Whiskey

We love a good chat. Come and join us at Table 45

Want to Play Basketball in London? Step 1. Visit our website [https://www.basketble.com](https://www.basketble.com) Step 2. Find the game you want and sign up Step 3: Get confirmation email and Come Out & Play \*Note: You need to sign up on the website and the attendance is not monitored through meetup. Location: 134 Chalton St, Kings Cross, London NW1 1RX, UK Time: 12.15-14.00 Closest tube: Euston/Kings Cross/ Mornington Crescent Come Out & Play!

Wine Not? is a women-only gathering before the Balancers Saturday social. Most attendees come solo, so it’s an easy and welcoming place to meet people and settle in before the night gets busier. London can make meeting new people feel awkward, especially if you're coming alone. This early social creates a comfortable environment where you can chat, laugh, and get to know a few friendly faces first. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, a few light games, and plenty of time to connect naturally. At **7.30 pm the main Balancers social begins**, and the room fills as over **150 people usually join the night**. Wine Not? naturally flows into the rest of the evening, so you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the full experience. Coming solo is completely normal. Our hosts will be there to help everyone feel comfortable, included, and connected from the start. **Check out our past events here:** **[https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/)** **Want to stay in the loop? Join our WhatsApp community: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)** *Remember, our pillars are Openness, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity. Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

Get ready to bring your sketchbook and art supplies for a chilled café sketching session! There'll also be a movie hangout afterwards! You're free to just attend the sketching session. If you'd like to come to the movie hangout, scroll down for more info. No matter your skill level lets grab a coffee and unleash our creativity into our sketchbooks. There's no formal guidance, you'll be free to get on with your own drawings/personal art projects while being able to connect with other local artists. You're welcome to join in on the group conversations or quietly get on with your art studies whatever your preference. A few basic drawing supplies (pencils, colouring pencils, erasers etc) will be provided but please bring your own sketchbook / tablet / paper / something to draw on! After the sketching session at approx 4:15pm, we will make our way to Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square for 5:20pm to see the Steven Spielberg sci-fi drama ***A.I. Artificial Intelligence***. The film starts promptly at 5:30pm - approx 8pm. *I've booked seat D4 so make sure you book a seat in or around row D!* *[Link to buy your ticket](https://princecharlescinema.com/prince-charles-cinema/booknow/31624697/)* Hope to see you there 👋 (Also please feel free to join even if RSVPs are full!)

**SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)** **Distance**: 27.5km (17 miles) **Ascent:** 426m **Duration**: 7-8 hours walking (4km/hr) **Grade**: Energetic **HIGHLIGHTS** * Circular from Haddenham & Thame Parkway over rolling hills of western Aylesbury Vale * A delightful mix of woodlands, arable fields * Slow ascents and descents linking 4 hilltop villages on remote paths * Great views over 5 counties from hilltop village of Brill * Thatched roofs and quaint pubs along the way. This is a beautiful part of the Aylesbury Vale in Bucklnghamshire, with fantastic views, quaint villages, rolling hills, white cows and stallion horses. The morning will be filled with meandering over open fields and a bracing for a slow uphill hike to the top of the hill at Brill for a great views and a pub stop – bring sandwiches as we are stopping for refreshments only. In the afternoon, we will continue to another two villages of Ashendon and Nether Winchendon before we make our way back to Haddenham. At 27.5km, it will be a long and energetic day out – and you will discover countryside which is very different to the normal meetup hikes and rewarded with quaint pubs with thatched roofs - and of course, there is a pub in Haddenham for post hike drinks! *ps. My walks make time to enjoy the views, take in local history and have time for taking photos* **COST AND LOGISTICS** **Cost**: £10 **Start**: 8.30 Meet for a group save ticket **Meet:** 8:45 for those who buy their own tickets & walk to train **Finish:** 6pm in Haddenham for an optional pub visit. **Recommended morning train from London** **Dep**: 09:02 London Marylebone **Arr:** 09:41 Haddenham and Thame Parkway **Return** It is impossible to promise a specified finish train and time, but we aim to return to London from 18.06 (arrives at 18.45) or 18.17 (arrives 19.10), 19.06 (arrives 19.45) **Recommended train ticket** Off-Peak Day Return to Petersfield · **£22.60 group save/ network rail price** Recommended: Buy a yearly Network Railcard for reduced train prices www.network-railcard.co.uk **Meeting Point:** Marylebone Station - In front of timetable noticeboards **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** · Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** · Travel costs · Lunch, drinks or any refreshments · PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)complete list[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) · Suitable hiking shoes or boots · Packed lunch and snacks · Water - 2 litres recommended · Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) · Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece · Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

