How to make friends in London?

Question

I moved to the city a few months ago, without really knowing anyone here. I'm 27, and enjoy practically anything - except getting drunk, so alchohol socializing down at the local doesn't work for me that much.
Are there any good social clubs for people who want to meet new friend?
Any hobby-based clubs you know of?
I'm not looking for sex or romance, just people to talk with, go out with, hang out, have fun. Comedy, food, theatre, films, jogging, arts and crafts, all good.

People! where art thee?

Answer 1

Just join the clubs you are interested in. You'll soon make friends.

Answer 2

You could simply head to the pub without drinking alcohol, although it can veer wildly between funny and infuriating watching everyone get inebriated. But you'll be able to spot your fellow non-drinkers easily by around 11pm, as they will be the ones who still remember how to spell their own names.

It's probably a better idea to go to the kind of venue that has events of the kind you mention - arthouse cinemas etc. - and get chatting to the staff in the (inevitable) coffee shop.

Generally speaking, someone who applies for a service job at that kind of venue does so because they have an interest in that kind of thing.

Whilst you may not necessarily make a friend of that staff member, unless they're seriously mean, they should be able to point you in the right direction as far as groups etc. go.

It stands to reason that a society interested in, say, modern art would choose to either meet or at least publicise themselves in the type of venue that they know will be attended by like-minded people.

Whilst it must be a little daunting to step out on your own, as long as you're comfortable with yourself, you should soon find it easy to make a couple of friends with similar interests, even if you have to wade through a few idiots first.

And, remember, once you've made those first few friends, you'll meet their friends, then meet THEIR friends and soon, you'll be struggling to find the time to fit them all in.

Enjoy - there are far too many people in this city for you NOT to meet a kindred spirit somewhere along the line.

Answer 3

Don't contact any of the freaks and stalkers on this site. Get some hobbies, start and evening class at a local FE college, get involved in a local charity something like the foodchain or lifeshare where there are loads of people around and you will soon have some friends to chat to and go out with. Also try and move to a shared house, this will allow you to extend your circle of friends. Look after yourself. London need not be lonely.

Answer 4

How about the Womens Institue, in London there are several new ones that do attract in a young crowd, typically 25 -35 yr old young professionals, not the stereo type. Good way to meet people, you get interesting speakers at meetings and often there are a range of other events as well. I believe there are ones in Highbury & Islington, Clapham, Fulham and Covent Garden.

Answer 5

It is with own experience VERY difficult to communicate with others in London, it is a very cold place to live, why this is I can't quite fathom. Whilst I lived there I was lucky enough to get a job with a lot of other young people and after a month or so I had a lot of friends, had I not got this job I would have probably left pretty quickly, and I did leave london after i left the position. Advice is to get work in a large company.

Answer 6

You should do night classes at The City Lit, which is in Covent Garden.

Enroll early on in the classes because they fill up quickly.

There are Amateur Dramatics societies in most area.

Also there are Book Groups and Writers Goups, such as the River Writers Group, which is good fun.

It isn't that easy to make friends in London, I'm afraid.

Answer 7

I have a few friends at South London. I often go with them to Riverside Studios, Hammersmith or ICA, Central London, to watch some good movies amd stuff. Riverside serves good food as well. They often have double bills (and no ads), so we watch the movies then come downstairs to have dinner between the movies. Our group consists of both girls and boys -equal proportions, and most of the girls don't drink alcohol at all. Decent people, good mix of students and professionals. I also hang out with another group in West London as well, but you won't be comfy there. Feel free to join us.

Answer 8

id talk 2 u on yahoo, send a message

Answer 9

same as your problem, but nice feeling someone feel same problem same as me. so, anytime you like to contect. open 24/7 for friends

ta ta

thanks

Answer 10

I'm in London...