5 of the best places to meet people in London IRL (2026)

Let’s be honest, we are all tired of the apps. The doom-scrolling on Hinge, the ghosting on Tinder, and the endless “hey, how was your weekend?” conversations that go absolutely nowhere. It’s exhausting.

In 2026, the trend is shifting back to “Real Life.” We crave organic connections, eye contact, and actual chemistry. But London can be a tough nut to crack. Walking up to a stranger in a tube station is generally frowned upon (and a bit creepy), and most people in pubs stick to their own friendship circles like glue.

So, where do you actually go to meet eligible singles without it feeling forced? You need environments that encourage interaction. Forget the silent cinemas. Here are the 5 best spots in London to put down your phone and meet someone the old-fashioned way.

1. The Ultimate Wingman: BAM Karaoke Box Victoria

Okay, hear me out. You might think private karaoke is just for established groups, but it is actually the secret weapon of London’s dating scene. It is the perfect venue for a “Group Set-Up” or a “Single Mates Mixer.”

Instead of a terrifying one-on-one blind date, gather three of your single friends, tell your crush to bring three of theirs, and book a room. Why does it work? Because karaoke destroys the “cool” barrier. You cannot have an awkward silence when everyone is screaming The Killers. It accelerates the bonding process by about six months. Plus, the bar area at BAM Victoria is a vibe in itself, a speakeasy style space where the cocktails are strong and the crowd is always in a party mood. It’s the easiest place to strike up a conversation.

2. The Sweatworking Scene: Midnight Runners

Run clubs have officially replaced nightclubs as the best place to pull. Seriously. Midnight Runners (and similar groups like Run Dem Crew) are massive in London.

You meet up, run 10k around the city with music blasting from portable speakers, and do bodyweight exercises at intervals. But the run is just the warm-up. The real event is the “after-party” at a local bar. The endorphins are flowing, everyone is sweaty (which is apparently attractive now), and you already have a shared interest. It attracts a young, fit, and sociable crowd. It’s impossible not to make friends when you’re suffering up a hill together.

3. Communal Dining at Mercato Metropolitano

The problem with traditional restaurants is the separate tables. You are isolated. Food halls are the antidote, and Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle (or Mayfair) is the king of them all.

It’s huge, loud, and packed with communal tables. You grab your pizza or bao buns and squeeze in next to strangers. It is totally socially acceptable to ask “Is this seat taken?” or “Wow, where did you get that pasta?” It’s casual, low-pressure, and teeming with people every night of the week. It’s the best spot for a casual “bump-into” moment.

4. The Cultural Connector: Sofar Sounds

If you want to meet someone who actually has good taste in music and isn’t just looking for a tequila shot, try Sofar Sounds. They put on secret, intimate gigs in unusual locations (living rooms, warehouses, rooftops) across London.

You don’t know who is playing until you arrive. Because the venues are small and intimate, there is a real sense of community. Between sets, there’s plenty of time to chat with the people sitting on the floor next to you. The conversation starter is built-in: “What did you think of that last singer?” It attracts a thoughtful, artsy, and cool crowd.

5. Retro Play at Rowans Tenpin Bowl

If you want to avoid the pretentiousness of central London bars, head north to Finsbury Park. Rowans is a London institution. It is a bowling alley, but it is so much more. It has arcade games, karaoke, slushies, and a dance floor that plays cheesy hits.

It is loud, chaotic, and incredibly unpretentious. It’s impossible to stand on ceremony here. Challenge a group on the next lane to a game, or bond over how bad you are at air hockey. It attracts a fun-loving crowd who aren’t afraid to look silly. If you can’t find a date here, you at least found a great night out.

Ready to get off the apps? 

Stop swiping and start singing. Gather your single friends and make a night of it.

Click here to book your group mixer at BAM Karaoke Box Victoria.

Who knows? The love of your life might be one duet away.