Edinburgh Big Weekend

A host runs the group through a series of short events: tug of war, welly wanging, relay races, and in the highland version caber toss and hammer throw. Everything is scored, there is a leaderboard, and the events are chosen so that being fit is no guarantee of winning. It runs an hour or two outdoors and the host does most of the work, which is the appeal when you have organised everything else yourself. Sportswear and trainers, and something warm for standing between events. Most operators supply the kilts for the highland version.

Standard entry gets the group past the queue on a guest list, which matters because large male groups are the first ones a door turns away. A booth adds a reserved table, a set number of bottles with mixers and a host who looks after the table. Booths are sold on a minimum spend rather than a flat fee at many clubs, so the bottles you order count towards it. Ask what the minimum is and what it includes before you agree to anything. Dress code is enforced hard on stag groups. No sportswear, no trainers at some doors, no matching shirts, and nobody visibly drunk gets in regardless of the booking.

A host pours a flight of four or five spirits and talks through where each comes from, how it is made and what you are supposed to be tasting. There is usually water and something to eat alongside, and the pours are measured rather than generous. Some sessions add a distillery tour, and a gin tasting often includes blending your own bottle to take home. It runs around ninety minutes, sitting down, and it works well for a group that wants a civilised hour before the night rather than another round of pints.

A restaurant taking a large group will usually want a set menu, a deposit and final numbers a few days ahead. That is normal and it works in your favour: the food comes out together and the bill is per head rather than an hour of arithmetic. Tell them about allergies and anyone who does not eat meat when you confirm the numbers, not on the night. Dress code is the restaurant's. If you are heading to a club afterwards, dress for the club, because the restaurant is the softer door.