Cardiff Herf?

[Simon-JG-hr]

Quoted from another thread...

Good to see a Cardiff contingent building up!So, we have a few in and around Cardiff, one in Chepstow, a couple in Bristol and at least me in Gloucester/Cheltenham. Perhaps we should try and meet up some time in the great city of Cardiff (less than an hour on the train for all, with a nice selection of bars, pubs and open spaces), and let all those London and Kent softies have fun in 'Royal' Tunbridge Wells... :biggrin1:
:smoke:

[HabanoSy]

All my family live in Wales and we've got the autumn internationls coming up and Im hoping to catch one or two of them so maybe we can arrange a get together then...!?!

Good company, good drink, fine cigars and the rugby - sounds like a plan...

What do you think...?

Cheers, HabanoSy

[SteveGriff]

I'm up for it. There's plenty of open places down the Bay.

[Simon-JG-hr]

Good company, good drink, fine cigars and the rugby - sounds like a plan...Now we're singing off the same hymn sheet! (Bread of Heaven, or something like that :biggrin1:). As a Griffiths I may even be able to dust off a Welsh rugby shirt... :redface:

In the meantime, Steve's idea of heading down to the Cardiff Bay redevelopment could be a winner. (What is it, about a 10 minute walk from Cardiff Central train station?)

[SteveGriff]

Now we're singing off the same hymn sheet! (Bread of Heaven, or something like that :biggrin1:). As a Griffiths I may even be able to dust off a Welsh rugby shirt... :redface:

In the meantime, Steve's idea of heading down to the Cardiff Bay redevelopment could be a winner. (What is it, about a 10 minute walk from Cardiff Central train station?)

Yeah, from Cardiff Central down to the Bay would take around 15 minutes, so not too difficult to get down here. Plus there's a train to the Bay also if anyone is feeling particularly lazy.

Would people like it to be on the weekend or in the week? I haven't been on the board long enough to know what's everyone's movements with work etc. But I'd be happy anytime in the evening in the week and anytime at the weekend. The only thing I need to check up is when I'm down in Bath for the weekend (missus and all that)

[Simon-JG-hr]

A weekday evening is probably best for me (I work a lot of weekends - though think I'm not working next Saturday :confused:).

[daverave999]

Whoah! How did I miss this!?

I'm up for any time, though would prefer a weekend if booze is going to be (heavily) involved. More likely to be busy down the Bay then though. What kind of time are we thinking?
Any suggestion of venue Steve? I don't know the Bay that well as the only place I ever seem to end up is the Pen & Wig.

[EDIT] There is also Tafarn (http://www.nosda.co.uk/tafarn.php) the other side of the river from the stadium.
[EDIT] Might I suggest a rugby day is not the best choice of timing due to the massive volume of people involved in a relatively small place. Having been in town on numerous occasions during said events, I think it might be an exercise in futility attempting to buy drinks or obtain outdoor seating in a reasonable timescale.

[luxsuk]

I'm also up for it given enough notice to sort out work, kids etc . Mid week a tuesday or thursday would be best for me. Weekends should also be ok dependant upon the kids and my Taxi service. If its raining then the "Old arcade" in town has a good covered smoking area and good Brains. I agree with Dave that avoiding the internationals is advisable.

[Simon-JG-hr]

I agree with Dave that avoiding the internationals is advisable.Unless they're a key part of the trip... http://www.rugbyrefs.com/forums/images/smilies/3.gif

If anyone can make next Saturday that might be workable (I rarely get Saturdays off, and I'm not down, yet, to work that day).

Mid-week is good for me, though everything would have to be wrapped up in time for the last train back to Gloucester.


good BrainsNow your talking! :beer: Unless there's some good rum...

No reason not to have a couple of herfs over the coming couple of months. I rarely get anyone to enjoy a cigar with... :Cry: There certainly seems to be an abundance of options and places to try: Cardiff Bay, city centre and that Tafarn place all look like good spots straight off.

So, anyone free on Saturday 1st August for a spot of lunch and some fine Cubans? (

[daverave999]

If its raining then the "Old arcade" in town has a good covered smoking area and good Brains.
I forgot about that. It is good. It would be quiet midweek too, and I have no complaints about their Guinness.

