To update from my OP on Friday two of the four friends I normally go out with couldn't make it so there was just two of us.

It was a totally different experience. My mate introduced me to loads of people, then we split up and did the rounds, then we met up to have a chat then split up again, we had a great night.

I'm realising the other two just want to drink and are happy with that. Things tend to work themselves out naturally so I think I have a sort of socialising (not gaming) wingman now locally which is great.

If we can get a couple of women in tow even better.