Looking to make new friends in Brighton? Meet like-minded locals for relaxed meet-ups, walks by the sea, coffee chats and shared interests — at your pace.
Established in 2005, Drinking Partners is one of the UK’s longest-running platforms for meeting new people and building real friendships.
Brighton is social and full of energy, but it can still feel cliquey — especially if you’ve recently moved here or your friends are in different phases of life. Drinking Partners makes it easier to connect with locals nearby who are also looking to meet new people.
It’s for socialising, not dating. Start a chat, find common interests, and meet up casually when it feels right — from a coffee to a seaside walk or a relaxed bite to eat.
Brighton is social and creative, but it can still feel surprisingly hard to find your people once routines kick in. There’s a lot going on, yet real friendships often grow from everyday plans rather than big nights out or organised events. Whether you’re based in the City Centre, over in Hove, around Seven Dials, near Preston Park or down in Kemptown, it’s easy to connect with locals who are also open to making new friends. Many connections start with simple plans — a coffee, a walk by the sea, or a relaxed catch-up that feels easy to repeat. Brighton also draws people from nearby places like Worthing, Lewes, Crawley and Eastbourne, so it’s common to meet people who live just outside the city but spend time here. Drinking Partners helps you meet people locally and take things one step at a time — no pressure, no expectations, just comfortable connections that fit around real life.
Making friends as an adult can feel awkward — especially in a city like Brighton, where social scenes can feel busy but still hard to break into. Drinking Partners keeps things simple, relaxed and pressure-free, without the need for large groups or organised events.
Take things at your own pace and connect in a way that feels comfortable for you.
Whether you have just moved to Brighton or want to widen your circle, it is straightforward to meet local people here.
Follow these steps to connect over shared interests, message freely and plan meet that feel comfortable.
It only takes a few minutes to get started:
To get the most out of Drinking Partners and begin to meet new people in Brighton, follow these simple steps:
Share a short intro about yourself and what you enjoy around Brighton. Pick your interests so locals know how to start the conversation.
Add a recent photo to help people recognise you. Profiles with clear photos get more replies and appear higher in local results.
Use GPS search or filter by neighbourhoods across Brighton to find people nearby. Save your favourite profiles and searches for quick access.
Messaging is free, so say hello to people with similar interests. Swap a few messages to see if you get on and keep the pace relaxed.
Set alerts for new people near you, message reads and profile views. Pause notifications or hide your profile whenever you need a break.
When you are ready, suggest meeting in a cafe, park or another public place. Group settings, activities and daytime meet keep things relaxed and safe.
A quick call or video chat first can help break the ice and make meeting up feel natural. You’re always in control — choose who you talk to, take things at your own pace, and only meet when you’re comfortable.
Short, practical guides to help you meet people and make new friends without the pressure.
Real people in Brighton looking to make new friends right now:
44 years old
Brighton, East Sussex
“Hello, I am Greek and multilingual, and always…”
32 years old
Brighton, East Sussex
“Keen outdoors guys, loves food, loves being warm…”
52 years old
Brighton, East Sussex
“Recently out of a long term relationship and…”
53 years old
Brighton, East Sussex
“Hi there, I've recently moved to Brighton from…”
45 years old
Brighton, East Sussex
“Looking for new friends to expand my circle…”
There’s no single way to make friends — people connect in all sorts of everyday ways.
Pick an idea and start a conversation that suits you.
Brighton’s café culture makes coffee meet-ups a natural first step — relaxed, public and easy to keep pressure-free. A simple chat can quickly turn into regular catch-ups.
Explore →A coastal walk is an easy way to talk without pressure. It feels casual, gives you something to do, and suits Brighton’s outdoorsy, everyday vibe.
Explore →Brighton is full of people into art, music, books and creative hobbies. Shared interests make conversation easier and help you meet people you genuinely click with.
Explore →Yoga, fitness classes and low-key activities help friendships grow through shared routines — ideal if you prefer meeting people in a consistent, comfortable way.
Explore →Answers to common questions about making friends and meeting people in Brighton.
Yes. Brighton attracts people from all over, so many locals are also building new friendships. The easiest connections usually start with low-pressure chats and everyday plans like coffee or a walk.
Not at all. Plenty of friendships here form through daytime meet-ups, coastal walks, hobbies and relaxed catch-ups. You can meet people in a way that suits your pace.
No. Drinking Partners is designed for friendship and socialising, not dating. The focus is on meeting like-minded people locally and building genuine connections.
Coffee, a walk by the sea, or a casual daytime plan are popular choices. They feel public, comfortable and easy to keep pressure-free if you’re meeting someone new.
Want more tips? Read How to make friends after moving to a new city.
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