Looking to make new friends in London? From Shoreditch and Hackney to Clapham and Camden, it’s easy to meet locals for simple plans that fit around work, commutes and real life.
Established in 2005, Drinking Partners is one of the UK’s longest‑running platforms for meeting new people and building genuine friendships.
London is full of people, but it can still feel strangely hard to turn chats into real plans. Commutes, busy calendars and neighbourhood life mean your routine might stay local — even if the city is right on your doorstep.
Drinking Partners keeps it simple: find people near you, message first, then meet somewhere familiar when it suits you. It’s for friendship and socialising, not dating — and you can take things at your own pace.
Making friends across London works best when you keep plans local and repeatable. A short walk through Hyde Park, a quick catch‑up around Covent Garden, or a simple meet on the South Bank gives you space to chat without it feeling intense. London can be busy and spread out, so choosing a clear, easy meeting point matters — think Soho, Marylebone, London Bridge or around King’s Cross. Keep the first meet public and time‑boxed so it feels easy to say yes. If you click, suggest another plan soon: a museum wander, a Sunday walk, or a calm evening chat. The second meet is where things start to feel familiar, and that’s what turns an introduction into a friendship. Drinking Partners helps you make those first introductions simple so you can focus on conversation, shared interests, and building something steady in a city that can otherwise feel anonymous.
Making friends as an adult can feel awkward — Drinking Partners makes it easier, more relaxed, and pressure-free, without meeting in large groups or organised events.
Take things at your own pace and connect in a way that feels right for you.
Whether you have just moved to London or want to widen your circle, it is straightforward to meet local people here.
Follow these steps to connect over shared interests, message freely and plan meet that feel comfortable.
It only takes a few minutes to get started:
To get the most out of Drinking Partners and begin to meet new people in London, follow these simple steps:
Share a short intro about yourself and what you enjoy around London. Pick your interests so locals know how to start the conversation.
Add a recent photo to help people recognise you. Profiles with clear photos get more replies and appear higher in local results.
Use GPS search or filter by neighbourhoods across London to find people nearby. Save your favourite profiles and searches for quick access.
Messaging is free, so say hello to people with similar interests. Swap a few messages to see if you get on and keep the pace relaxed.
Set alerts for new people near you, message reads and profile views. Pause notifications or hide your profile whenever you need a break.
When you are ready, suggest meeting in a cafe, park or another public place. Group settings, activities and daytime meet keep things relaxed and safe.
A quick call or video chat first can help break the ice and make meeting up feel natural. You’re always in control — choose who you talk to, take things at your own pace, and only meet when you’re comfortable.
Short, practical guides to help you meet people and make new friends without the pressure.
Real people in London looking to make new friends right now:
31 years old
London, London City
“Hi, recently moved from France to London! Looking…”
There’s no single way to make friends — people connect in all sorts of everyday ways.
Pick an idea and start a conversation that suits you.
Hyde Park (or Kensington Gardens) is ideal for a first meet: open, public and naturally relaxed. Walking side‑by‑side keeps conversation easy, and you can keep it short or extend it with a coffee nearby.
Explore →The South Bank is an easy, well‑known meeting route — from Waterloo towards the Tate Modern. It’s busy enough to feel comfortable, with plenty of places to pause for a quick drink or bite if you’re getting on.
Explore →If you want something central, meet around Covent Garden or Seven Dials for a time‑boxed catch‑up. It’s easy to get to, full of atmosphere, and gives you natural talking points without forcing conversation.
Explore →For a low‑key evening, pick a comfortable spot in Soho or Fitzrovia where you can actually talk. Quieter venues make it easier to get to know someone properly without loud, hectic ‘night out’ energy.
Explore →Answers to common questions about making friends and meeting people in London.
Choose public, easy meeting points like Hyde Park, the South Bank (Waterloo to Tate Modern), Covent Garden, or Soho/Fitzrovia. Clear locations make first meets simpler in a big city.
Keep plans time‑boxed — a short walk, a quick catch‑up, or an early evening chat. The key is arranging a second simple meet soon if you click.
If you’re in different areas, central hubs like King’s Cross, London Bridge, or Covent Garden often work best. Keeping it easy to reach makes follow‑ups more likely.
It’s designed for meeting people and making friends. Many London members simply want more local company and genuine social connection without dating expectations.
Want more tips? Read How to make friends after moving to a new city.
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