To help combat the loneliness epidemic, Londoners are seeking community in the most unlikely places, from book clubs to the city’s art galleries.
The loneliness epidemic has been well documented. According to a Community Life survey, only 20% of people in England reported that they never feel lonely, and the same survey found that young adults between 16-34 years old were the most likely to report that they feel lonely. Another survey commissioned by the Greater London Authority showed that this likeliness to feel lonely was felt more by Londoners, especially by those on low incomes, with disabilities and belonging to many ethnic minority groups.
To combat loneliness, young professionals are seeking innovative ways to connect and engage with others. One example of this is the London Scream Club, which made national headlines. It was started partly as a joke by Mona Sharif on TikTok, but attracted more than 1,000 people to its first event at Primrose Hill. Social clubs are all the rage, and while many of these began as running clubs and book clubs, London’s club scene spans many niches.
From cinema clubs to supper clubs, L360 rounds up the best niche clubs in London that could help you to build a community, make friends and have fun.
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YSO Cinema Club
Founded by Polly Joshua, a partnerships lead based in London, the YSO Cinema Club for girls is fast becoming a viral internet sensation. The club regularly hosts watch parties for the latest TV shows and films. Most recently, it hosted a viewing of Freakier Friday for over 170 people.
While this isn’t a free club, attendees to screenings are treated to food and drinks and often a goodie bag with plenty of beauty bits to enjoy.
Test Kitchen Club by Come Together
If you haven’t heard, supper clubs are the city’s hottest night out. These events are formatted around a chef or theme, for a ‘one-night-only’ kind of collaboration. However, Lena Müller, the event coordinator at Test Kitchen Club, says that she – along with Come Together founder Nikki Chadwick – noticed a gap in the market for something with more connection. “We don’t get the chance to actually chat with the person making our food and vice versa. It seemed like a shame to miss out on the exchange of knowledge and food stories.”
On the last Sunday of every month, guests can join a particular chef’s Test Kitchen and sample some of their delicious food, plus hear insights into their recipe development. Meanwhile, guests can bring recipes of their own to share with the group.
Since they launched the experience in March, the duo have seen over 80 recipes swapped and many new friendships formed.
“In a city as estranged and anonymous as London, we think it’s vital for those genuine human connections to happen and for people to find their tribe,” Lena adds.
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Nimi
With over 1,000 members and partnerships with more than 60 galleries and museums in London, the Nimi collective should be top of the agenda for art enthusiasts. The club runs multiple monthly events, from exhibition tours to gallery strolls. The hosts of the events can vary; some are emerging artists and others might be gallery curators. Whatever the theme, you can be sure that you’ll leave feeling inspired.
The Feminist Book Club
Running in multiple cities throughout the UK, this is a book club like you’ve never seen. The London clubs (broken down into North and South London) meet monthly to discuss books written by women, with other women. They also have a WhatsApp group chat to discuss what’s going on in the local community, and everything book-related.
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Hot Girl Marketing Club
Those who have been in the London social scene for a while will know just how prevalent members-only clubs are in the city. For those who work in finance, The Ned is the mothership. If you’re in the creative industries, Soho House is your home away from home. The clubs allow for those in the same industry to network and share ideas, and the Hot Girl Marketing Club is exactly that – just for the marketing girlies. It’s formatted as a supper club and hosted by Bronte Chandler; members meet over a three-course dinner and even leave with a bag of goodies.
Feature image: Anna Marguerite
