaurant - and also because a couple of friends have threatened to come and physically drag me out if they have to 😂
Syl said
Nov 8 5:21 PM, 2025
Vam wrote:
It’s kinda hard not to name some of the places I used to go to a lot in London, without coming across as flash and ‘braggy’. So I won’t 😂
I will say I’ve seen in the New Year at some of the most beautiful locations/venues in the world. But I rarely go out on New Year’s Eve over here, especially since my guy passed away. This year though, I’m making an exception because a really good tribute band is performing at a local restaurant - and also because a couple of friends have threatened to come and physically drag me out if they have to 😂
Honestly, you w'ont come across as flash or braggy, Vam. If that's the life you have lived, dont be afraid to share it...I for one, find other people's lives and adventures interesting.
Good for your mates to threaten you, New Years Eve can be a lonely, time for many, even if you have been content to stay in since you lost your partner, maybe now is the right time to start enjoying NYE again.
Maddog said
Nov 8 9:49 PM, 2025
Vam wrote:
Maddog wrote:
What about plays or musicals? I'm not really a fan, but I can be coerced into it by the right person.
Or just a smaller live music venue. Say one that holds 200 or so people?.
One where civilized people like me sit quietly and enjoy live music. Sometimes called listening rooms here because you are supposed to sit down shut up and listen.
I think I mentioned music festivals in the past..I know Vam was a huge fan of rubbing body parts with the masses and sharing porta potties with them..😉
😂 You had to go there, didn’t you?
(Google is your friend 😉) 👇🏻
Lanzamos el BARF más grande….
I want you to know I pay attention to your posts.
Fluffy said
Nov 8 11:50 PM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Vam wrote:
Maddog wrote:
What about plays or musicals? I'm not really a fan, but I can be coerced into it by the right person.
Or just a smaller live music venue. Say one that holds 200 or so people?.
One where civilized people like me sit quietly and enjoy live music. Sometimes called listening rooms here because you are supposed to sit down shut up and listen.
I think I mentioned music festivals in the past..I know Vam was a huge fan of rubbing body parts with the masses and sharing porta potties with them..😉
😂 You had to go there, didn’t you?
(Google is your friend 😉) 👇🏻
Lanzamos el BARF más grande….
I want you to know I pay attention to your posts.
Aww.
But you don't pay attention to mine but then I know that. I did ask would you prefer a lady you are more attracted to but don't have much in.common with or a lady you aren't as sexually attracted to but have a great time with.
I'm basically asking if sexual attraction is important when you're an older gent. Not that you are an older gent in that hat. It's very youthful.
Fluffy said
Nov 8 11:52 PM, 2025
Anonymous wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Since the other thread got derailed and went way off topic I think different thread is in order.
In the UK is dancing just a thing for young people? Single people?
Is a date compromised of dinner and dancing even a thing?
I assume pubs have live music but do they have dance floors where a grandpa like me can spin a pretty girl?.
No dance halls where young and old congregate and dance to a live band?
Video of Arthur for attention. Also, the song he is dancing to seems appropriate..😉
It seems to involve hanging around the bar getting boozed up at 63, and that’s the issue here. Don’t you have tea dances without all the getting drunk and looking for pickups?
Why can't Madders have a drink if that's what he wants to do? What on earth 's a tea dance??
Edit. I see it's another age dig.
-- Edited by Fluffy on Saturday 8th of November 2025 11:56:13 PM
Maddog said
Nov 9 1:41 AM, 2025
Fluffy wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Vam wrote:
Maddog wrote:
What about plays or musicals? I'm not really a fan, but I can be coerced into it by the right person.
Or just a smaller live music venue. Say one that holds 200 or so people?.
One where civilized people like me sit quietly and enjoy live music. Sometimes called listening rooms here because you are supposed to sit down shut up and listen.
I think I mentioned music festivals in the past..I know Vam was a huge fan of rubbing body parts with the masses and sharing porta potties with them..😉
😂 You had to go there, didn’t you?
(Google is your friend 😉) 👇🏻
Lanzamos el BARF más grande….
I want you to know I pay attention to your posts.
Aww.
But you don't pay attention to mine but then I know that. I did ask would you prefer a lady you are more attracted to but don't have much in.common with or a lady you aren't as sexually attracted to but have a great time with.
