SpeakEasy February 2026 @ Sonny's Speakeasy

The First Speak Easy of 2026 – Underground at Sonny’s

🗓 Thursday, 5th February 2026

⏰ 5:30 PM – Late

📍 Sonny’s Speakeasy, Bournemouth (Old Christchurch Rd)

Speak Easy is back for its first outing of 2026, and we’ve found the perfect sanctuary to kick off the year.

Hosted by a volunteer group of collaborative misfits, Speak Easy is open to anyone working in creative and tech in Dorset who enjoys honest conversation and good company. We’re moving the hangout to the incredible (and aptly-named) Sonny’s Speakeasy.

We’ve traded the usual louder bars for a venue designed for good, old fashioned listening. Tucked away in a former air raid shelter, Sonny’s is a sophisticated "talking bar" that feels like a well-kept secret.

Expect a vibe that matches the conversation:

• Atmosphere: Vintage Chesterfields, dim lighting, and a crackling fireplace.
• The Soundtrack: Smooth jazz and acoustic vibes at a volume that lets you really hear the person across from you.
• The Refreshments: A world-class curated wine list, premium spirits, and artisan charcuterie for those who want a nibble while they chat.
  

Speak Easy is "loose" by design. There are no panels. No mega intros. No compulsory networking. Just nice humans talking real things with zero pressure to be anyone other than yourself.

• Thought-starters, not keynotes
• Warm welcomes, not sales pitches
• Quiet corners for introverts, tangents for extroverts

Whether you're in creative digital, tech, the arts, relevant education, entrepreneurship, or just figuring it all out, you’re invited! You don’t have to be a “creative misfit" to join (but if you are, we'll embrace you with open arms!).

Don't be shy. Look out for the organisers (wearing SpeakEasy badges) or ask at the door when being checked in - we're here to help facilitate meaningful, low-pressure introductions for you!

Your Hosts: A collective of local industry leaders from Silicon South, Uprated, Digital Butter, Spyrosoft, and more. We aren't here to sell; we're here to hang out.

This event is free, but registration is essential as Sonny’s is an intimate venue and we expect to hit capacity quickly.

RSVP, show up, and speak easy.

Your Hosts:

• Anthony Story from Silicon South/Growth Leaders
• Becky Willis from Hewitt Matthews Group
• Cat Gold from Uprated
• Cath Malone from Silicon South/Malone Creative
• Curtis Williams from Agitate Digital
• Matt Leach from Salad
• Sarah Cullen from Digital Butter
• Toby Pestridge from Spyrosoft

• Carl Cahill from Salo
• Ollie Storey from Cold Banana

SpeakEasy is a safe, inclusive space for all. We maintain a respectful and kind environment where harassment is never tolerated.

#SpeakEasy #BournemouthEvents #CollaborativeMisfits #SonnysSpeakeasy #DorsetTech #CreativeNetworking

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