Doing Stuff, Together: Assemble Lands in London

Assemble is powered by Hinge's “One More Hour” — an initiative to foster IRL connection, one hour at a time.

The studies are in— London’s cultural spaces are shutting down, which means that there’s a lack of spaces to meet people, IRL. At the same time, we’re spending too much time online, and people are increasingly yearning for offline connection and digital detox.

Trippin x Hinge’s Assemble was launched to fill this gap and bring people together over shared interests and/or new hobbies.  The demand has been palpable: both our London and New York events sold out within hours.

At London’s springtime ICA event, dozens were queuing down the Mall to get into sessions powered by five clubs: Arrival at One, Four Winds Mahjong, Girls in Film, Garden of Afruika and London Lace Club.

Arrival at One’s climbing-focused yoga session combined soft beats and vibe lighting for a relaxing and focused start to the day in the theatre space. Meanwhile, the shuffle Mahjong commenced in the upper bar as Four Winds Mahjong taught beginners the popular Chinese tile game.

A little while later in the upper gallery, the London Lace Club and Garden of Afruika began their respective workshops on crafting lace bookmarks and pickling vegetables to make a Jamaican escovitch dish, while Girls in Film screened shorts and hosted Q&As with directors.

“It’s nice to be out in a space where it's not focussed on drinking. This takes into account different activities and getting you exposed to new things,” said Gabriella. “That’s why we came—we wanted to try something new."

For anyone in need of a break by midday, London DJ OK Williams was on hand with a meditation session—combining ambient audiovisual stimulants to enhance a deep listening experience in the theatre space, before the afternoon programme kicked off.

“It's so wholesome to see the amazing community this event has brought together,” said attendee Joelle during the seed planting workshop. “Also, just having a space where everyone can come and relax is really what people need right now. Taking a deep breath has been my favourite part.”

Assemble wrapped up after a buzzing day of varied, fun and interactive events—with attendees walking out of the ICA with home plant pots, over-the-shoulder climbing bags and lace bookmarks. And hopefully, a few new friends, too.

Check the Assemble platform for information on upcoming events, and our group directory to find hobby and interest groups in a city near you.