664795 Wed Nov 04 16:38:41 -0800 2009 1 13 New England 0 5156622 My boss volunteered me to organize our group's year-end party and I, like a fool, agreed. Any suggestions on venues? Bars with character and space? Previous meetings were downtown Hartford, with gatherings at Pigs Eye and The Pour House. Feedback from last year was that the Pour House was a little crowded. Parameters: 1) Year-end business meeting will be held off Exit 38 in Windsor, CT, so nearby locations are preferred. I don't see any problem with driving 15-20 minutes (eg, Buckland or Simsbury), as long as there's parking. 2) Venue to hold ~130 people (Union Street Tavern's organizer says they're too small). 3) Gathering will be from ~noon - 5pm, and we'd book the whole joint. 4) We'd arrange for an open bar, and outside catering is OK 5) Apparently, pool tables are a must. 6) Hotels are off-limits (wonders if there's some history with that one) Thanks in advance for your suggestions! Wed Nov 04 16:38:41 -0800 2009 1121795 jdanke 1 5156911 In Simsbury you can try Maple Tree Cafe, but not sure of the size of their private room. The Old Well in Tariffville has good space but not much character, although it has pool tables and the food is OK. Wed Nov 04 18:53:58 -0800 2009 5156622 132832 Tinkerbelldee