This Pal-entine’s Day, London Designer Outlet is teaming up with Talk Club, the UK’s leading mental fitness charity helping men to talk and support one another, to put mates before romance with the launch of Mate Dates.
Designed to choose connection over clich?s, Mate Dates reminds men that checking in with a mate can matter just as much as a candlelit dinner.
On Friday 13th February, LDO is inviting groups of two or more men to grab a mate and head to Frankie & Benny’s, unlocking exclusive Pal-entine’s dining offers when they dine together. From quick lunch catch-ups to post-work dinners, Mate Dates uses the power of food to create space for connection, laughter and honest conversation — putting mental fitness firmly on the menu.
At Frankie & Benny’s, mates can enjoy 2-for-1 main courses, alongside drinks offers* designed for relaxed, social dining.
At the heart of Talk Club is a simple yet powerful question – “How are you? Out of 10?” – proven to improve mental wellbeing by over 15%. Designed to unlock conversation, it helps build resilience, connection and emotional self-awareness.
Mate Dates brings this approach to life by turning ordinary moments – like a quick meal with a mate – into opportunities for meaningful conversation. Subtle Talk Club prompts on tables encourage genuine connection and honest check-ins, helping make mental fitness feel practical, accessible and real.
“We know guys don’t always make time to really talk, and it’s easy to let friendships slip,” said Michelle D’Vaz Plant, Head of Marketing at London Designer Outlet. “With Mate Dates, we wanted to give men a simple, feel-good reason to come together, enjoy great food, and have proper conversations without any pressure. It’s about creating a community at LDO where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered.”
Talk Club co-founder Ben Akers adds, “Talk Club was built on a simple belief: that regular, honest conversations save lives. Mate Dates bring that belief into everyday life, showing men that checking in with a mate can start with something as ordinary as sharing a meal.”
As part of its wider commitment to community wellbeing, this initiative supports LDO’s ambition to become the UK’s first mentally healthy shopping centre, embedding mental fitness into everyday social moments and supporting the long-term wellbeing of the local community.
LDO celebrates all types of love this February, no need to sign up, just head to Frankie & Benny’s on level 2. To find out more about the partnership head to www.londondesigneroutlet.com/talk-club
