Mattr Takes Queer Dating Event Series to Edinburgh

Dating app Mattr has expanded its offline events strategy beyond London, hosting a queer singles event in Edinburgh in partnership with drinks company Diageo and Edinburgh Pride.

Held on July 31, the event, titled “Pitch My Queer Bestie,” invited attendees to pitch their single friend to the room using a five-slide presentation template created by Mattr. The event was hosted by local drag performer Groundskeeper Fanny and formed part of a wider series of Diageo-backed activities supporting the LGBTQIA+ community in Edinburgh.

The event reached capacity, highlighting continued interest in offline dating formats during the summer period and providing Mattr with an opportunity to introduce its brand to a new city. The format also placed existing social networks at the centre of the matchmaking process, with friends making the case for potential dates rather than individuals relying solely on their own profiles.

Following the presentations, attendees were encouraged to mingle and use the Mattr app to connect with people they may not have spoken to during the event. The approach effectively linked the physical event with Mattr’s digital platform, using the app as a way to extend interactions beyond the venue.

The Edinburgh event is Mattr’s first activation outside London and reflects a broader trend among dating platforms towards combining online matchmaking with in-person experiences. Offline events can provide opportunities for users to meet in a more social setting, while digital tools can help maintain those connections after an event has ended.

Mattr founder Jamie Johnston said that Mattr was “super excited that a global brand like Diageo was interested in doing an event with us, and even though it was peak summer, we managed to totally fill the room. Which shows just how important our brand’s ethos is to underrepresented audience.”

LJamie Love, Mattr’s marketing director, stated that “Pride is about celebrating our community, but it’s also about creating spaces where people genuinely connect. Pitch My Queer Bestie does exactly that. It’s refreshing, inclusive and a brilliant reminder that the best introductions often come from the people who know us best. We were so happy with how the event turned out and have to thank Mattr for a wonderful evening.”