Our Story
From our humble beginnings to where we are today, the story of Dinners With Friends is one of connection, community, and shared experiences.
Social dining for twenty years and counting
Founded in 2006, back before smartphones and dating apps took over, dinners with friends regularly hosted get-togethers for likeminded strangers looking for social connections.
Fast forward to 2025, and Dinners With Friends has been reimagined for a hyper-connected world that could use more genuine connections.
Our Founder
Pamela Silkstone, Devon - UK
After experiencing the challenges of making new friends as an adult, Pamela founded Dinners With Friends with a simple mission: to create relaxed spaces where people can forge meaningful connections over good food.
Key Facts
Learn more about what makes Dinners With Friends a unique social dining experience.
Who Can Attend
Open to adults aged 30 and over. Everyone is welcome—single, with friends, married, or with a partner.
Mystery Venues
Venue details are revealed just 48 hours before each event, adding an element of excitement. All venues are within the advertised locality.
Carefully Selected Venues
All events are held in local venues with strong reputations, each carefully chosen for their positive TripAdvisor ratings.
Regular Events
Events are currently held in Exeter once a month, with plans to expand to other locations across Devon.
Event Duration
Events typically last around 2-3 hours, giving guests plenty of time to enjoy their meal and make meaningful connections.
Our Mission
Fostering connections, creating memorable evenings, and bringing people together over a shared love of great food and genuine human connection.
In Their Words
Quotable insights from our founder and team about the vision behind Dinners With Friends.
“In a world where digital connections are easy but often shallow, Dinners With Friends creates spaces for genuine human connection. It's more than just a meal; it's a chance to meet new people, share stories, and create lasting memories.”
Pamela Silkstone
Founder, Dinners With Friends
“Our vision is to create a world where no one feels isolated or disconnected. Where sharing a meal with new friends is a regular part of people's social lives, regardless of their relationship status or background.”
Pamela Silkstone
Founder, Dinners With Friends
“What sets us apart is our focus on friendship and comradery, rather than dating. When you remove that pressure, people can be authentically themselves, and that's when real connections happen.”
Pamela Silkstone
Founder, Dinners With Friends
“Dinners with Friends was founded back before smartphones, so when my son offered to gift me a 'business in a box' I knew that it was the right time to reimagine DWF and do some good in the world.”
Pamela Silkstone
Founder, Dinners With Friends