I'm basically asking if sexual attraction is important when you're an older gent. Not that you are an older gent in that hat. It's very youthful.
It is for me.
I'm also very comfortable being single. Some guys need a partner.
Also, maybe I'm shallow. 😉
Maddog said
Nov 9 1:43 AM, 2025
Fluffy wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Since the other thread got derailed and went way off topic I think different thread is in order.
In the UK is dancing just a thing for young people? Single people?
Is a date compromised of dinner and dancing even a thing?
I assume pubs have live music but do they have dance floors where a grandpa like me can spin a pretty girl?.
No dance halls where young and old congregate and dance to a live band?
Video of Arthur for attention. Also, the song he is dancing to seems appropriate..😉
It seems to involve hanging around the bar getting boozed up at 63, and that’s the issue here. Don’t you have tea dances without all the getting drunk and looking for pickups?
Why can't Madders have a drink if that's what he wants to do? What on earth 's a tea dance??
Edit. I see it's another age dig.
-- Edited by Fluffy on Saturday 8th of November 2025 11:56:13 PM
Sounds like Stoo to me..😉
Vam said
Nov 9 8:59 AM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Vam wrote:
Maddog wrote:
What about plays or musicals? I'm not really a fan, but I can be coerced into it by the right person.
Or just a smaller live music venue. Say one that holds 200 or so people?.
One where civilized people like me sit quietly and enjoy live music. Sometimes called listening rooms here because you are supposed to sit down shut up and listen.
I think I mentioned music festivals in the past..I know Vam was a huge fan of rubbing body parts with the masses and sharing porta potties with them..😉
😂 You had to go there, didn’t you?
(Google is your friend 😉) 👇🏻
Lanzamos el BARF más grande….
I want you to know I pay attention to your posts.
Hmm…yeah…and more often than not, you think ‘Ah, look at the nonsensical ravings of a TDS mindset’.
Or, you simply point and laugh, right? 😂
Vam said
Nov 9 9:29 AM, 2025
Syl wrote:
Honestly, you w'ont come across as flash or braggy, Vam. If that's the life you have lived, dont be afraid to share it...I for one, find other people's lives and adventures interesting.
Good for your mates to threaten you, New Years Eve can be a lonely, time for many, even if you have been content to stay in since you lost your partner, maybe now is the right time to start enjoying NYE again.
😂 Okay…remember that ‘embarrassing moments’ thread, in which I said I had 2 stories I recalled when I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole? I told the one about my dogs and the Household Cavalry.
But I never got around to describing a cringingly catastrophic evening when the plan was drinks and a flutter at a Mayfair casino, and then onto dinner at a famous private members’ nightclub.
I’ll do it later, cos I know it’ll give you a laugh
Digger said
Nov 9 12:21 PM, 2025
Vam wrote:
It’s kinda hard not to name some of the places I used to go to a lot in London, without coming across as flash and ‘braggy’. So I won’t 😂
I will say I’ve seen in the New Year at some of the most beautiful locations/venues in the world. But I rarely go out on New Year’s Eve over here, especially since my guy passed away. This year though, I’m making an exception because a really good tribute band is performing at a local restaurant - and also because a couple of friends have threatened to come and physically drag me out if they have to 😂
This isn't Dogs, so nobody is going to condemn you for sharing your life experiences.
Digger said
Nov 9 12:26 PM, 2025
Fluffy wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Since the other thread got derailed and went way off topic I think different thread is in order.
In the UK is dancing just a thing for young people? Single people?
Is a date compromised of dinner and dancing even a thing?
I assume pubs have live music but do they have dance floors where a grandpa like me can spin a pretty girl?.
No dance halls where young and old congregate and dance to a live band?
Video of Arthur for attention. Also, the song he is dancing to seems appropriate..😉
It seems to involve hanging around the bar getting boozed up at 63, and that’s the issue here. Don’t you have tea dances without all the getting drunk and looking for pickups?
Why can't Madders have a drink if that's what he wants to do? What on earth 's a tea dance??
Edit. I see it's another age dig.
