Hi everyone -

I'm trying to organize a night out for the school I manage and I'd like to know your opinions
about any good bars/clubs that could accomodate a fair amount of people (50-100) who are
all adult learners of English. Preferably someplace welcoming and relaxing, but not too loud
as I'd like everyone to be able to talk to one another. We used to go to the James Joyce in
Taksim but they'd like somewhere new. Problem is, I haven't been out much lately so I'm out
of touch! Any suggestions would be welcome-- especially places that might work with us for
a discount on drinks.

Thanks!

What's the age range?
What's the income range?
Which nights are you thinking of going out?
What time are you meeting?
Do you want food?

Age range would be.... 18-50ish
Higher income, but looking for cheap beers
Nights could be a Friday or Saturday
7 or 8pm - ??
I don't think food would be necessary, but if the venue had it, I'm sure some people would eat

Do you have any suggestions? Any places EIT used for parties in the past that could accomodate
such a group?

Sounds like an EiT event! Same criteria. Think you want to try and reserve somewhere? Where do you want to take them - Taksim/Tünel area?

Our last party was at Venta Del Toro in Galata. Cheap place for beers but wine/cocktails not up to much. There's now a YTL10 charge for the Cuban band per person. Friday is quieter than Saturday so you could reserve downstairs.

In Tünel you could go to Tocc which is the old Taps/Peradox and is empty so more likely you can get a deal on drinks.
Or the bar opposite House Cafe - does it even have a name Empty and has live music sometimes.

Moving up the street, we had a party in Nar Pera, which is down the street with Adidas at the top. Small venue, could fit 50 per floor without chairs. Can get smoky. You'd be able to reserve the place. Next door is Carnival, quiet more of a restaurant vibe.

You could try your luck at any of the French Street bars as they always need business.

Nevizade is the ideal place if you can find somewhere to accommodate you. We did Nevi two years ago and it's got a few floors so you could take one over - not too dark/dirty/studenty/bad beer like other bars around there.

Balo Sokak: You could do Balans and reserve upstairs on the first floor but just make sure you get what you want. Can't remember if Au Pera is still operating under the same name but you could reserve a floor there and get a deal on drinks.

Loads of bars on Imnan Adnan Sokak. Few around the back streets but the crowd can be a bit iffy.

Cafe Krepen next to Balo Sokak was suggested to me for an EiT party as it has a big garden. It's replaced a very old bar.

How about Me Gusta next to Garanti in Taksim Square? You could get your guys a reservation downstairs. Cheap, got those beer dispenser things and the crowd is really mixed, especially after work. There's an equivalent bar across the square that was used for cruising Beer Manca or something...

Perhaps you can have a word with venues that get busy later around 10pm to see if you can go there early - e.g. Mono

----------------------------
You could do what we're doing for the EiT Feb party and go to Cihangir - we've looked at Susam and Noa (above former Leyla) for parties...Noa has a great view but toilets are 2 flights down. Susam is quietish compared to the other bars.

----------------------------

If you want other areas of town I can have a think

Thanks for these great suggestions, Charly! I really appreciate it. I think I will go check out Venta Del Toro
this weekend and see if we can arrange something.... that, or I will go wander around and look into some
of the other ones you suggested!

Thanks again!