One of the biggest dates in the IT Security calendar is the annual open house for the friends of Portcullis at our pub over the road from Olympia during the week of the Infosec show. The Portcullis arms; now in its fourth year has become an integral part of that industry week and a perfect opportunity for our clients and prospects to meet up in a convivial environment and enjoy the legendary hospitality for which we are famous.

From breakfast meetings at 9am through to one for the road at 7pm we keep the lamplight burning at The Portcullis Arms for all three days of the show to provide decent grub and refreshing liquor for all those whom we know and love. Naturally this is an invitation only event and physical security is put in place in the form of Big Dave to make sure that no unauthorised persons penetrate our perimeter. If you would like to attend next the event in 2008 email us

Here is a report from this year's event: I am glad to report that we had an excellent week at The Portcullis Arms during the week of Infosec 2007 at Olympia. Why so excellent? Well; firstly we had a record number of guests, 50 per cent more people came through our doors than in any previous year. When you consider that all those who visit The Portcullis Arms are invited guests whom we want to see, then the fact that so many more members of our “A list” where able to attend this year, is tremendous.

The week began on a high note when I arrived the day before Infosec to see our huge banner covering the main entrance of Olympia facing the road with a five metre high Portcullis logo emblazoned upon it. This was the first year that the exhibition organisers Reed had chosen not to utilise this site, giving me the chance to seize a unique advertising opportunity. We added the strap line “There are those in the show, and those in the know. In the Arms.” Just for a bit of fun. Unfortunately, it would seem that not everyone shares our sense of humour. By three in the afternoon my mobile starting ringing with concerned calls from a concerned advertising salesmen who told me that the powers that be at Infosec were very upset with my little poster. I continued to take calls until half past ten at night, by which time I had invited all interested parties to breakfast at The Portcullis Arms the next morning.

On Tuesday bright and early I arose from my fairy bower and looked out the hotel window to see the poster smiling back at me from across the street. I stepped into the shower and ten minutes later when the soap ran out I stepped out again to find my poster was gone! A cherry picker was speeding off with my poster in its mouth and I was not best pleased. I tried without success to get someone to admit responsibility and have since handed the matter to our legal department. But the empty space attracted as much attention from our guests at The Portcullis Arms and provided a most entertaining topic of conversation for our guests at the bar. All I can say at this juncture, is just watch this space for what we do next year.

Every year the ownership of the pub we use changes hands from one brewery to another and I’m glad to say that each new owner makes more of an effort for us than the last. This year’s owners, Marston’s, had the entire pub totally refurbished including our function room, which had new carpets, curtains and catering. They had revamped the kitchens and were able to provide wholesome home cooked food for all our appreciative guests. If nothing else, the steak and ale pie should ensure that everyone comes back again in 2008.

Finally congratulations are due to our lucky winner of the prize draw who walked away with a state of the art TYTN pocket PC and our compliments.