-- Edited by Fluffy on Saturday 8th of November 2025 11:56:13 PM
a tea dance is a rather sedate gathering where people waltz in pairs to a classical playing quartet, nibble cucumber sandwiches and dress in floral prints perhaps discussing begonia growing or the latest Berber fashions. It does have 'elderly' connotations. Not something MD would do, I'd guess.
I see him as more of a lasso swinging Yee Haah kinda guy.
Syl said
Nov 9 12:40 PM, 2025
Nothing wrong with floral prints.
Vam said
Nov 9 2:52 PM, 2025
Syl wrote:
Nothing wrong with floral prints.
😂🤣😂
Maddog said
Nov 9 2:58 PM, 2025
Vam wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Vam wrote:
Maddog wrote:
What about plays or musicals? I'm not really a fan, but I can be coerced into it by the right person.
Or just a smaller live music venue. Say one that holds 200 or so people?.
One where civilized people like me sit quietly and enjoy live music. Sometimes called listening rooms here because you are supposed to sit down shut up and listen.
I think I mentioned music festivals in the past..I know Vam was a huge fan of rubbing body parts with the masses and sharing porta potties with them..😉
😂 You had to go there, didn’t you?
(Google is your friend 😉) 👇🏻
Lanzamos el BARF más grande….
I want you to know I pay attention to your posts.
Hmm…yeah…and more often than not, you think ‘Ah, look at the nonsensical ravings of a TDS mindset’.
Or, you simply point and laugh, right? 😂
Your TDS isn't nonsensical..
A little obsessive, but he gives folks plenty to obsess about no doubt..
Vam said
Nov 9 3:05 PM, 2025
Digger
This isn't Dogs, so nobody is going to condemn you for sharing your life experiences.
Yeah, I know, Diggs…but I do sometimes wonder if any of the Dogs ghouls might be lurking around 🤷🏻♀️ But okay, thanks.
Disclaimer: I’m gonna name drop a bit here, because the ‘poshness’ of the places I’m about to mention is relevant.
My husband was a lifelong friend of a man he was at Uni with. This guy was a very big deal in his own country. He used to travel to London a couple of times a year, and his embassy would always provide a couple of security people to assist him throughout hisstay.
We’d usually get together for dinner whenever he was around.On the night I want to mention, he invited us to Crockford’s to play some blackjack/roulette, and then go on to dinner at Annabel’s nightclub (he was a member at both, natch 😂).
It’s fair to say both these clubs truly were among London’s upper echelons of places to go - private members and guests only, doormen in top hat and tails, valet parking, the whole shebang.And all that’s before you stepped foot inside the cocoon of opulent elegance.
On that particular very rainy night, my husband let us know that he was running late, and asked to meet us at Annabel’s.Mr Big said he’d pick me up so we could have a drink at Crockford’s first, and we’d all meet up at Annabel’s later.
I was wearing a bright cobalt blue Shantung silk dress that night (the bright blue colour is very relevant). It was very fitted, and the narrow skirt tapered snugly into the knees. The point is, the dress was like a second skin and, being silk, there simply was no ‘give’ to it at all!
Mr Big came to pick me up. I thought we’d be travelling in an embassy Merc the security guys would be driving. But no - Mr Big decided to hire a Ferrari Testarossa during his visit. Beautiful car, obviously.But holy crap, a Testarossa is incredibly low-slung!Getting into it was like a feeling of going down an entire floor in an elevator.
I miraculously managed to manoeuvre that tight dress and spiky heels into it without a wardrobe malfunction and off we roared, with the security car following on.
Remember I said rain was bucketing down that night? We pulled up at Crockford’s, and 2 doormen rushed over with huge umbrellas. And that’s when my luck ran out.
As I was trying to swing my legs round to hoik myself up and out of that car, the heel of my shoe got caught in the doorjamb, and my unforgiving tight skirt took its revenge. I was stuck. The doorman looked quite distressed as he offered his arm to help prise me out.
I eventually managed to slide around and squirm my way out…..only to then slip away from the doorman’s helpful arm and umbrella, and my arse landed squarely into a very deep puddle. The entire back of my bright blue dress immediately turned a squishy black. By the time I was fully back on my feet, I was soaking wet.
People entering Crockford’s, and lining up in the cars behind us, were all giving me pitying side-eye looks. Mr Big was practically peeing himself laughing, and he insisted the security guys would drive me home and wait for me to sort myself out.
