The long line, the slow night and everything between
Tuesday through Saturday. Sundays and Mondays the building is dark and the coals are cold.
Night by night
What is on when
TuesdayFirst-timers' hour at five, free, dealer at the table4pm – 1am
WednesdaySlow night, the bell rings every second hour4pm – 1am
ThursdayThe long line, every table on the hourly signal4pm – 1am
FridayBusiest night, book the grill ahead4pm – 1am
SaturdayEarly doors, tables full from seven3pm – 1am
SundayCoals clearedClosed
MondayDeliveries onlyClosed
Thursday
What the long line actually is
On Thursday the whole floor plays to the same clock. The bell goes on the hour, every table finishes its hand, and for two minutes the room stands up, stretches and swaps around.
It sounds fussy written down. In practice it means a stranger sits at your table roughly once an hour, which is the single best thing about the night.
Nine signals in an evening, from five until one. Nobody counts them except the person ringing the bell, who is usually very pleased with the job.
Tue 5pm
First-timers' hour, four seats, no charge.
Wed all night
Slow tables, bell every second hour.
Thu from 5pm
The long line, nine signals, every table in step.
Over 18?
This building is licensed and the whole of it is for adults: a bush kitchen at the front and six card tables behind.
