'I started an Edinburgh group to make friends and am gobsmacked at the result'
An English woman has opened up on her experience of organising a new event after moving to Edinburgh and feeling "isolated".
Rosie Maddocks moved to the capital from Manchester two years ago with her partner and says it was a hard experience trying to make new friends.
The 29-year-old became her own clientele and started brainstorming ways to build connections with people. She created Social Appetite - an event that will bring Edinburgh people together through their love of food.
After selling out the first event back in February, Rosie is happy with how the venture is coming together - and has even made friendship connections of her own.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, she said: "I was really nervous about how the first event was going to go but since it all has started, people have met up outside the events already which is really great.
"It's been really nice seeing a community come together. I have made connections of my own too.
"There was a couple that came to one of the events and we have been for drinks with them, we went on a walk with them yesterday too. It's been really interesting to see it all unfold and I am really happy with it."
Rosie organises regular evenings throughout the capital at different restaurants each month. The ticketed event includes a three course meal picked by the chef and interactive games. The fifth event is set to take place on Tuesday, April 29, at Spanish Tapas Restaurant - Tapa.
Rosie added: "There's been a mix of genders and ages too which is surprising. Considering the first event was in February, I am just hoping to grow it. It is really hard work but it's what I signed up to do."
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In a previous interview with Rosie, she said after moving to the capital she found it hard to make friends.
"I moved up here on a whim and moving to a new city made it a really hard experience for me to make friends. I found it hard to put myself out there in different groups and things", she added.
"I began to realise I was quite good at making people feel comfortable and putting them at ease. I have never felt fulfilled in jobs I have done - I used to work for Deliveroo and I have always been super passionate about trying new food.
"I also really enjoy meeting new people and learning their story, which I think is quite unusual. I couldn't find anywhere that would bring my passions for food and meeting new people together so I was my own clientele really.
"I decided to create the community myself because I completely empathise with people moving to a new city and feeling like you're isolated.
"Edinburgh is quite international, there is people from all over, so I really appreciate how hard it can be to make new friends and meet new people."
You can get tickets for the event here.
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