Derby offers a plethora of excellent restaurants that promise memorable culinary experiences. Whether you’re planning a casual get together, a special celebration, or just a night out to enjoy good food and company, Derby’s dining scene has something for everyone.

Here’s a guide to some of the best restaurants in Derby where you can have a fantastic time with friends.

Bistro Pierre – French Elegance

Bistro Pierre, located in the Cathedral Quarter of Derby. This charming French restaurant offers a delightful combination of elegant ambiance and delectable cuisine.

The warm, inviting atmosphere is perfect for catching up with friends over a glass of wine and a delicious meal. The menu features classic French dishes such as boeuf bourguignon, confit de canard, and moules marinières, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Bistro Pierre is known for its friendly service and relaxed vibe, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely evening with friends.

Lorentes – Spanish Tapas Delight

For a taste of Spain, head to Lorentes on Friar Gate.

This vibrant Spanish restaurant specializes in tapas, offering a variety of small plates that are perfect for sharing. The lively atmosphere and communal dining style make it a great choice for groups.

Enjoy a selection of dishes like patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and chorizo a la sidra while sipping on sangria or Spanish wine. Lorentes’ authentic flavours and convivial setting ensure a fun and memorable dining experience. The casual, lively environment is ideal for a night filled with laughter and great conversation.

Thai Boran – Exotic Flavors

If you’re in the mood for something exotic, Thai Boran on Green Lane is a must-visit.

This cozy restaurant offers an authentic Thai dining experience with a menu full of flavourful dishes. From spicy curries to savoury stir-fries, each dish is crafted with traditional Thai ingredients and techniques. Share plates of pad Thai, green curry, and tom yum soup with your friends as you enjoy the restaurant’s warm, inviting atmosphere.

Thai Boran’s friendly staff and delicious food make it a fantastic place for a relaxed and enjoyable meal with friends.

The Forge Black Rock Steakhouse – Sizzling Fun

For a unique dining experience, visit The Forge Black Rock Steakhouse.

Here, you have your steak cooked exactly the way you like it, served on a hot black rock right at your table. This interactive dining style is not only fun but also ensures your meal is cooked to perfection.

The menu features a variety of meats and seafood, making it a great place for a group of friends with diverse tastes. The lively atmosphere and unique concept make The Forge an unforgettable dining destination.

Conclusion

Dining out with friends in Derby is a delightful experience, thanks to the city’s diverse and vibrant restaurant scene.

From the elegant French charm of Bistro Pierre to the lively Spanish vibes at Lorentes, the exotic flavours of Thai Boran, and the interactive fun at The Forge Black Rock Steakhouse — there’s something for everyone.

So, gather your friends and explore the best that Derby has to offer – delicious food, great company and unforgettable memories await.

That’s right, 2015 is on it’s way and marks a new horizon of exciting things to come for everybody here at MixingOut. Yep, it’s all about getting out more, meeting new and exciting people and having a great 2015.

And to get the ball rolling, we’re pleased to announce that MixingOut will be expanding to Nottingham as of January next year!

Nottingham joins in the fun

That’s right, Nottingham joins the MixingOut fun as of 2015. We’ve already taken a good look around the city and visited some of the friendliest bars, clubs and venues we think would make excellent places for groups to meet up and hang out (more about those venues coming soon on our website).

MixingOut has seen massive success in Derby since we launched there earlier this year, with over a thousand members using our social network, and now we’re very excited to be taking the party to Nottingham. We’ll be rolling out events at the start of the new year, beginning with our ever-popular ‘Ladies That Lunch’ sometime in the near future – so keep an eye out for that, ladies of Nottingham!

So, if you’re new to Nottingham and looking to meet new friends, or if you already live in the city and feel like trying something different, meeting up with lots of new people who just want to have a good time, then sign-up to MixingOut and get a heads-up on the latest goings on near you. Click here to sign up for one of the 250 FREE accounts that are available.

In the meantime, be sure top keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter for further developments and MixingOut News.

Living life in the fast lane

Above: Having a ball at Tenpin Bowling Derby

Remember the last time you went bowling? You probably had a blast, right? Everybody loves bowling! And that’s just what our Derby members decided when they were coming up with ideas for a fun night out that everybody would enjoy.

We rolled up at Tenpin Bowling (you can check their venue out here) for a few games and a couple of drinks. Be advised though; drink responsibly, kids, because alcohol can seriously impede your ability to bowl!

After one too many gutter-balls, we decided to take things a bit more seriously and have a friendly competition – guys against the girls, as standard. Needless to say it was of a disgrace to the sport. But everybody had a laugh and a really great time all the same. Definitely something we want to do again and would certainly suggest to all our MixingOut members who fancy a great night out without having to hit the bars and clubs. Fun, relaxed, and a great activity for mingling with new and old friends.

Comedy Night, The Bless

Above: No, no that kind of Bless!

Monday nights are Standup Comedy Night at the Blessington Carriage and even though it’s become a regular event for some our MixingOut members, we wanted to mention it here because of its growing popularity amongst newer members also. And needless to say, our last event at The Bless this month was another big success.

]]> https://www.mixingout.com/blog/meeting-new-people-is-easy-when-you-know-what-to-say/ Tue, 04 Nov 2014 17:12:04 +0000 http://mixingout.com/blog/?p=355 Wherever you go, whether it’s down to your local ghetto or across the other side of the world to some distant shanty in the middle of nowhere – it certainly pays to know the lingo. Otherwise, who can say what kind of trouble a simple misunderstanding of the term “blood-pact” may get you in to?

