The link up thing in my town means a drink and some pleasent chit chat at the local pub. Id go with him have a couple of drinks, chat some and enjoy it. Whether he has an alterer motive for asking you there or not id just enjoy it. Cross the do you fancy him bridge if and when it comes.
im in a simular situation myself..a friend from college who i aint seen for just over a year but i have kept in touch with through msn. Wants me to go for a night out with him a drink and pulling session was his words. But when i suggested an afternoon drink, he was in all agreement, afternoons dont hold much of a pulling prospect if you ask me. But i find them more comfy less people around no real crowds. Were both single and not having much luck with the other sex, people we like or have liked let us down.