[SteveGriff]

I think from the responses here, maybe the best thing to do our first Cardiff herf is to hold it at the Old Arcade. It's close to the Train Station, most people know where it is, and we have options in close proximity with good coverage for when a hard-rain's gonna fall.

Also, sounds like the best time will be midweek sometime. I propose Wednesday or Thursday.

What do you guys think?

[SteveGriff]

So, anyone free on Saturday 1st August for a spot of lunch and some fine Cubans? (

I might be around on the Saturday if you want to meet up

Steve

[Simon-JG-hr]

That's a possibility then (though odds are I get banged for overtime next Saturday as I have this one off... fingers crossed that I don't).

Otherwise, it sounds like the Old Arcade, mid-week is looking quite popular (good memories for me too, I picked up a cheerleader there once, actually, it was four of them :biggrin1:). I'll check what I'm down to work W/E 8th August, and throw my hat in.

[daverave999]

So, anyone free on Saturday 1st August for a spot of lunch and some fine Cubans? (
I'll see what I'm up to. Diary is currently empty, but that means it usually defaults to seeing the lady.


I think from the responses here, maybe the best thing to do our first Cardiff herf is to hold it at the Old Arcade. It's close to the Train Station, most people know where it is, and we have options in close proximity with good coverage for when a hard-rain's gonna fall.

Also, sounds like the best time will be midweek sometime. I propose Wednesday or Thursday.

What do you guys think?
Sounds good to me.


I picked up a cheerleader there once, actually, it was four of them :biggrin1:
Skill :biggrin1: You sound like a good choice to come along.

[luxsuk]

I think we've got a BBQ on that Saturday but I'll check. Thursdays are better than wednesdays for me as I'm usually at a friends in Cardiff. I can just come to the Herf instead.

[daverave999]

I've checked for this Saturday and I'm in Cardiff and currently free. I may be severely hungover.

[Simon-JG-hr]

Shall we go for it then? Double checked with the boss and, save massive flu epidemic at work, I'm free for the only Saturday in a long time. :849:

Late lunch, smoking and drinks? :tongue:

[Simon-JG-hr]

Let's give this dreadful idea a go then - I mean, a herf outside of London... :eek:

My best bet for trains from Gloucester are the ones which arrive at Cardiff Central at 25 minutes past the hour each hour.

Recommended start point?

I'm getting all excited. :biggrin1: :849:

[SteveGriff]

Ok, bad news on this Saturday... I'm in Bath so I can't be herfing with you folks but hopefully in the next two weeks I can sort something in the week

[daverave999]

I'm up for it. If Steve won't be able to make it, fancy Tafarn then Simon? I'll meet you at the station if you like. Could have a quick shufty in the cigar shop just by the station too.

[Simon-JG-hr]

Sounds like an excellent plan Dave. Do you have a particular sort of time in mind? I was thinking of getting the train that gets me into Cardiff at 1325 (though am flexible for any xx25ish start) - in time for a spot of lunch with a light stick before moving onto something stronger. :849:

Sorry to hear your otherwise engaged Steve - I'm sure we'll get at least one more herf in over the summer though (Thursdays are looking good at the moment). :biggrin1:

luxsuk, do you reckon you're going to be able to make it?

[Simon-JG-hr]

How good is the store near the station's selection? Worth bringing some pocket money to spend in there?

[daverave999]

1325 sounds good to me. I should be out of bed by then.

I'd bring some pocket money. It's not just a small rack of tubos; about half the shop is given over to cigars. You're bound to find at least one stick you fancy trying. They have a selection of NCs too, though I've never really looked in that cabinet, so don't know what they have.

[Simon-JG-hr]

Excellent! Pocket money duly set aside. 1325 it is then!

I'll have a copy of the Telegraph, a black umbrella and a red carnation... ;) :lol:

[daverave999]

I'll be nude, accompanied by two policemen.

[Simon-JG-hr]

Something like this then?
http://www.stevesportfolio.co.uk/work/bpe/images/photos/streaker.jpg
I won't miss you. :pound:

[luxsuk]

I now don't have a BBQ to go to on Sat but I am spending it with the Wife and baby. So.. The plan at the moment(Weather permitting) is we'll come to Cardiff, the wife and baby will go shopping and I'll meet you for a couple of hours in the afternoon.

