How To Make Friends In London

• Location: 48 Margaret St, W1W 8SE
• When: every Sunday from 28th June
• Price: from £25
• Why we recommend: nothing forges new friendships like an epic voyage to faraway fantasy lands 

Looking to make a new pal or two? Hop aboard a hand‑built 17th‑century pirate ship in the heart of London's Fitzrovia for an unforgettable voyage.

If you're flying solo, you'll be assigned a team to work with as you navigate cursed waters, strike uneasy bargains with undead quartermasters and overcome a fiery finale that reacts to your every choice. Tickets start from just £25 and include a welcome glass of grog.

• Location: across London
• When: varies
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: classes are a great way to make new friends in London, and there are so many across the city to try out - you're spoiled for choice

Want to make new friends and learn a new skill? Kill two birds with one stone by trying out one (or more) of these brilliant classes. And whatever you're into, you can bet that there'll be a class offering it somewhere in London.

Check out our list of over 80 different workshops and hands-on sessions, on everything from cooking to yoga, painting and even rug-making.

• Location: 87-91 Hackney Road, Hoxton, E2 8FE
• When: multiple recurring events
• Price: from £10
• Why we recommend: this is our top pick for gamers, with all kinds of unique mixers and events to show off your skills

Calling all gamers, The Arcanist's Tavern in Hoxton is a great place to bond with others over your interests. This is an immersive tabletop gaming cafe, complete with custom tables for TTRPGs and Wargaming, alongside a board game library of over 300 games.

They host regular events here too, where you can come as a group or solo and play with other attendees. Think beginner-friendly evenings of Dungeons and Dragons or Daggerheart, monthly quizzes or even interactive comedy game shows.

• Location: 5 Aquatic Walk, Stratford, E20 2AS
• When: every Monday
• Price: £8
• Why we recommend: whether you come down here alone or with friends, you're sure to leave with a few more

Looking to battle it out over board games and make a new pal or two? Get down to the Monday meetup at Draughts. 

There's plenty of food and drink available across the night to keep you refreshed. Grab a ticket for just £8 and you'll get access to the library of over 1,000 games.

• Location: across London
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £8.80
• Why we recommend: these guys are well-versed in bringing people together, and they've got multiple events to suit every vibe

Taking place across multiple London venues, Socialite Connections host all kinds of events. They offer networking for professionals, as well as more chilled gatherings like singles parties and mixers specifically designed for making friends.

These are very affordable, starting from as little as £8.80 per person. And with helpful hosts and a clear event schedule on hand, they've got everything you need to make things run smoothly.

• Location: across London
• When: varies
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: joining a club or sports team is a tried and tested method for meeting new people, and we're big fans of padel

Starting a new hobby is one of the best ways of making friends in London, and padel is a top choice. A hybrid of squash and tennis, this game is energetic, exciting and a whole lot of fun.

The sport is becoming increasingly popular up and down the UK, and we've picked out our favourite spots to play. From Rocket Padel in Ilford to Padium in Canary Wharf and Powerleague in Shoreditch, find your nearest court and start playing with potential new friends.

• Location: various
• When: various
• Price: from free
• Why we recommend: whether you like a tipple while you read or a a hearty debate, there's a book club for you in the city

Nothing sparks a conversation like a good book. Wherever you are in the city there's a group of bibliophiles ready and waiting to chat about their latest love. From monthly meetups with famous names to bookworms that meet in bars over a glass of wine or two, a warm welcome awaits.

Cosy London Book Club runs sessions right across the city as well as opportunities to socialise with its 'speed book dating' segments (but don't worry, there's no actual matchmaking). Elsewhere, BookBar's Book Club blurs the lines between bookshop, wine bar and social salon with virtual author interviews and lively group discussions.