Play 2 hours of basketball every Saturday in a modern central London sports hall. Friendly and competitive intermediate level. You need to book your place on our website using a bank card, PayPal, or Apple Pay. Note that we manage bookings and post updates on the booking page on our website, not on meetup: https://playfit.co.uk/w/basketball/ CONTACT: If you have any questions or need help booking your place then message us on Whatsapp (https://wa.me/message/WMVRULBIR7TJA1) or send us an email through our website (https://playfit.co.uk/w/contact). NEWSLETTER: Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming recreational games, tournaments, leagues and coaching sessions, as well as events and exclusive offers: https://playfit.co.uk/newsletter

Meet up group " 10 times happier " presents Boat DJ party- 4 hours + after party in London's SINGLE PEOPLE WELCOME Boat is private, so there are limited spaces!

We’re running a competitive men’s scrimmage with limited spots available. £10 per player for 2 hours of court time. Come and be part of a growing community as we get started. All profits will go towards funding free basketball sessions for U19 players. Message me if you’re interested. Even if you can’t make this one, you’re welcome to join the WhatsApp group for future runs.

Details on getting tickets for movie + pre drinks below. **PREMISE** Over the past year, there’s been a new film on the festival circuit getting a ton of buzz. That film is Obsession, written and directed by Curry Barker (Milk & Serial), and audiences at Overlook Film Festival 2026 finally got the chance to see it on the big screen. A young man makes a wish on a “One Wish Willow” for one of his best friends to be madly in love with him. When she suddenly expresses feelings for him, what begins as a dream come true morphs into his worst nightmare. Since Obsession first hit the festival circuit, it has been impossible to ignore all the praise. If you’re at all worried the film has been overhyped, I can assure you with certainty this film not only lives up to the hype, but it might even exceed it. The film introduces audiences to Bear, a seemingly sweet guy who is rather reserved and awkward. He also happens to be in love with one of his best friends, Nikki. When he chokes during his chance to admit his feelings, he instead makes a wish on a “One Wish Willow” be bought at a metaphysical shop, wishing Nikki would be in love with him. While Bear doesn’t believe in the wish at first, he soon realizes its power when Nikki suddenly professes her love for him. At first, it seems like Bear is finally getting everything he’s ever wanted. Yet Nikki’s behavior becomes increasingly bizarre, frightening, and even dangerous. It’s a fantastic, disturbing story that shows how even the “nice guys” are incapable of taking rejection, whil also delivering a classic “be careful what you wish for” tale. Bear ignores every warning sign because he has the girl of his dreams, even if it means the woman next to him is a hollow shell of the person he supposedly fell in love with. No matter how wild things get, he makes excuse after excuse, constantly putting his own desires ahead of what’s best for Nikki. The premise also has some unsettling implications when one considers Nikki’s actions throughout the course of her relationship with Bear are thanks to a wish rather than her own free will. On the surface, Obsession is a horror film because of how it depicts modern men and relationships. Even as Nikki becomes a completely different person, Bear is still happy because he has what he has always wanted. It shows that Bear was in love with the idea of Nikki and what a relationship with her would look like rather than actually caring about her as a human being. Obsession takes this even further by adding absolutely terrifying supernatural horrors on top of the more realistic relationship horrors. Barker builds on the terror, weaving in subtle scares and ambiance before shifting into outright disturbing happenings and jump scares. But don’t let the term “jump scares” deter you. The difference between these scares compared to other horror films is that these scares feel earned. They’re the kind of horrific moments that will likely have audiences jumping out of their seat whether it’s their first viewing or their tenth. It ensures Obsession will be as frightening to watch years later as it was the first time. **TRAILER** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMC8kkwbIQQ **CINEMA TICKETS** https://www.myvue.com/book-tickets/summary/10030/HO00021063/309568 **DRINKS** We can go for a drink before the movie at The Imperial. **SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN** 14:30 - Drinks at The Imperial, 5 Leicester St, London WC2H 7BL 15:15 - film at Vue Cinema London - West End (Leicester Square) - 3 Cranbourn St, London WC2H 7AL

