How this secret supper club in Birmingham is bringing people together to beat loneliness

Abinchi Supper Club offers a social dining experience - something that had gone missing from our lives during the pandemic
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There’s a new social experience available to book in Birmingham at a secret supper club. The club keeps the location a mystery and it’s not revealed until a few days before the event.

Abinchi Supper Club offers a social dining - something that had gone missing from our lives during the pandemic. The event takes place once a month and it’s encouraged that everyone mingle and get to know each other. So, to keep the gathering intimate and personal, each meet-up accepts 10 guests only.

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Abinchi means “food” in the African language of Hausa and the club is connecting food lovers across the city.

Founder of Abinchi Supper Club Jamila Dankaro said: “During the pandemic, people missed friends and being around one another. And, from that purpose of bringing together different kinds of people together - the idea was born.”

“After school and university, it gets hard to find new social connections, and this club helps people do that.”

Abinchi Supper Club (Photo - Abinchi Supper Club)Abinchi Supper Club (Photo - Abinchi Supper Club)
Abinchi Supper Club (Photo - Abinchi Supper Club)

She added that making new connections can be anxiety-inducing for some people and so they have ice-breaker games during the evening.

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Each month, a new location is picked along with a new theme for the food. Jamila, who has traveled around the world, loves cooking and picks places where she can cook for the guests.

They have had themes like Italian, French and others - and the locations aren’t limited to restaurants. Sometimes, it’s a coffee shop or an art gallery - and the location is revealed in due time once you book your place.

Jamila said: “Lots of people who work remotely are moving to Birmingham and don’t know where to go to eat, or for other experiences. So, we publicise the restaurant and the guests find out about a new place as well.”

Founder of Abinchi Supper Club Jamila Dankaro Founder of Abinchi Supper Club Jamila Dankaro
Founder of Abinchi Supper Club Jamila Dankaro

At the core of her concept lies community and an added element of mystery - which has worked well so far because the club has long waitlists now. Jamila added that surprisingly many people turn up alone at the event - hoping to make new friends. Guests have gone on to make friends outside of the meeting as well.

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The club is celebrating their first birthday in March 2023 and a bigger group of guests are expected. If you want to attend and find out where it is, you can register for the event on Abinchi’s website.

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