Whilst you aren’t going to find yourself in nowhere near as a precarious situation as a gangland shooting, it’s still worth brushing up on the appropriate vernacular for your next MixingOut get-together. So with that being said, we’ve put together some useful slang that should see you in good stead nicely…. maybe.

Brofie (Bro-fee)

A “selfie” with your bro. In other words, a picture that’s been taken on your smartphone of you (by you) and another guy, in full-on “selfie” pose.

There’s probably a female equivalent but an all girl selfie is such a regular occurrence, there doesn’t seem a need to give it a name. Sorry, ladies.

Oskilio (Osk-ee-leo)

Taken from the Alpha, Bravo Alphabet; Oskilio combines Oscar and Kilo to mean O.K. (as in everything is okay) and mashes it together with “coolio” – a painfully outdated term meaning pretty much the same thing.

We predict it will be HUGE, quickly making its way into the English dictionary along with “selfie” and “twerk”, before succumbing to absolute obscurity. So you might not want to use it by the time this post goes live…

Minesweeper (Mine-sweeper)

Somebody who goes around blagging drinks at a party or at a bar amongst a group of friends, only to avoid the very same people who have already bought them a drink (and possibly expect one in return) upon their second go-around.

Snappening (Snap-en-ing)

When something newsworthy is taking place abruptly on Snap Chat. Kind of like a live rundown of a good night out, including the buildup and the aftermath.

You might be a bit too old for trick or treating but that shouldn’t stop you from going out and meeting friends this Halloween. October 31st is right around the corner and as part of our special Halloween Survival Guide, we’ve put together this list of things to do for all you guys who really want to get into the spirit of things.

Hospitality Halloween

What is it: A monster line-up of some of the best live music acts and DJ’s, at one of the city’s biggest venues.

Where is it: The O2 Academy, Crookridge Street, Leeds.

When is it: Friday October 31st from 10pm to 6am.

What to expect: Acts include the likes of drum & bass duo Camo & Krooked, Mia Dora and DJ Pete Graham. So you can expect to be up long after the dead have returned to their graves and a little worse for ware than any remaining zombies stumbling through the streets. If you want to secure entrance then book your tickets here.

The Sin Lounge, Halloween Special

What is it: A night of raving, dancing and scarily good music from House Nation. They’ll also be serving up some special Halloween-themed drinks, so you know you’re going to be in for a really good time!

Where is it: The Sun Lounge, Derby City Centre.

When is it: Saturday November 1st from 7pm to 3am.

What to expect: Banging tunes, great atmosphere and plenty of party revellers. An all-round epic night out for anybody who fancies a good time!

Halloween Story Walks

What is it: A lantern-lit stroll through Allestree with folklore storyteller, Sophie Snell. You’ll stop by some of the area’s creepiest, most haunted locations and hear all about their bloody history.

Where is it: Groups meet at Allestree Hall and progress through the gardens and grounds.

When is it: There’s two variations of this event. One taking place from 5pm and again at 6:30pm for families. And a later walk for adults at 8pm. All walks take place on Thursday October 30th.

What to expect: If you’ve never been on a ghost walk, they can be as entertaining as they are informative. Perfect if you and your friends are interested in folklore and scary goings on. Should make for interesting talk over a few drinks later that night!

Dancers Halloween Jam

What is it: A fancy dress party for everyone of all ages, so even you responsible parents out there can go out and have some fun while the kids are kept entertained. There’ll be karaoke, games, prizes for best costumes and even a photo room for spooky selfies.

Where is it: A little bit out of Derby, this one. The QMX Academy, Nottingham City Centre.

When is it: Friday October 31st from 7pm to 11pm. Bookings must be made before October 28th, so get on it here.

What to expect: Fun, friendly and easygoing. If you’re coming from Derby, with or without the kids in-tow, you’ll need to arrange transport. So don’t expect to be up all hours at this event.

The end of October is probably best known for one of three things: beer gardens closing down, wearing shorts outdoors becoming less acceptable, and only 54 shopping days left until Christmas. However, for those of us with a child-like taste for the theatrics it’s also time for dusting off those pumpkins (ooh-err) and getting out your best fancy dress. Because October for most people under eleven means Halloween time!

Love it or loath it, October 31st is creeping up like a deranged psychopath with a bloody knife. And that means you’ll either be standing outside in the cold, daubed in makeup and drinking with your mates… or inside, not daubed in makeup and drinking with your mates. So in the sprit of things – no pun intended – we’ve decided to put together this Halloween Survival Guide for all our MixingOut members who want to embrace the frightening festivities or shy away from them.

Don’t fancy dressing up? No Worries!

If dressing up like a “Zombie Nurse/Celebrity” really isn’t your idea of a good time, there’s still plenty of things you can do with friends this Halloween.

1. Drinking Games, Horror Movie Style

The premise of this activity is quite simple. Sit down with a bunch of friends in front of a classic horror movie and every time somebody onscreen does something stupid (i.e. goes back into the scary house, leaves an attacker supposedly unconscious without taking said attacker’s disarmed weapon, or splitting up into search parties) you take a drink. You’ll get hammered very quickly.

2. Ouija Board Monopoly

Ordinarily, we wouldn’t advocate the use of an Ouija board. But when you’re playing Monopoly, we can’t imagine any unexplainable mishaps, except maybe the odd hotel going missing. The same rules of traditional Monopoly apply except you get to rename all the locales, such as “Elm Street” and “Leicester Scare” – only not as lame as that.

3. Friday Night Out

The best thing about Halloween this year? October 31st falls on a Friday, so there’s no need to stay in! Even though there’ll be Halloween themed events going on near you, there’ll also be plenty of venues putting on alternative events if you’re not into that sort of thing. Perfect!