When I walked into Annabel’s later that evening (wearing a LYCRA dress!!😂), my husband muttered “You look nice, luv….” 🤬
Maddog said
Nov 9 3:07 PM, 2025
Digger wrote:
Fluffy wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Since the other thread got derailed and went way off topic I think different thread is in order.
In the UK is dancing just a thing for young people? Single people?
Is a date compromised of dinner and dancing even a thing?
I assume pubs have live music but do they have dance floors where a grandpa like me can spin a pretty girl?.
No dance halls where young and old congregate and dance to a live band?
Video of Arthur for attention. Also, the song he is dancing to seems appropriate..😉
It seems to involve hanging around the bar getting boozed up at 63, and that’s the issue here. Don’t you have tea dances without all the getting drunk and looking for pickups?
Why can't Madders have a drink if that's what he wants to do? What on earth 's a tea dance??
Edit. I see it's another age dig.
-- Edited by Fluffy on Saturday 8th of November 2025 11:56:13 PM
a tea dance is a rather sedate gathering where people waltz in pairs to a classical playing quartet, nibble cucumber sandwiches and dress in floral prints perhaps discussing begonia growing or the latest Berber fashions. It does have 'elderly' connotations. Not something MD would do, I'd guess.
I see him as more of a lasso swinging Yee Haah kinda guy.
I would do something like swing music (think big bands), but I like going out to mix with folks and listen to music I enjoy while having a few drinks..
Dancing isn't even the main issue..
Even with the last GF we visited with folks, people watched and probably only danced 5 or 6 times a night..
Central London used to have loads of great restaurants to dine and dance in. Plus some fabulous concert venues, like the Royal Albert Hall (my favourite) and the Barbican Centre.
Here, we have plenty of places to go eat, with live music and a dance floor - mostly at beachside restaurants during the summer months, but then the restaurants take over in the winter months. And there’s also the massive Starlite Festival venues every year (started up by Antonio Banderas). There’s usually a great line-up of big names that play there.
I've seen loads of bands. Simply Red. Erasure. Heaven 17. Pink Floyd. Kate Bush. Bryan Adams. The Damned. Siouxsie and Banshees. The Cure. Depeche Mode. Sham 69. Steel Pulse. OMD. The Supremes. Prefab Sprout. The Hollywood Vampires. The Classic Rock Show. Ian Dury. Dead or Alive. Tori Amos. Genesis. The Stranglers. Elvis Costello.
I saw loads of them in Erics in Liverpool many moons ago.
There were some great cabaret clubs where all the big stars of the day appeared, I worked at Quaffers and Fagins or a while.
The Golden Garter, and Talk of the North were another two places that thrived in Manchester till the late 80's early 90's..all great places with great acts.
It seems to involve hanging around the bar getting boozed up at 63, and that’s the issue here. Don’t you have tea dances without all the getting drunk and looking for pickups?
It’s kinda hard not to name some of the places I used to go to a lot in London, without coming across as flash and ‘braggy’. So I won’t 😂
I will say I’ve seen in the New Year at some of the most beautiful locations/venues in the world. But I rarely go out on New Year’s Eve over here, especially since my guy passed away. This year though, I’m making an exception because a really good tribute band is performing at a local restaurant - and also because a couple of friends have threatened to come and physically drag me out if they have to 😂
Honestly, you w'ont come across as flash or braggy, Vam. If that's the life you have lived, dont be afraid to share it...I for one, find other people's lives and adventures interesting.
Good for your mates to threaten you,
New Years Eve can be a lonely, time for many, even if you have been content to stay in since you lost your partner, maybe now is the right time to start enjoying NYE again.
I want you to know I pay attention to your posts.
Aww.
But you don't pay attention to mine but then I know that. I did ask would you prefer a lady you are more attracted to but don't have much in.common with or a lady you aren't as sexually attracted to but have a great time with.
I'm basically asking if sexual attraction is important when you're an older gent. Not that you are an older gent in that hat. It's very youthful.
Why can't Madders have a drink if that's what he wants to do? What on earth 's a tea dance??
Edit. I see it's another age dig.
-- Edited by Fluffy on Saturday 8th of November 2025 11:56:13 PM
It is for me.
I'm also very comfortable being single. Some guys need a partner.