I was in the Bear shop on Monday to buy a lighter as a 40th birthday gift for a friend. The selection was ok. Although the cabinets were far from full.

[daverave999]

Tafarn sound OK to you then?

[luxsuk]

Tafarn Sounds fine. I'll try to get there about 2.30 to give you 2 some time to go to the Bear shop first.

[Simon-JG-hr]

Excellent! It's shaping up to be a good weekend - herf going ahead, tax rebate forms into HMRC and the Ashes. :849:

[luxsuk]

Excellent! It's shaping up to be a good weekend - herf going ahead, tax rebate forms into HMRC and the Ashes. :849:

Glad you said that, forgot about the Ashes!! just put Slysports on in the office but its lunch now. Cheers Mate:rock:

[Simon-JG-hr]

It's been rained off all morning... :frown:

Fingers crossed for some sunshine this afternoon. :thumb:

[HabanoSy]

Have a good one on Saturday guys...

Hope the weather holds out, take some pics if poss (the Bear Shop) and post up so we can all have a look...

Cheers, HabanoSy

[Simon-JG-hr]

Naturally there will be pictures-a-plenty. Camera will be locked, loaded and fully charged! Watch out Cardiff.

I will, of course, ensure not to take any photos of Dave with attending bobbies... ;)

[daverave999]

Um, Cardiff City are playing Valencia at 3pm. Thoughts?

[HabanoSy]

Um, Cardiff City are playing Valencia at 3pm. Thoughts?

...Thoughts????

Get yourselves down there, shouldn't be too much to get yourselves in...

You can take in a 'ahem! great match!?!' and then mellow out with your cigars afterwards.

Cheers, HabanoSy

[Simon-JG-hr]

Should be okay, doubt there'll be many in the cigar shop or your chosen venue. KO appears to be 3pm. They won't be finished much before 5pm, by which time we can be scattered to the winds if necessary (though hopefully we'll be having such a whale of a time it won't bother us :849:).

I hope it's okay... I've already booked my train tickets. :biggrin1:

[Simon-JG-hr]

Sy, missed that before I posted...

:pound:

It's probably an entirely non-smoking stadium :( , so even I, a football hating egg chaser, couldn't persuade myself to go... ;)

[HabanoSy]

Sy, missed that before I posted...

:pound:

It's probably an entirely non-smoking stadium :( , so even I, a football hating egg chaser, couldn't persuade myself to go... ;)

LOL!!! No I agree

There really should be only ONE match watched/played in Cardiff and that is most definitely the Rugby. (booked two tickets for me and my dad to watch the Aussies on Nov 28th - so that should be good hopefully!?!).

You guys have a great day on Sat and I look forward to the pics...

Cheers, HabanoSy

[daverave999]

Forget the sport, I was hoping simonjgriffithshr was going to catch us another four cheerleaders!

I'll be there.

[Simon-JG-hr]

:lol: I'll give it a go! I won't have the advantage of being in mess dress this time though... :biggrin1:

PS. Why are Welsh girls so hot? :confused:

[daverave999]

Not sure on that one!

[Simon-JG-hr]

The accuracy of the comment or the reason... :biggrin1:

[Simon-JG-hr]

Okay... just popping into town swiftly before getting the train. If you read this before you set off too Dave, then I'm wearing a washed out red, Royal Navy sailing top; grey trousers; and deck shoes. I've also got a small, Ordnance Survey backpack and will probably be reading an old copy of Cigar Aficionado.

If you don't read this before you set off, I'll be wearing exactly the same, for some strange reason... :lol:

[SteveGriff]

Have a great day today guys - hope it's not pissing it down in the Capital like dreary Bath is :-)

[luxsuk]

Thanks for a great afternoon guys. We'll have to do it again soon. My 2 hours turned into 3 which flew by with good smokes, nice bear, great company, a tranquil location in the city centre which was perfect for the afternoon Herf and enough time for me to enjoy a punch DC. (The wife was happy with her 3 hours shopping too)

Sorry steve but the weather was great too. Hope you can join us next time.

