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[Victoria Watcher]

Spinnakers Expands Let’s Talk Program – and

Let’s Talk Health Society Pushes for More Public Conversation Spaces

Lower crime, boost health, fight loneliness—one conversation at a time.

Victoria, BC – August 22 – After a lively and successful summer run in July and August, Spinnakers is making its Let’s Talk program a permanent feature. The original pilot, held on Tuesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. throughout the summer, gave guests a simple and welcoming way to share a table and conversation with someone they had never met before.

Now, anyone can take part by picking up a Let’s Talk card at the hostess desk. The hostess will seat you with the next person who has also opted in, ensuring your conversation partner is inviting and ready to connect.

“Times have changed and you can’t just walk up to someone and say, ‘Hey, do you want to be my friend?’” said Spinnakers owner, Paul Hadfield. “But this structure makes it natural and easy—because you know the other person is also there to welcome you. This is a great way for people to come and enjoy the pub and potentially meet a few new friends. After all, that is the essence of what a pub is all about.”

Media Invitation: Join Us at Spinnakers

Members of the press are warmly invited to experience the program firsthand:

📍 Spinnakers Brewpub, Victoria
🗓 Tuesday, August 26
⏰ 12:00 noon

More Local Businesses Join the Movement

In addition to Spinnakers, Murchie’s (7:30 a.m.–11 a.m.), Whistle Buoy Brewing Company, and Green Cuisine in Market Square, and Pagliacci's (11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) are now offering Let’s Talk cards—making it even easier for people across downtown Victoria to connect with someone new over coffee, lunch, or a pint.

Community Leaders Show Support

[Victoria Watcher]

Talking to a stranger has never been easier. 

 

The Let’s Talk program, which began as a summer pilot at Spinnakers Brewpub, is growing beyond its original location as more downtown Victoria businesses embrace the idea of encouraging strangers to share a table.

 

After a trial run in July and August, Spinnakers has made the initiative a permanent fixture. Guests can now pick up a Let’s Talk card at the hostess stand and be seated with another person who has opted in, creating a low-pressure way to meet someone new.

 

Spinnakers owner Paul Hadfield said the structure makes it easy to connect.

 

“Times have changed and you can’t just walk up to someone and say, ‘Hey, do you want to be my friend?’ But this structure makes it natural and easy,” said Hadfield.

 

Following Spinnakers’ lead, Murchie’s, Whistle Buoy Brewing Company, Green Cuisine, The Drake Eatery, and Pagliacci’s have all introduced the program, allowing people to find conversation partners over coffee, lunch, or a pint.

 

For Jennie Keeran, founder of the Let’s Talk Health Society, the expansion marks just the beginning.

 

 

 

https://www.vicnews....ns-grow-8215269

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 31 August 2025 - 05:05 AM.