Also, maybe I'm shallow. 😉
Sounds like Stoo to me..😉
Hmm…yeah…and more often than not, you think ‘Ah, look at the nonsensical ravings of a TDS mindset’.
Or, you simply point and laugh, right? 😂
😂 Okay…remember that ‘embarrassing moments’ thread, in which I said I had 2 stories I recalled when I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole? I told the one about my dogs and the Household Cavalry.
But I never got around to describing a cringingly catastrophic evening when the plan was drinks and a flutter at a Mayfair casino, and then onto dinner at a famous private members’ nightclub.
I’ll do it later, cos I know it’ll give you a laugh
This isn't Dogs, so nobody is going to condemn you for sharing your life experiences.
a tea dance is a rather sedate gathering where people waltz in pairs to a classical playing quartet, nibble cucumber sandwiches and dress in floral prints perhaps discussing begonia growing or the latest Berber fashions. It does have 'elderly' connotations. Not something MD would do, I'd guess.
I see him as more of a lasso swinging Yee Haah kinda guy.
Nothing wrong with floral prints.
😂🤣😂
Your TDS isn't nonsensical..
A little obsessive, but he gives folks plenty to obsess about no doubt..
Yeah, I know, Diggs…but I do sometimes wonder if any of the Dogs ghouls might be lurking around 🤷🏻♀️ But okay, thanks.
Disclaimer: I’m gonna name drop a bit here, because the ‘poshness’ of the places I’m about to mention is relevant.
My husband was a lifelong friend of a man he was at Uni with. This guy was a very big deal in his own country. He used to travel to London a couple of times a year, and his embassy would always provide a couple of security people to assist him throughout his stay.
We’d usually get together for dinner whenever he was around. On the night I want to mention, he invited us to Crockford’s to play some blackjack/roulette, and then go on to dinner at Annabel’s nightclub (he was a member at both, natch 😂).
It’s fair to say both these clubs truly were among London’s upper echelons of places to go - private members and guests only, doormen in top hat and tails, valet parking, the whole shebang. And all that’s before you stepped foot inside the cocoon of opulent elegance.
On that particular very rainy night, my husband let us know that he was running late, and asked to meet us at Annabel’s. Mr Big said he’d pick me up so we could have a drink at Crockford’s first, and we’d all meet up at Annabel’s later.
I was wearing a bright cobalt blue Shantung silk dress that night (the bright blue colour is very relevant). It was very fitted, and the narrow skirt tapered snugly into the knees. The point is, the dress was like a second skin and, being silk, there simply was no ‘give’ to it at all!
Mr Big came to pick me up. I thought we’d be travelling in an embassy Merc the security guys would be driving. But no - Mr Big decided to hire a Ferrari Testarossa during his visit. Beautiful car, obviously. But holy crap, a Testarossa is incredibly low-slung! Getting into it was like a feeling of going down an entire floor in an elevator.
I miraculously managed to manoeuvre that tight dress and spiky heels into it without a wardrobe malfunction and off we roared, with the security car following on.
Remember I said rain was bucketing down that night? We pulled up at Crockford’s, and 2 doormen rushed over with huge umbrellas. And that’s when my luck ran out.
As I was trying to swing my legs round to hoik myself up and out of that car, the heel of my shoe got caught in the doorjamb, and my unforgiving tight skirt took its revenge. I was stuck. The doorman looked quite distressed as he offered his arm to help prise me out.
I eventually managed to slide around and squirm my way out…..only to then slip away from the doorman’s helpful arm and umbrella, and my arse landed squarely into a very deep puddle. The entire back of my bright blue dress immediately turned a squishy black. By the time I was fully back on my feet, I was soaking wet.
People entering Crockford’s, and lining up in the cars behind us, were all giving me pitying side-eye looks. Mr Big was practically peeing himself laughing, and he insisted the security guys would drive me home and wait for me to sort myself out.
When I walked into Annabel’s later that evening (wearing a LYCRA dress!!😂), my husband muttered “You look nice, luv….” 🤬
I would do something like swing music (think big bands), but I like going out to mix with folks and listen to music I enjoy while having a few drinks..
Dancing isn't even the main issue..
Even with the last GF we visited with folks, people watched and probably only danced 5 or 6 times a night..