I hope the evening goes as well as the afternoon.

-----------------------
Jas....

[daverave999]

I had a great time! After you left we carried on over at the Pen & Wig so we could get some food. I'd only eaten one shredded wheat all day until that point so it was probably a good idea...

[Simon-JG-hr]

And at £2.89 who could turn down a steak and ale pie!? :biggrin1:

It was indeed a great afternoon with some excellent company! Thank you both for the great conversation. Great location and a vintage monster of a cigar (thank you luxs! :849:) We'll definitely have to do it again, hopefully you'll be around next time Steve! :thumb:

I did just miss the 8pm train - the doors closing as I reached the platform... :tongue: So grabbed a spot of supper before the 8.15pm train left.

Will now set about uploading the pics.

[Simon-JG-hr]

Some photos from the herf. Get yours up Dave! Show people my ugly mug! :laugh:

The 'Bear' (also huge RyJ tubo half in shot on left)
http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=86&pictureid=817

Dave outside Cardiff's No1 cigar haunt
http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=86&pictureid=818

Proof we were in a foreign land. See those weird words... (actually, you can't at this size...)
http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=86&pictureid=819

Leon Jimenez No4 - thanks Habs!
http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=80&pictureid=815

Punch Petit Punch
http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=80&pictureid=816

HdM Epi No2 :(
http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=80&pictureid=814

[daverave999]

Just a couple from me. Too busy smoking and yammering on!

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=85&pictureid=811

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=85&pictureid=812

And a Punch DC from 1999 (I think), courtesy of Lux. Cheers ;)

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/picture.php?albumid=85&pictureid=813

[Simon-JG-hr]

:eek: Don't let the plod know where I am - I clearly look like I've escaped from somewhere... :lol:

Great pic of the gift off luxs... a monster of a vintage cigar! :thumb: It only just fits into my humi... :biggrin1:

[HabanoSy]

Great pics guys...

Looks like you had a really great time, very envious...

Hopefully next time...!?!

Cheers, HabanoSy

P.S. Simon, how did you get in the Leon Jimenes No.4 - mild/medium...?

[cohibaIV]

Looks like you guys had a great HERF of a time....:biggrin1:

[Simon-JG-hr]

We did indeed have a HERF of a time! :biggrin1:

Sy, the Leon Jimenez No4 was a really nice, mild smoke. Nothing sensational about it, but it was spot on as an aperetif. :lol: Thanks for that, it was probably the best of the three I had on the day. :thumb:

[Simon-JG-hr]

Anyone up for a Cardiff Herf take two? Possibly on a Thursday evening.

The only week I'm not around is 21st-29th August.

How does the 20th sound? (Or possibly the 3rd Sept). Anyone up for it... :thumb:

[daverave999]

I can't do the 20th I'm afraid as I'm off camping in Cornwall the day after, and me bint is down that evening. I'm not sure she'd be too impressed at sitting outside with us on the chong for several hours as she is a vehement anti-smoker.

Diary looks clear for 3 September though!

[Simon-JG-hr]

We'll pencil it in for the third then. :thumb:

[Simon-JG-hr]

Let's bring this back to the fore as we approach the date.

Is the third still good people? If so, what sort of time shall we be looking at? The rain should be moving out by 6pm - though we all know the accuracy of forecasts... :lol:

[daverave999]

Well I'm in the centre already, and available from half 4.

Where did you fancy going?

[Simon-JG-hr]

Was going to leave that to you locals... I thought the first place from the last herf, on the river, was good (as I shall not be eating)... Nice little corner, out of the wind with good protection on the off chance that there are still some lingering showers. :thumb:

I'll likely be arriving at either 1810 or 1830.

[daverave999]

Well we could go there as it's nearest the station. If it's too cold or whatever we can always move...

Who's coming so far then? Just us two? :p

[luxsuk]

Sorry Guys I'm not going to be able to make it. I've left my reply until today as I thought I could rearange my commitments but I can't. Sorry again, hopefully next time. Jas..:frown:

[daverave999]

Thanks for letting us know. There'll be more. ;)

[Simon-JG-hr]

Don't worry luxsuk, turns out I couldn't make it either. One of my colleagues went down ill, so I had to stay on late - just got home (about twenty minutes ago), so it wouldn't have been worth it for about an hour... :(

Will have to re-arrange - suggestions for dates people?

