Excel boat show

[Althorne]

Some things never change do they people! And we never learn the lessons do we!
Went to the so called NEW boat show yesterday (friday) and while we found the layout a little better and more comfortable the food was as appalling as ever and the prices actually make Earls Court prices reasonable. We bought 2 baguettes from a hot machine in the Viva Cafe with a diet Coke and a coffee and paid £11.15p. Later we had 2 hot dogs at £2.50 each with no onions or extra's of any kind except some sauce from three dirty and grotty bottles only to find the hot dog was cold.
Friends later complained that in the Viva Cafe they had to change i cup of tea twice before it was drinkable and they had just paid £10.90p for 2 rolls and 2 tea's.
Looks like my five yearly visit will be coming back again and we shall be taking lunch with us as usual.

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[robind]

Here! here!

Rob

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[poggy]

It's the people selling the food who can afford the big boats then !!!!!!!!

These things should be regulated by Excell, but I am not sure how the fees are structured. Maybe the licence is very high.

It is a scandal though as there is nowhere else to go.

Poggy

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[waterboy]

Sorry, I do not agree. I am an exhibitor and have been one for 14 years now at the London Show. All the people on my stand, (4 of us) agree that prices and variety of food is much better than Earls Court. There is a huge range to choose from, expensive restaurants to inexpensive hot dog stands - take your pick. Parking is better but getting there is a real mare. Watch out for zillions of speed cameras on the A2 and A20

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[VicMallows]

Surely you've learned by now to take some food of your own? The Guiness isn't that much more than anywhere else in London.

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[Guest]

Disagree. At Earls Court there was Pret a Manger. The sandwiches were good and the prices realistic. At Excel the food was rubbish, the prices ridiculous and most noticeably there was very little queing for it! What does it say for a show when the message people are going home with is all about how the food was a rip-off and not about the exhibitors? I for one went prepared and took a lunch. I expect next year the lines to be even shorter as more people are forewarned.
As far as the rest of the show - it's all very much the same old faces. It's worth going if you want to discuss various bits and pieces directly with manufacturers but otherwise shopping is best done on-line. The cost of the tickets, price of food and hassle getting there make it impossible for a 'family day out'.
I don't think the Southampton Boat Show has anything to worry about.

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[DavidBolger]

Amazed that you guys go to the LIBS for the food. I went for the show itself and I found it fab, well worthwhile and left disappointed that I couldn't stay for 2 days.

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[sailorman]

thought most go for the Guinness

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[dick_james]

I agree about the food/prices inside. Only a mug would pay over two quid for a hot dog but we went just outside to a pub called the fox. Got a good hot steaming lunch for 6.95, not crowded, plenty of room and the drinks reasonably priced too.

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[VicMallows]

How did you get back in? They've always seemed very strict on re-entry and don't have a 'stamp-your-hand' type facillity.

Vic. 'Sundash'

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[fastjedi]

A dandy little 'National Boat Shows' bracet around your wrist ... I assume they are a different colour each day ... Pitty, I could do with another day at the show ... too much to cover in a day

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[VicMallows]

Thanks for the useful info.

Vic

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[dick_james]

Everybody who went out was given a little wrist strap like when in hospital.

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[poter]

Went today..... hate to say guys but maybe attitude adjustment would help.

I had a great time the prices were brill. & most (not all) of the service was excellent.
Food - go to the pasty bar outside on the quay...great prices & very, very, good grub.

The prices for equipment were good & in some cases excellent, I did a stonkin deal for barton kit on the barton stand & purple marine, also have a look at the torches on the Aquapac stand, luv em!
Clothing kit - unbelievable prices for shoes, oilies etc.

BUT... (best till last, eat your heart out) 42 ft bav in Antigua for 2 weeks Xmas 2004 in US $ A great deal!

best show yet, even better than Southampton.


Oh! I agree, beer was a bit expensive but the barton rep did'nt seem to mind.


poter

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