Would you go to dinner with five complete strangers?

Timeleft, the innovative company fostering connections over shared meals, has made its debut in Manchester.

With a successful run in major European cities since its May 2023 launch, including Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, Madrid, Barcelona, and Coimbra, Timeleft now seeks to address social isolation in Manchester, recently identified as the 6th most lonely city in the UK.

Timeleft is addressing loneliness in Manchester

In response to Manchester’s loneliness ranking, Timeleft aims to combat isolation by facilitating dinner gatherings for six strangers to meet, connect, and share meaningful experiences.

The platform promises a safe environment for individuals seeking new connections, particularly on Wednesday nights at various locations in Manchester, including the popular Wilson’s Social at Selina hotel.

How Timeleft works: connecting like-minded individuals

Signing up on Timeleft’s website opens the door to a unique social experience. Users are paired based on compatibility determined through a simple personality test.

The dinners, scheduled every Wednesday at 8 pm, can be booked until midnight on Monday. Participants receive details about their dining group and the chosen restaurant’s name and address ahead of their dinner date with strangers.

Timeleft offers flexibility in pricing to cater to diverse preferences. Users can purchase a single ticket for £12.90 per dinner, or opt for a monthly subscription starting from £19.90 for those eager to explore new connections regularly.

First UK dinners in Manchester – join the Timeleft experience

Manchester residents can now sign up for the inaugural Timeleft dinners scheduled for Wednesday, January 24th, at Wilson’s Social in Selina’s restaurant, bar, and club. Following each dinner, attendees are invited to continue their conversations at the afterparty, taking place at both the newly reopened iconic bar, Holdfast, and Wilson’s Social’s underground bar and club, Wilson’s Den.

Breaking Barriers in a Digital-First World

Maxine Barbier, Co-Founder and CEO at Timeleft, expressed enthusiasm about the UK launch, stating, “Meeting new people and sparking meaningful conversations in-person can often be both difficult and daunting in a digital-first world.

“At Timeleft, we aim to break those barriers by giving people a safe environment to meet one another so that they can be more involved with the world they live in.”

Ariel Levinsohn, VP Brand & Creative at Selina, shared, “At the heart of Selina is a spirit of community, connecting guests via co-working and communal spaces to create long-lasting and meaningful connections amongst strangers. For us, Timeleft and Selina is the perfect partnership, and we are delighted to be working with a brand who shares our same mission.”

Gauging the Response in Manchester: Will This Concept Work?

The big question now is whether Timeleft’s unique approach to connecting strangers over dinner will resonate with the people of Manchester.

Public Opinion: Excitement and Apprehension

Initial reactions to Timeleft’s arrival in Manchester are a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Many residents expressed interest in the concept, viewing it as a refreshing way to break free from the monotony of traditional socialising. Sarah, a Manchester local, shared, “I think it’s a great idea. Meeting new people can be challenging, and having a structured setting like this could make it more comfortable.”

However, there’s also a sense of caution among some individuals. John, another resident, voiced his concerns, saying, “It sounds intriguing, but safety is always a concern when meeting strangers. I’d want to know more about the security measures in place.”

Manchester’s Social Landscape: is there a need?

The success of Timeleft in Manchester may hinge on the city’s unique social landscape.

With loneliness being a prevalent issue, there seems to be a genuine need for innovative solutions to facilitate connections.

Timeleft’s initiative aligns with the city’s desire for meaningful interactions and could potentially fill a gap in the social scene.

As Timeleft takes its first steps in Manchester, the city awaits the outcome with curiosity.

The platform’s ability to foster genuine connections and alleviate loneliness will undoubtedly be a key factor in determining its success in this vibrant and diverse urban landscape.

A social experiment unfolds in Manchester

Timeleft’s arrival in Manchester marks the beginning of a unique social experiment.

As the platform strives to connect strangers over dinner and break down barriers in a digital-first world, the response from the people of Manchester will shape the narrative of this innovative approach to socializing. Whether it becomes a staple in the city’s social fabric or a passing trend, only time will tell.

You can find out more on Timeleft’s website by clicking here