Rachel New’s dating and friendship events

Rachel and her clients recommend these events in London that they have found to be welcoming and inclusive – although of course there are no guarantees!

Ongoing singles and friending events in London

Daisy Connections: neuroinclusive speed friending events for different energies and vibes

The London Neurodivergent Friendship Group (L.N.F.G.)

Silent Book Club London

Neuroinclusive events directory

National Empty Chairs events

The Walk and Talk Movement

Art dating events

Pitch your bestie: recommend your friend for dating at this new popular event

Baking and chocolate dating events with new app, Omera Dating

Balancers: Meetup social with organised games and structured conversations

The Offline Club: London events for authentic human connection … without phones!

Storiboard Club: Events include film club, darts, salsa, dinner

Red Lips events

Haystack Dating events

Slow Dating at the Library

Thursday dating app in-person events: Pizza making, running, rounders, dodgeball, volleyball and more

Singles events in Kent, Sussex, Surrey (straight and LGBTQ+ nights)

Besides Work: social events

Bored of Dating Apps: Very popular big events bringing single people together in real life in cities across the UK

It’s a Date events in London

Dinner dating in London

Article: The perks and pitfalls of London dating by Elise Wylie

Speed dating events

Naturally Dating: speed dating events in London and around the UK

City Swoon speed dating for ages up to 45, gay and straight

Date in a Dash: singles events and speed dating for ages up to 58

True Dating: they guarantee that if you don’t meet at least one person you like, your next event is free

Sober speed dating

Meet new people over fifty

The Otto Connection: Make new friends over fifty

Stitch: Another network with events for the over fifties

Singles events in Kent, Sussex, Surrey (straight and LGBTQ+ nights)

Meet new people who share your interests at meetups

There are thousands of meetup groups holding regular events in London for different age groups with interesting, normal people, to suit every interest from philosophy to games nights to tennis. Here are a few:

Singles Meetup Group – free social meetups, speed dating nights, parties, club evenings and dance nights, dinners, weekends away and holidays all for adventurous singles and anyone looking to make a great set of new friends

Contact Singles – very friendly and caring organisers who will make you feel safe and comfortable, for making friends as well as finding love; they also run an online dating site on the website

Meetup group for over forty-fives

Fun and unusual events in London – this group offer regular socials for singles of varying age ranges in bars

International Social Hub – meetup for people from everywhere

Meet new friends at a dance class or event

Salsa 4 Fun

London Salsa Events

Salsa Teca

Outdoor Cuban Salsa and Rueda

Bishopsgate Institute dance events

What people said about Rachel’s events 2016-2025

“Rachel’s healthy dating event was a really good way to meet a variety of people, share experiences and open up on a subject that can be hard to discuss with others. Rachel was able to break the ice in the group quickly and encouraged everyone to contribute in the way they felt comfortable.” 

“I had a really good time at Rachel’s healthy dating event. Rachel did a fantastic job of keeping everyone included and encouraging meaningful conversation. I was encouraged to find there were other nice, friendly people who are dating!“

 “Rachel’s communication style is exceptional. She communicates clearly, thoughtfully, and with great empathy, making it easy for participants to engage in meaningful discussions while also ensuring that all perspectives are considered. Rachel skilfully facilitated interaction, ensuring that all attendees felt comfortable contributing. After the first workshop, we received positive feedback from staff on how much they enjoyed the session with Rachel – we then had more staff signing up to the second and third workshops, which highlighted how popular Rachel was!” Rozina Ahmed, Chair of the Women’s Network, Greater London Authority.

Photo by Nina Photography 2024

“Rachel put participants at ease and created a relaxed yet purposeful atmosphere. Rachel’s input was well researched, relevant and inclusive. She interacted very naturally and graciously during the Q&A session afterwards, showing genuine interest in others. A fun and helpful evening.”

“The talk was informative and fun; for someone who’s been dreading dating, it helped me to see dating as just another activity to enjoy and experience thanks to your tips. I don’t feel reluctant anymore!” 

Event attendees having fun with a game involving a teddy bear

Photo by Nina Photography 2024

“I had an enjoyable time at Rachel’s event and found it very useful to try out some of Rachel’s dating questions in real life. The group was easygoing and it was interesting to hear their dating experiences.“

“Fun research findings, useful practical tips (e.g. keep your initial online message to a person short), and a chance to interact with others in the room.  An evening well spent!”

“I really enjoyed Rachel’s talk – especially the sections about messaging and how to be more concrete in your dating profile.”

Event attendees having fun with a game involving a teddy bear

Photo by Nina Photography 2024

“Rachel’s talk was very interesting and interactive – she has a wealth of information to offer especially on those potentially challenging first few weeks of dating. Really enjoyed the talk and gained a lot of insight. Thank you, Rachel.”

“Rachel’s excellent course was both interesting and entertaining, offering invaluable practical tips and advice supported by scientific research results.”

“Well thought out and entertaining workshop.”

“Really brilliant.  I really enjoyed it.”

London New Year Workshop 2020

“Rachel’s dating talk was informative and word to the wise of anyone who chooses to enter the lion’s den of 21st century dating.  Rachel provides all the proverbial tools without having to enter fully kitted in combat gear or with a lifelong membership with BUPA!”

“Rachel’s talk was excellent. It was a lot of fun asking unusual questions to make deep connections. I met some fascinating people who can become friends. It gave me more confidence to meet women in real life.”

“Really enjoyed the evening – interactive, insightful, engaging, interesting.”  

London Social 2023

“Rachel’s dating workshop is a fun, fabulous and flirty event. She’s a great host, delivering her hard-won, smart insights into the dating scene in a truly warm and engaging way and always with a twinkle in her eye. Planning and execution were excellent. She devised activities that were highly effective in getting us all to share ideas and experiences. Witty, acerbic and never shy of making the odd controversial comment on the baffling world of internet dating, Rachel seemed an old hand.” 

“Rachel’s talk was very informative and fun. She gave great insight into the psychology of dating, along with great advice when approaching people online. I will definitely be more mindful of what I learnt when messaging on dating apps.” 

 

Photo by Nina Photography 2024

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