UK Launches Screen‑Free Retreats and Pubs to Cut Smartphone Use

The Offline Project, a London‑based initiative launched in August 2025, offers screen‑free gatherings that begin with a simple ritual: attendees hand their smartphones into a lockbox before the event starts. Run by Pelé Zachariah, the program features a variety of activities—from group walks and collage‑making classes to supper clubs—each designed to foster presence and interpersonal connection without digital distraction.

Zachariah explains that the lockbox serves as a physical reminder of the commitment to stay present. “I don’t place them in for people, because it’s nice for them to physically put it in the box themselves, walk away, and think: for the next two or three hours, I’m fully present,” he says. Early participants often report initial discomfort when separated from their devices, but many later remark that the experience revealed how much they had relied on constant connectivity. The events are held in venues that range from cafés with “smartphone swear jars” to cabins deliberately cut off from signal, ensuring an environment conducive to unplugging.

By removing the lure of notifications and social media, the Offline Project aims to restore mindful engagement in everyday social settings. While the program is still relatively new, its growing popularity suggests a broader appetite for intentional tech breaks in an increasingly connected world.