Updated: Never — Philip's Blog

Yesterday, we had our second meeting (already) to start the circus around organizing FOSDEM 2008. One of the organizational issues which has been getting more and more painful over the past few years, surprisingly, is the beer event on Friday evening before FOSDEM.

It is quite clear to everyone that Le Roy d'Espagne has become impractical over the past few years. While a very nice location, it is simply too small for the kind of crowd we attract. It is also relatively expensive, even taking into account its central location.

I would certainly still recommend Le Roy d'Espagne for smaller events, but it simply does not scale up to the requirements of the FOSDEM beer event. I also plan to send them a little email to this effect, since I'm sure they'll be very sad to see us go. :-)

A number of other locations have been suggested, none of them particularly interesting. Yesterday however, someone mentioned the Delirium Cafe to me, which looks quite promising. Beer Advocate gives it very good reviews and it seems to be quite a large bar. Certainly larger than Le Roy d'Espagne.

I have contacted them today and I hope we can make a good deal about space, service and rates.

Watch this space. :-)