DRINK IT ALL IN!
The Drink was established in 2020 after starting out as a small bike and car meeting back in 2015 organised by Mark Phillips and Dave Gurney at the Green Dragon Pub in London Colney, Hertfordshire. After running out of parking space it moved in 2019 to the Broadlakes Social Club and rapidly started attracting a variety of American car and custom and vintage bike owners, becoming known as a weekly meeting of like-minded petrolheads and enthusiasts.
In 2020 things really took off during the hot summer after many lockdown restrictions were lifted, with 80 cars on a Tuesday night and 300 bikes on Wednesday evenings. Again, a move was on the cards to allow for this growth and in 2021 The Drink moved to the Crooked Billet pub in Colney Heath, which allowed the use of the pub’s one-acre field, giving even more space.
The Drink end-of-summer party was arranged for September 25, which ironically clashed with last year’s petrol shortage and that severely affected attendance. However, they do have a very loyal group of members who have been so supportive and have been with the event over the years, so they managed to scrape by and had a wonderful bash last autumn.
In 2022 The Drink is moving to an even larger venue which will allow the organisers to accommodate more than 100 cars and motorcycles. The premises has its own bars and hall which is to be used as a music venue during the event’s Tuesday night meets and monthly rock ’n’ roll nights, with live bands and trade stalls selling mid-century fashion, vinyl and homeware.
The Drink has tied up with the Race the Waves beach race in Bridlington, East Yorkshire this summer. As a result the organisers will be running Rockin’ the Beach which will host all the live music events over three nights during the races, at local hotels, so the participants have a weekend of live rockabilly bands and DJs to entertain them after a long day’s beach racing.
The events have gone from strength to strength since starting up more than six years ago. With continued support and the current growth patterns the organisers feel the public and members are truly in touch with their take on these weekly and monthly meetings, and they hope to continue to offer a great time for everyone attending. For more up-to-date information check out The Drink’s Facebook page – search for ‘The Drink’.