GW/GSOH/WLTM
GW has a problem that we will all have known at some point in our lives. Happily, it's not insurmountable...
He says:
"I have just moved to the area and am a single 30's gent, but find Greenwich a complex habitat within which to navigate and have thus far failed miserably to find a context within which to meet interesting people of a similar age.
The pubs are crammed with alcopop-fueled children or denizens of a more dignified age. Is there a middle-ground, hidden from view, that a Greenwich-Newbie might have missed?"
The Phantom replies:
Yes, indeedy, GW, there is. I am going to assume for the moment that you aren't looking for luuuurve just now - more that you're looking for new pals and interesting things to do - though of course if meeting that Special Someone happens along while the interesting things to do are going on, then all the better...
My first suggestion is the does-what-it-says-on-the-title South East London Social Networking Meetup Group, which I heard about recently. Set up by someone who was in exactly your position, this is most definitely NOT a singles-looking-for-romance/dating group - it's first and foremost for making new friends. Although they meet up fortnightly in either Blackheath or Greenwich, it's not always pub-oriented - they do other things too, such as restaurants, ice skating, gigs and comedy.
All (adult) ages and both singles and couples welcome .
Kirstie's currently setting up a new book club - might be a good time to get involved - see last night's post.
Something a little more left-field would be the Meridian Speakers, who are teaching themselves the gentle art of public speaking.
If you like dancing, I'm told that the local Ceroc class at West Greenwich House community centre is very personable.
If you're into wine, one of the most sociable things to do in Greenwich is Theatre of Wine's Thursday night tasting. Every Thursday evening, there's a different theme, it's informative and fun and no one minds if you're on your own - everyone chats with everyone else. Note - booking is essential - this is one of the best nights out in Greenwich.
Obviously I don't know your 'preferences,' but if you're gay, the Rose & Crown on the corner of Stockwell Street is a very good (straight-friendly) pub.
But on the whole, going out alone isn't so bad either round here. I go to a lot of things on my own, not least because I have such strange tastes I can't find anyone to go with. I would make joining Greenwich Picturehouse a priority - you get your money back instantly with 'free' tickets, there are free screenings and events - and no one gives a stuff if you're on your own.
There are also loads of lectures and events, especially if you don't mind widening your net to the whole of London. The very best 'alternative' what's-on that I know of is the fabulous IanVisits calendar and blog. I never miss a day and have been to loads of things I wouldn't have known about otherwise.
I'm sure other people will have some suggestions for you - Greenwich is a friendly place - honest!
He says:
"I have just moved to the area and am a single 30's gent, but find Greenwich a complex habitat within which to navigate and have thus far failed miserably to find a context within which to meet interesting people of a similar age.
The pubs are crammed with alcopop-fueled children or denizens of a more dignified age. Is there a middle-ground, hidden from view, that a Greenwich-Newbie might have missed?"
The Phantom replies:
Yes, indeedy, GW, there is. I am going to assume for the moment that you aren't looking for luuuurve just now - more that you're looking for new pals and interesting things to do - though of course if meeting that Special Someone happens along while the interesting things to do are going on, then all the better...
My first suggestion is the does-what-it-says-on-the-title South East London Social Networking Meetup Group, which I heard about recently. Set up by someone who was in exactly your position, this is most definitely NOT a singles-looking-for-romance/dating group - it's first and foremost for making new friends. Although they meet up fortnightly in either Blackheath or Greenwich, it's not always pub-oriented - they do other things too, such as restaurants, ice skating, gigs and comedy.
All (adult) ages and both singles and couples welcome .
Kirstie's currently setting up a new book club - might be a good time to get involved - see last night's post.
Something a little more left-field would be the Meridian Speakers, who are teaching themselves the gentle art of public speaking.
If you like dancing, I'm told that the local Ceroc class at West Greenwich House community centre is very personable.
If you're into wine, one of the most sociable things to do in Greenwich is Theatre of Wine's Thursday night tasting. Every Thursday evening, there's a different theme, it's informative and fun and no one minds if you're on your own - everyone chats with everyone else. Note - booking is essential - this is one of the best nights out in Greenwich.
Obviously I don't know your 'preferences,' but if you're gay, the Rose & Crown on the corner of Stockwell Street is a very good (straight-friendly) pub.
But on the whole, going out alone isn't so bad either round here. I go to a lot of things on my own, not least because I have such strange tastes I can't find anyone to go with. I would make joining Greenwich Picturehouse a priority - you get your money back instantly with 'free' tickets, there are free screenings and events - and no one gives a stuff if you're on your own.
There are also loads of lectures and events, especially if you don't mind widening your net to the whole of London. The very best 'alternative' what's-on that I know of is the fabulous IanVisits calendar and blog. I never miss a day and have been to loads of things I wouldn't have known about otherwise.
I'm sure other people will have some suggestions for you - Greenwich is a friendly place - honest!
Labels: Things to do
posted by The Greenwich Phantom at
07:58
6 Comments:
Well I'll come out and say it - Greenwich is a really bad place to meet people, for the reasons hinted at above; there just aren't the venues. It's been that way for as long as I can remember. If that's your bag, Cave Austin in Blackheath does speed dating, but... but... it probably isn't, eh?
My advice - get a travelcard. And be safe and always head out prepared... with the cash for a cab home.
Actually, having re-read the query; if he's just looking for friendly boozers, the belt of musical pubs in east Greenwich (Hardys, the Star and Garter, the Pelton Arms) won't look at a single man (or in the case of the former, a single woman even) without sneering.
Sorry for hijacking your blog, Phantom, but can a (single) SE-London girl suggest that your correspondent considers coming to Brockley Central's next drinks night?! ... Ah well, worth a try ...!
Sure - what's the deal - where and when?
Always welcome here, BK - Brockely is a fine part of the world. And I'm only a LITTLE green about Babur...
Brockley Kate... Brockley Central basks in the reflected glow of your community spirit and welcoming nature. Where and when is that drinks night again? GW
853blog - I'm not sure I'd agree about the musical pub scene. I quite often go to open mic nights at the Pelton, the Admiral Hardy (and the British Oak on a tuesday) on my own and have never felt sneered at. In fact I've usually ended up chatting to strangers and ended up making a few friends.
There is also the Lord Hood, Creek Road for english traditional music on a Tuesday night where you can probably get chatting to people who come along to listen.
A bit outside Greenwich but the Dog and Bell down the road in Prince Street, Deptford is a superb pub and is pretty friendly.
The Ashburnham Arms in Greenwich is also a nice friendly local and if you drop in on a Thursday evening you might even meet the local morris team, Blackheath Morris Men.
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