They say that pictures speak a thousand words, and so here are pics from this previous day trip on our website (click on this event): [www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes](www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes) **DESCRIPTION** This hike is both for beginners and advanced as there is an option. We will all walk from Arundel to Amberley village together past the castle markets through Amberley castle to the roof top lounge in Amberley for lunch (about 9km) Option 1: Some can stay on the roof top and relax for the afternoon. Option 2: From the rooftop some of us can do the afternoon circular hike, another 10km. Option 3: another option If you like, you could just join us for the afternoon circular hike from the rooftop. This picturesque hike takes you through the heart of the South Downs National Park. The trail offers a blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and stunning vistas, making it a rewarding experience for walkers of all levels, passing along the Arun river. In this glorious hike we will aim for a late lunch and mooch around the Amberley village **WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **10km - 20km** Ascent: c.**192 metres** Estimated Duration (approx): **3-6 hours walking** Difficulty: **[Moderate](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade)** Meeting Point: Meeting Point: **[London Victoria Station](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/meeting-places/)** (see pic in in link) in front of the ticket machines where the Benches are. \*\*Assembly Time: 08:30 Move to the departure platform at 08:45 The train departs at: 09:05 The train arrives at 10:32 at Arundel station We'll aim for train back from Amberley station at 16:48 to arrive Victoria for 18:15 **Pricing Info:** * £30 per person – includes hike + train travel. Book by 11:59 PM on Tuesday before the event to guarantee your spot at this £30 discounted price - after this time there might or might not be limited £30 tickets left upon checking event. * Want to join for the hike only? Message me privately on Meetup to pay £10 anytime.\* **HIKE INCLUDES** * Guided Hike planned and led by experienced AAA leaders, trained Summer Mountain Leader with Wilderness First Aid Training. * PayPal fees **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Travel costs (unless you selected that payment option) * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * Souvenirs * Meetup Fee levied on all purchases via meetup * Entrance fees to any attractions you wish to visit. **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[full list](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)** * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) * Water [2L recommended] * Warm/Windproof layer, e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer, e.g. Polyester/Tencil/Merino * Camera & Phone * Picnic lunch and snacks **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the event, please message the host and update your RSVP status on MeetUp to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the event sells out, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', please email us on [info@aaalondongroup.com](info@aaalondongroup.com) after the event date, requesting a refund, including your PayPal email address, so we can locate the payment. Unfortunately, as PayPal retains the original transaction fee, we cannot refund this. If the hike is not full, we are sorry, we are unable to issue a refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our[ FAQ page](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA Hiking Terms and Conditions. [FAQs](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) \| [Terms and Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaahiking/) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@aaahiking) \| [Trip Advicer](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [TicTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@aaahiking) \| [Website](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/) © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

Join us for social bridge without the formality of a tournament. Advice on bidding and play Is available to those who are still learning the basics. I sometimes bring along set boards for improvers to work through if they so desire. The Royal Oak is one of London’s most traditional pubs, and serves an excellent range of beers and drinks. They Also Serve Sunday roast til about 7pm. There is a £1 fee (or £5 per year) to cover Meetup fees and we do ask that you spend at least £5 at the bar.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt is our most experiential social yet and tickets are officially live! We have partnered with a former Detective of 24 years to bring you a **[guided interactive day](https://www.thisisdumo.com/16-05)** where you will step inside the case from the moment the 999 call drops - evaluating evidence, taking on roles as detectives, CSIs, pathologists, barristers and jury members - all the way to a live crown court trial where one of your group stands accused. Part live investigation. Part courtroom drama. Except you're not in the audience, you're the cast. **Could you solve a real murder case?** **[Find out more here and grab your spot](https://www.thisisdumo.com/16-05)**

Who’s up for a fun night out? Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun! Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together. • Lively atmosphere with country vibes • Delicious food + drinks • Music, dancing, and lots of laughs • Great conversation and new connections

Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable brunch at 17 Arrows Kitchen and Bar! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy good food, and ease into the weekend with great conversation. Whether you’re new to the group or it’s your first event, you’ll feel right at home.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Join us as we kick off Summer Movie Season with a Happy Hour & a movie event to see the sci-fi action-adventure, THE MANDOLARIAN AND GROGU! The sci-fi action-adventure follows a lone bounty hunter and his apprentice Grogu (Baby Yoda) embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In the film, Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic during a period where remaining Imperial warlords threaten the galaxy. The film is written/directed by Jon Favreau (the mastermind behind the early MCU films) and stars Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwild1rw7Aw HAPPY HOUR PLAN: For Happy Hour food and drinks before the show we’ll meet in the bar area at nearby Bravo at 5:15pm! We’ll have a section reserved for the group, so keep an eye out for us and we’ll keep one out for you! CMG Pro Tip: If you can, bring cash as it helps make for a quicker exit from the restaurant. MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and meet in the lobby area at 6:30pm! Tickets on sale now and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list you seat number in the Comments section of this event. Happy Summer and See You Soon, Dan