Sex and the City fans might recognize the reference. In the episode “Plus One Is the Loneliest Number,” Carrie and her gay best friend attend a party where everyone else is coupled up. The message was clear: in a world designed for pairs, showing up solo can feel isolating.
At Sparks Social Club, we wanted to put a twist on that narrative. What if the plus one wasn’t about being in a relationship – but about being single? What if, instead of exclusion, the +1 was the entry point to connection?
This July, we partnered with The Hoxton Berlin to host a singles mixer that reimagined the plus one tradition. The idea was simple: each guest would bring a single friend of the opposite gender they would genuinely recommend to a friend.
In a way, it was a throwback – an almost old-fashioned style of meeting people through introductions, the way our parents or grandparents might have done. Only this time, it was set against the backdrop of Berlin’s vibrant creative and social scene, with cocktails in hand and a guest list full of curiosity.
We didn’t choreograph the evening with rigid structures or matchmaking gimmicks. Instead, we created an open format: a stylish space, a curated crowd, and Candid Connections conversation cards to spark dialogue when needed.
The results? Conversations that flowed across tables, laughter that filled the Hoxton Teahouse, and even a few sparks that hinted at something more. But above all, it was about connection – meeting people in real life, face-to-face, without swipes, filters, or algorithms.
In a digital-first era where dating apps dominate, the simplicity of being introduced through friends feels rare. This singles mixer reminded us that community-based dating isn’t just nostalgic – it’s deeply needed. Berlin’s singles are craving more authentic spaces to meet, and our event proved just how much magic can happen when those spaces exist.
The Start of Something New
Our Plus One Singles Mixer Berlin was more than just another party – it was a statement about how dating events can feel: social, elevated, and intentional. We believe that social events in Berlin should be about more than networking or nightlife. They can be a bridge between strangers, a stage for new friendships, and sometimes, the beginning of love stories.
A big thank you to The Hoxton for partnering with us and to our community for showing up with openness, humor, and their carefully chosen plus ones. Together, we created a night that felt less like a singles event and more like a movement. We can't wait for the next one!