How on earth do we meet people at the moment apart from online dating?

[alwaysupdating]

I don't like online dating but I would like to meet someone new, any idea how?

I've been single a while and I would like to meet someone to spend time with but honestly even if we go to a pub we won't be socialising there with. Any ideas

I’d like to know as well

no idea, but are there any online meetups / groups e.g. book club or similar? you might get to know people on there. Also maybe volunteering for a service that's in-person during covid - e.g. food bank. Outdoor walking clubs - depends on your area and whether it's allowed in a group according to tier - not sure.

ask your friends to set you up on a blind date?

Walking groups, sports clubs.

Any shared interest gives you the opportunity to get to know someone and see what sort of person they are, before you decide whether to date.

This current situation won't be around forever. Honestly, online dating is so dire that I'd be happy to wait until it were all over if I were you!

When things start opening up again you could try "Meet ups" Search your area for any groups that match your interests. You could make some nice platonic friendships on the way too.
In the meantime I'm all out of ideas if OLD isn't your thing as so many groups are closed at the moment. On-line dating can work if you're lucky and could prove an amusing distraction while you wait for things to open up normally. Just don't take it too seriously.

Thank you all for the replies, I have looked on a local forum and can't see any walking groups, I have seen a cycle group but I don't have a bike

I have been thinking about trying a crossfit class (although I'm worried I could die as its hardcore) as I'm thinking there will be hopefully some fit guys there

Exercise classes, running club or the gym are as good a starting point as any.

And speak to people when you're out and about. A friend got chatted up by a builder over the summer, and after several weeks of small talk as she passed each day he asked for her number and they're together now. She passed it on her way to work and could easily have brushed him off or made clear she wasn't interested, but just being open to a chat worked out well for both of them.