Let me explain how work meetings work. It all starts, how else, with a meeting. It's usually one of the long ones, unnecessarily scheduled, full of people that are not sure why they got the invite in the first place. But they come all the same, pull out an A4 notepad, assume an important face and pretend to understand everything that is being said. The reality is different though and EVERYONE is thinking something like “what the hell DFST stands for, must be something like Digital Factorial Superimposing Trihydrate? I am hungry. Oh I would kill for a burger. ”
“John, what is your opinion on the DFST proposal?”
Now we have a problem. At least, John has a problem. For one, he really wants a burger. But also he has to say something, breaking his pleasant daydreaming and entering the reality. Luckily, there’s certain words one can say in any meeting, going along these lines:
“Yeah, I mean, DFST is interesting, although I believe we didn't explore the topic properly and should hear from GSTR on the subject. I’d personally be in favour of going ahead with your proposal Nick, but I’d reckon we should discuss this more thoroughly”
Nick flinches, as he has no idea what GSTR means and is unwilling to admit that in front of all the sharp looking faces, deep frowns and intelligent remarks. Thus he only admits:
“That’s a good point John, I will follow up on this and schedule another meeting, so that we flesh this out a bit more. We might need a whole stadium though, if we need all folks from GSTR there, HAHA!” making an attempt at a joke, but almost breaking down from all the uncertainty of what the hell he was saying.
Everyone laughs nervously suddenly, also breaking their respective day dreamings, unsure how much it is appropriate to laugh at the size of GSTR. Things are eventually slowly wrapped up, everyone taps John on the back for such a smart resolution of the 2 hour deadlocked horror and John finally goes for a burger. And day or two later, an invite for a new 2 hour meeting with the whole GSTR is sent around, with a vague agenda of:
- Introductions
- Discussing DFST
- GSTR point of view
- Any other business
And that’s how meetings work. (Btw, conferences are not very different. As Martin said: "conferences are the places where everyone sits quietly and thinks of what they're going to say when it's their turn". But let's talk about that next time).
So on 12th of June, me and Nigel went to London for a meeting. Luckily, though, this was one of the exceptions to the recipe defined above. The meeting was relaxed, relevant for us all, the right size and length. A true weirdo amongst meetings population, indeed. So that's a reason why I felt like the trip was worth it. But, just perhaps, was there another reason as well?
We entered Franco Manca pizzeria by Victoria station just before 1pm, for a late lunch. The place was one of the new breed of hipsterish pizzerias, very comparable to the recent visit to Peasano’s in Glasgow. In short, these places offer nice modern open space, few solid choices with options to customize and a quick, simple service. Tables are packed close together so you get to hear neighbouring conversations as if having a family dinner. And finally, prices are surprisingly affordable. Not much more to say, but what else do you need? Low fares, made simple. But more legroom than in Ryanair!
I opted for two pizzas, as I was quite hungry - a number 4 with wild mushrooms and a "old spot ham" and a pure Marinara, as is the habit on my recent pizza hunts. Nigel chose a Margherita. Just about 10 minutes later, the three beauties filled our little table and being surrounded by other tables from each side, it felt a bit packed, almost claustrophobic. But they DID look stunning! Don't you think?
- GSTR point of view
- Any other business
And that’s how meetings work. (Btw, conferences are not very different. As Martin said: "conferences are the places where everyone sits quietly and thinks of what they're going to say when it's their turn". But let's talk about that next time).
So on 12th of June, me and Nigel went to London for a meeting. Luckily, though, this was one of the exceptions to the recipe defined above. The meeting was relaxed, relevant for us all, the right size and length. A true weirdo amongst meetings population, indeed. So that's a reason why I felt like the trip was worth it. But, just perhaps, was there another reason as well?
We entered Franco Manca pizzeria by Victoria station just before 1pm, for a late lunch. The place was one of the new breed of hipsterish pizzerias, very comparable to the recent visit to Peasano’s in Glasgow. In short, these places offer nice modern open space, few solid choices with options to customize and a quick, simple service. Tables are packed close together so you get to hear neighbouring conversations as if having a family dinner. And finally, prices are surprisingly affordable. Not much more to say, but what else do you need? Low fares, made simple. But more legroom than in Ryanair!
I opted for two pizzas, as I was quite hungry - a number 4 with wild mushrooms and a "old spot ham" and a pure Marinara, as is the habit on my recent pizza hunts. Nigel chose a Margherita. Just about 10 minutes later, the three beauties filled our little table and being surrounded by other tables from each side, it felt a bit packed, almost claustrophobic. But they DID look stunning! Don't you think?
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Later on, writing the post in the train, I realized I don't have an opinion of co-hunter Nigel. But thanks to advances to modern technologies of instant messaging services, I managed to attain the following, very professional statement, I must say!
"I guess some people might argue that this is not 'real pizza but I can't really fault it. The dough was soft but the base was still scorched nicely. The tomato, basil and mozzarella topping was fresh. The service was efficient and the price was cheap especially by London standards. The restaurant itself maybe lacked ambiance - it didn't feel very Italian. Still I would go back if I was in the area."
All in all, ladies and gents, although still far from top places of my pizza hunt list, one thing can be said for certain: if you're hungry and are somewhere round Victoria, you will not go wrong with Franco Manca's.
So next time you’re there, perhaps after that long DFST meeting with GSTR, you know where to go ;-)
Dough - 7
Ingredients - 8
Sauce - 7
Atmosphere - 7
Service - 7
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