London is full of places to go out, but there are far fewer places designed for people to actually meet. Softnoise hopes to change that. It’s a new community-focused event series that’s “about creating creative gatherings that bring together like-minded people in a more intentional way,” says co-founder and fashion consultant Lina Mehdi. Many of its events are invite-only, giving the founders the opportunity to cultivate guest lists that facilitate connection and friendship – but others are open to anyone.
The idea was born from a feeling Mehdi and her co-founder, painter Camelia Mesrar, shared living in London. “Everything moves really fast,” Mehdi says. “People are constantly rushing and sometimes disconnected, even when surrounded with people.” Often going out, she adds, can feel strangely hollow. “It’s a connection that never really lasts, or feels pretty superficial.” Softnoise is an invitation “to really meet like-minded people in a more intentional, human way. To step out of autopilot and slow down.”
Events are designed to explore “different facets of being human, like creativity, movement, self-expression, conversation”, and every event is different. The first was at the end of January and gathered 25 people of all gender identities between the ages of 25 and 45 for an evening of painting, live music and a three-course Italian supper cooked by a private chef.
The night began with welcome drinks, followed by question cards with self-reflective prompts to encourage conversation beyond the usual polite small talk. “People arrived as strangers and genuinely connected,” says Mehdi, who noted that some guests even continued the night together after the event. “That really captured the spirit of Softnoise.”
Those interested in joining can register for free on the Softnoise website. And while attendance to its main events is invite-only (wellness events and workshops are open to all), Mehdi is clear it’s not about exclusivity. “It’s not like a members’ club or anything,” she says. Instead, the duo say they just want to ensure guests are genuinely interested in the experience and in meeting new people. “Come as you are,” Mehdi says. “If you want to dress comfortable, come comfortable. If you want to dress extra, come extra.”
“For us, it’s participation over consumption,” Mehdi says. “Not just being present – really participating.” That mindset has started shaping the pair’s plans, and some attendees have already offered to contribute their own skills. “There was a florist who was down to do a flower workshop in one of our events,” she says. “It’s really about making everyone participate and creating a community.”
The next gathering on February 15 is open to the public and will encourage 18 guests to indulge in some midday yoga followed by brunch at Arc in Fitzrovia. “February is the last month before spring,” says Mehdi. “It’s an invite to really slow down and refocus, and have a little self-love moment before blooming.”
Tickets for the next Softnoise event, on February 15, are £45.
