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We had a similar experience to DC. Myself and the Missus arrived pretty late (maybe about 9:45). Was half expecting it to be absolutely packed, but it was the opposite - surprisingly quiet.
We first went to the second floor and asked at the bar about the batch party (asked one of the staff that is one of the more knowledgeable about craft beer). He shook his head and pretty much said definitely not tonight! So we just ordered a pint there and then. Wandered up to the top floor then were we walked around and noticed the signs on the tables for batch party! Wasnt sure if it was reserved for someone else or what was going on, so we just sat at a small round table beside the bar. After finishing our first pint, we decided to try that bar for a free sample, and again a puzzled look (which was strange considered DC had got a sample already at this stage I assume). Showed them an email (which said about the free samples), had to run to the main bar down stairs with the barman, showed them the email to which the barman said it doesnt even say what the free samples are! Finally another barman came over and said its free samples of the seasonal! Ran back up stairs and we got our free pints. Got a few dirty looks for stealing the barman from a few polish lads in leather jackets at the bar - feic it, free pint!! <!-- s:D --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s:D -->

It was a bit of a mess overall in terms of how it was organized, just the fact that no one actually knew about it! We were happy enough that it was pretty quite in fairness, didnt want anything mad as the missus was working the next day. We managed to get 2 free pints each (4 total) so it was grand in the end! After the second free one, we just ordered other pints <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->
We also stayed until the stroke of midnight. It was usual new years count down affair!

Sounds like a mess all right. The previous batch parties generally had 50 to 80 people so I wouldn't call it quiet. They also had the brewer going around and talking to people about the beer. Hopefully this was a one off mess and not the sign of things to come.