Matt Weatherall founder of Special Guest — the event where the audience are the speakers — tells us where to meet folk in the Big Smoke...
Where do people make friends in London? I asked the Special Guest community where they feel welcome and able to properly connect with their fellow Londoners. In no particular order, here are 10 regular events where you’ll find old friends in new ones.
Eating With Elephants
A storytelling supper club reconnecting the loneliest city in the world through good food and true stories. A group of strangers meet over dinner, each tell a story about the 'elephant in the room' (themes like 'guilt', 'shame' or 'jealousy') and, by the end of the night, leave less like strangers and more like friends. Share, listen, laugh, cry, vent, learn, and connect as each person tells their story. You'll leave knowing that life isn't always Instagram-perfect but we're in it together because we all have our elephants in the room.
Eating With Elephants, last Friday of the month, Kindred, Hammersmith, W6 9BW, £39
In Person by Find Enlight
Explore thought-provoking ideas — like patience, systems thinking, and self-doubt — in a warm and welcoming space. Grab a cushion and watch a selection of carefully curated short films, then join a group for a relaxed conversation on the theme. This one is fuel for head and heart. There are usually snacks too.
In Person By Find Enlight, first and third Monday of the month, The Arc, Angel, N1 7DF. Free/donations
SD Weekly
A mid-week coming-together in Deptford, founded by multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Ahnansé, where Steam Down artists and its extended musical family generate spontaneous sonic soundscapes reflecting their lives in the city. But don’t just come for the music. SD Weekly is a place to get down and let go; somewhere to meet new people and communicate through dance and good vibes. To heal from the badness of city life. Every performance is a co-creative experience between musicians and audience where everyone's participation matters, regardless of language, background or nationality.
SD Weekly, every Wednesday, Matchstick Piehouse, SE8 5TQ. Community support fund donation on door
SubjectivityUK
Tired of not being heard? Tired of people speaking on things you've experienced without having your say too? SubjectivityUK is a growing community of people who want to listen and be heard. Their events are safe spaces for sharing stories and truths, where everyone is welcome to contribute to the discussion. Previously, topics of conversation have been themed around sex and religion, broken homes and digital wellbeing.
SubjectivityUK, last Monday of the month. The Old Queens Head, Islington, N1 8LN, £15
Sunday Assembly London
A celebration of life where everyone is welcome. This secular community meets to sing pop songs, hear poetry, listen to fascinating speakers, and then have tea and cake. The main event on a Sunday is orbited by several meet-up groups that you can get involved in, from the choir and band to walking groups, podcast discussions, and board games club. Everyone is welcome, including kids!
Sunday Assembly London, first and third Sundays of the month, Conway Hall, Bloomsbury, WC1R 4RL
Don’t Sleep On Us
A party where black, Asian and minority ethnic change-makers uplift, inspire, and learn from each other. Unlike some networking events, you can go alone and not feel alone. Host Neelam Keshwala brings the good vibes and her energy is infectious. Expect inspiring talks and lots of opportunities to meet your fellow creative changemakers.
Don’t Sleep On Us, every two months, different venues across London, tickets start at £3
CreativeMornings London
This one reminds us of a quote from Lewis Carroll's Through The Looking Glass: "Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." CreativeMornings is a breakfast lecture series popping up in 207 cities around the world. The events are designed to bring together a city’s creative community and inspire making; whether that’s making friends, making change, or making beautiful things. If you’re a freelancer, it’s a great way to meet a co-working buddy for the day.
CreativeMornings London, one Friday morning a month (8.30am-10am), throughout London at different co-working spaces, free
Astromixer
An astrology-themed games night for self-aware adults. There are quizzes, group games, competitions, and opportunities for intimate conversations. Guests are mixed into groups and pairs based on their zodiac signs. It's a unique concept you won't find anywhere else in the city. Thoughtfully designed for genuine connection. You’ll leave having made a friend or two.
Astromixer, every last Friday of the month, The Curtain Hotel, Shoreditch, EC2A 3PT, £10
Rye Here Rye Now
Like a Friday evening at the pub with your studio mates. Rye Here Rye Now brings together designers of all kinds — illustrators, photographers, filmmakers, artists and other creatives. Their events are designed to make networking for creative people easy, relaxed, and fun. There’s also an opportunity to take the floor and invite people to check out your latest exhibition, offer up your skills and find work, or even pitch ideas to potential collaborators.
Rye Here Rye Now, second or third Wednesday of each month, various venues in Peckham Rye, free
Special Guest
OK, I'm slightly biased here but allow me to blow my event's trumpet for a moment. At Special Guest anyone can take the stage for 60 seconds and anything goes. Expect creative talks, shower thoughts, wild stories, searching questions, big ups, idea birthing, talent showcasing, deep and meaningfuls, and more. There’s no running order, you just go when you feel it. Or not, that’s OK too (speakers need listeners after all). It’s rare to hear so many different perspectives in one night. You’ll leave with the reassuring feeling that you’re not alone.
Special Guest, first Tuesday & Friday of the month Pop Brixton, SW9 8PQ and The Ministry, Elephant & Castle, SE1 1DN, tickets: £10