[Simon-JG-hr]

Okay guys... I'm in Gloucester for until next Friday before moving back to the waterfront at Plymouth. If we can get something arranged in that time it would be great (not available this weekend though :( ).

Quite happy to host something near the station in Gloucester if anyone was interested in a return trip? (Will definitely try to host something in Plymouth... but that's a bit of a trek... :eek: )

[daverave999]

Well considering Plymouth is shitting miles away, it might be worth the effort. ;)
When IS good for you? I appear to be free all the time apart from tomorrow night at the moment.

[Simon-JG-hr]

Sorted! This Thursday, 5ish at Tafarn (opposite stadium, across the river).

Anyone that can make it... be there or be square! :whip:

[Simon-JG-hr]

Last call guys. 5pm, Tafarn, Cardiff.

You know it makes sense... ;)

[luxsuk]

Hi Guys, Sorry I'll be in Cardiff today but unavailable tonight. Jas....

[Simon-JG-hr]

Shame you couldn't make it luxs. There will doubtless be more at some point.

Another enjoyable herf I'd say. Exchanged a couple of cigars with Dave, and have to say that I probably came out the better (receiving a Boli RC and Partagas SP2 in return for a Nica Libre and Trini Reyes)... and there I was thinking I'd get my own back for the bomb I received after the first herf. :rolleyes:

Started at the Bear shop, as last time, for a little cigar voyeur. I walked out with a few sticks, the latest issue of Cigar Afficianado and a storm lighter (photo to be added to the lighters thread in due course).

Gave Sailor Jerry rum a go... very distinctive. Quite nice too, though I think that HC Anejo Especial will remain my go to mixing rum. That said, I'll definitely be picking up a bottle of the SJ for when I want something a little different.

Nica Libre (courtesy of G-man) was an interesting NC. Bangs you round the head straight out of the traps before mellowing into a pleasant smoke. The San Cristobal El Principe I started with was a great, mild little stick - well worth a box for lunchtimes in my book.

[Carrot]

I'd be up for this if you do it again, if you don't mind me tagging along? It sounds like a very pleasant way to spend a few hours.

[daverave999]

Of course! Most are welcome! :D

Simon's just moved down south and he appeared to be the most active in organising these, so it may be a while. There are several of us in the area. Feel free to suggest a time and place though. Whereabouts in Gwent are you?

[Carrot]

I'm in Newport. A short train ride away from Cardiff.

[daverave999]

Well if there's anywhere you feel appropriate near you, it's not too far to drive for me as I'm just off Junction 33...

[PoohBore]

Not too far from me either, Can't think of anywhere off hand with a suitable under cover area though .

[Carrot]

The only place I can think of is The Bumble Bee pub in Blackwood. They do good pub food and have a nice smoking area with large umbrellas on the tables outside should it rain. I can't remember if the outside smoking area is heated though.

[PoohBore]

Just got divorced and thats too close to bandit country for me! I'll keep my eyes open for somewhere close to the tax collection facility that was the m4

[Carrot]

I would prefer some place outside central Cardiff as resent paying the huge price to park my car in the centre.

[daverave999]

Well I always park in the (free) car park in Canton behind the bingo hall (http://maps.google.co.uk/?ie=UTF8&ll=51.48074,-3.194994&spn=0.001253,0.002411&t=h&z=19) if that's any help if you would consider Cardiff. It's about a 15 minute walk from the centre, though Tafarn (http://www.nosda.co.uk/tafarn.php) where we've had the last couple of herfs is actually that side before you get to town. I'd probably suggest The Old Arcade now though, because of the weather.

I'm open to anywhere though. Would be nice to get one happening before Christmas. Any other suggestions?

[Simon-JG-hr]

Plans are in the pipeline for another Cardiff herf this Wednesday afternoon/evening (from about 1630 onwards).

Anyone besides me and Dave interested in popping along (I'll be in the Bear shop stocking up from a little after 1630).

[PoohBore]

Sorry I'll be on the plane to Havana !

[daverave999]

Last chance alert!