Following the success of an informal link up between connections, we’re curating a space for good food and connection building.
As I relocated to London, I wish to connect with all of the amazing people within my London based network to connect within a social setting; as I and others move to the capital let's combat this idea of London being a lonely place. According to the Office of National Statistics due to pressures around cost of living, digital technology and transportation some people feel an inate sense of loneliness within the city.
The Format
The inaugural link up took place as a private affair in September 2026, our founder booked a table at a street food market and we came together and had a fantastic time. We decided we wanted to come back together and bring people together - enjoy great food and make connections.
There will be different formats; initially we will rotate between the three formats on a monthly basis - we will then take stock to see if we wish to make it more frequent:
- Table: We book a space, usually in a multi-vendor location so that people can get exactly what they like.
- Coffee + Walk: We meet at an independent coffee shop/ bakery and then go for a walk to take in the local area ending in another independent coffee shop/ bakery or for lunch/ drinks.
- Social: A fun activity bringing people together such as darts, crazy gold or bowling.
The Logistics
- Please be aware this is a ticketed event.
- The venue is Mercarto Metropolitano, a street food indoor market near the Elephant & Castle.
- There is no paid commitment for the tickets, however, if you cannot make it please refund your ticket. We have booked a table for 10, which we can increase/decrease accordingly. The table is booked for 5pm, stay for as long or as little as you'd like.
- There are several food vendors and bars around the venue, go up and help yourself with what you want.
- The nearest stations are Elephant & Castle (Northern Line, Bakerloo Line and National Rail services) and Lambeth North (Bakerloo Line); Waterloo is also nearby, there are several bus routes that serve the area.
The Founder
The founder and host is Ben Hobbis, a serving primary school senior leader who relocated to London from the West Midlands in September 2026. In 2023, he founded the Step Up Network CIC, an award-winning social enterprise and community interest company to empower, connect and impact educators to step up and develop as successful and sustainable leaders being able to balance the demands of schools whilst not impacting negatively on the rest of their lives. Ben has since gone onto found other not-for-profits, speak regularly and advise others organisations whilst balancing multiple commitments.
