the membership handbook

What is Piano Piano?

piano piano is a premium, proximity-based members-only dating app designed for discerning singles who value authenticity and want to meet someone in the real-world. Our app will initially connect members in restaurants whilst dining with friends. Learn more about the concept here

how do I become a member?

To join piano piano, you’ll need to complete apply for membership. Our team carefully reviews each submission to curate a thoughtful and respectful community. If your application is approved, you’ll receive an email inviting you to download the piano piano app. Note that, the app is currently in beta and is available through Testflight, Apple's authorized beta testing platform.

Why is there a membership application process?

The membership application process is fundamental to creating the piano piano experience. We carefully curate our community to ensure every member shares our values. Through our thorough verification process, we create an environment where members can feel confident knowing that everyone they meet has been properly vetted. This careful curation eliminates the common frustrations of traditional dating apps - fake profiles, misrepresented identities, and time wasted on endless scrolling.

Our application process helps maintain the high caliber of our community, ensuring that when you make a reservation through piano piano, you know you'll be in the company of accomplished, verified individuals who, like you, value real connections over digital interactions. This selective approach allows us to maintain the quality of experiences and interactions, making piano piano distinctly different from mass-market dating apps

Can I upgrade to founding membership later?

No. Founding Membership is only available during our private preview phase. Once we launch publicly, all new members will need to pay both the membership fee and monthly subscription.

What happens if piano piano changes its pricing structure?

As a Founding Member, your lifetime access and benefits are guaranteed regardless of future pricing changes.

How can founding members provide feedback during the preview phase?

We actively seek feedback through post-dining surveys and regular check-ins. Founding Members can also share suggestions directly with the founder via WhatsApp, helping shape the future of piano piano.

Is there a membership fee?

Yes, piano piano will be a paid membership app. This ensures a premium experience, exclusive access to our curated community and the resources to maintain high standards. Founding Members will only pay the one-time membership fee with no further subscription costs providing them with lifetime access to the app. Non-Founding Members will need to pay the membership fee and a monthly subscription.

How long does it take to get a decision on my application?

We carefully review each application to maintain our community standards. You'll receive updates on your application status via email as it progresses through our verification process. Since we manually review all applications to ensure the highest quality community, processing times may vary.

If you haven't received any communication from us within a reasonable timeframe, please check your spam folder first. You can then reach out to our support team who will be happy to check on your application status

Do I need a referral to apply?

While a referral from an existing member can strengthen your application, it is not mandatory. Anyone who aligns with our values and ethos is welcome to apply.

what is the typical age range of members?

While we don't publicly disclose specific demographics, piano piano members are typically 30+ individuals who value meaningful connections and authentic experiences.

what happens if i want to pause my membership

While regular members can pause their monthly subscription, Founding Members have lifetime access and don't need to consider pausing. If you'll be away for an extended period, simply inform your concierge.

Is my Founding Membership fee refundable?

The Founding Membership fee is non-refundable as it secures your lifetime access to piano piano.

Membership

where will i meet other members?

piano piano arranges meetings between members at carefully selected restaurants in London. Rather than leaving you to arrange your own meetings, our concierge service handles all restaurant bookings, ensuring you meet other members in sophisticated, safe environments.

When using piano piano, you can make a reservation with your friends through our concierge service. We will book two tables - one for you and your friends, and we'll offer the second table to members of the opposite gender. We aren't matchmaking, so we don't share any details about you other than that you are a piano piano member.

You can also book available tables where other members have already made reservations. Remember, dinner reservations are for you and your friends to enjoy your evening together, with the possibility of a brief, natural encounter with other members.

This curated approach means you'll only meet other verified members in upscale settings, making connections feel natural and comfortable.

How does the proximity feature work?

When you log into piano piano, you’ll take a selfie to activate proximity scanning for four hours. Upon launch, piano piano will connect members in restaurants through piano piano concierge who will remind you 30 minutes before your reservation to take a selfie. If another member with an active selfie is within proximity for at least 10 minutes, you’ll both receive a notification and will see each other’s selfie.

What happens after a proximity match?

There is no ability to interact with someone's selfie - if you’re interested in someone you’ve been notified about, you can approach them in real life and ask to connect via the app. To connect, simply scan their unique QR code. They will then have 12 hours to approve or decline the connection. If approved, you’ll be able to see each other’s name and phone number to continue the conversation on your preferred platform.

are you matchmaking?

No, piano piano is not a matchmaking service. We don't select specific members to match with each other or create pairings. Instead, we create natural opportunities for our members to meet in sophisticated restaurant settings.

