Last week, a new organization called the Hayes Valley Social Club popped up in the neighborhood. Curious, we got in touch with the group's founder Bill Dickenson, who gave us the lowdown on the new club.
“The genesis of it all is my 30 years in hotels and restaurants,” Bill explained. “I wanted to bring together the community I live in ... introduce them to the owners and operators of local businesses ... and provide an insider’s view on etiquette, food and beverage.”
Bill is a third generation San Franciscan. He remembers what Hayes Valley used to be like and, above all, wants the Club to be a celebration of the Hayes Valley community.
(Images via The Beer Hall, Fig & Thistle and Muka)
Though it's still a work in progress, the club is about bringing Hayes Valley residents together in support of local businesses, with gatherings at local venues, classes, and other social opportunities in the offing.
So far, the Club has three charter member venues: the Beer Hall, Muka and Fig & Thistle. The aim is very much to get the greater community involved, and Bill is currently planning to run classes, including cooking classes and tutorials on how to make alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The reason that the Hayes Valley Social Club may not have come to everyone’s attention is that it is still finding its feet. However, the official launch of the Club is now scheduled to take place on July 1st at Muka. Here's what's on the docket:
"Come and join us to talk about the drinks, entertainment and food we enjoy. Meet neighbors and owners and staff of local restaurants and other hospitality industry insiders."
If you are interested in finding out more, head down to Muka between 3pm and 9pm on July 1st. You can also sign for the Club here.
We'll keep you updated with more details and activities of the Club as we learn more.
