@ yorkie mick
Agree with some of your comments on pub meets / social meets.
I don't think there's a size that fits all - so different groups use various different sources and sites that eventually crossover in some ways, due to the nature of biking groups.
Not so sure a database would work, but area meets of larger groups are always best when planned and discussed with the venues in advance.
For example, jinx posts on here for the Gloucestershire pub meets each week - which are some of the biggest I've ever been to. They have their own site - which is well established and collects for the air ambulance.
Lincolnshire meets are also large and well established. So much so, that they split the groups into cruisers / sports bikes.
It's an excellent site, too.
Yorkshire is also well covered - but isn't on its own site. The Biker Guide is usually pretty useful as a start.
I guess it's down to the usual enthusiasts drumming up support and keeping things going.
This is a great site for social events - again, organised by long standing members from all over the country....going all over the country!
If you want to post a pub meet, I'm sure you'll get some responses