Our role is to curate the community through careful member selection and arrange the environments where organic connections can happen. We book tables at restaurants where members can enjoy dinner with their friends while having the chance to meet other verified members who are open to connections.

Think of piano piano more as a dining companion that facilitates natural introductions between like-minded people, rather than a traditional matchmaking service.

Why is there a 12-hour delay for confirming connections?

The 12-hour window removes the pressure to make an instant decision allowing the person to consider your interaction. This thoughtful approach allows the person being approached time to digest the interaction. Research has indicated that what may be an instant 'No' can change to a 'Yes' after some thought. So, perhaps over the course of the twelve hour period what may have been an immediate no may turn into an approved connection. In addition, the 12-hour decision delay may minimise the risk of in-person rejection for the person approaching.

Can I use Piano Piano if I’m shy or nervous about approaching people?

Absolutely. piano piano is designed to reduce the anxiety of real-life introductions - it is the perfect dating app for introverts. The app’s values of respect and kindness encourages members to approach others in a way that is polite and thoughtful. And remember, just because you approach someone doesn’t mean they need to make a decision on the spot - all you need to say is, "Hi, I saw you on the piano piano app - can we connect?" You don't need to think of what to say - that's what you need to say. Given the community of piano piano members are kind and respectful, you will be welcomed with warmth and a willing to connect on the app.

Do I have to be active on the app to meet someone?

Yes, the app is designed to encourage active, real-world participation. When you log in and take your selfie, proximity scanning activates for four hours. After this time, you’ll need to take another selfie to continue scanning however during the private preview, the app will only connect you to members in restaurants reserved through piano piano concierge.

Can I filter who I am notified about (e.g., by age or gender)?

The private preview will focus on heterosexual connections. The concierge service will note your preferences with age and offer you restaurant reservations where members within your preferred age range will be.

what happens if my phone dies or i have technical issues?

If you experience technical issues during a dining experience, contact your concierge immediately via WhatsApp. They'll ensure your dining experience isn't affected and can help facilitate connections if needed.

can I see who else is dining before i make a reservation?

No. To maintain privacy and encourage natural connections, you'll only see other members through the app when you're both at the venue and have active selfies.

Using the App

how will i access the concierge service?

Founding Members have direct access to their concierge through WhatsApp (or your platform of choice) You'll receive dedicated support for all your dining arrangements and app-related queries.

What services does the concierge provide?

Your concierge handles all restaurant arrangements, including booking tables for you and your friends, offering you available companion tables where other members are dining, managing any changes to your reservations and supporting your piano piano app experience.

How far in advance should I request a reservation?

To ensure we can arrange two tables at the best restaurants in London, we recommend making reservation requests as early as possible but at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability. However, your concierge will also notify you of last-minute opportunities when they arise.

How are my restaurant preferences and dietary requirements handled?

Your concierge will ensure all restaurant suggestions accommodate your requirements

What kind of restaurants does piano piano work with?

Whether you have a specific restaurant in mind or would like a curated recommendation, your concierge will ensure your dining experience matches your preferences. With our extensive knowledge of London's dining scene, we help you discover or return to venues that provide the perfect backdrop for authentic connections. From intimate neighbourhood gems to sought-after establishments, your concierge will secure your reservation and look for opportunities to arrange companion tables for other members at your chosen venue.

Can I make multiple reservations for different dates?

Yes, you can make multiple advance reservations. Your concierge will help you manage all your dining arrangements.

Can I specify preferences for companion tables?

Your concierge will note your age preferences, ensuring you're offered companion table opportunities that align with your interests.

Can I share my existing restaurant reservations with the concierge?

Yes, if you've made a reservation independently, you can share the details with your concierge who will try to arrange for other piano piano members to dine at the same venue.

what happens if i need to cancel or modify a reservation?

Contact your concierge as soon as possible regarding any changes. Please note that late cancellations resulting in fees may affect your membership status.

How do I know if other members will be dining at the same venue?

Your concierge will inform you when making your reservation if other members have booked companion tables, or notify you of opportunities to join existing reservations.

how many friends can i bring to dinner?

Reservations are typically arranged for groups of 2-4 people. This creates an optimal environment for natural interactions while maintaining an intimate dining atmosphere.

how often can i use the concierge service?

As a Founding Member, there's no limit to how often you can use piano piano. You can make reservations through your concierge as frequently as you like however we expect you to be open to connecting with other piano piano members at reservations booked through piano piano concierge.

How quickly can I expect the concierge to respond?

Our concierge team aims to respond to all requests within 2 hours during operating hours.

What are the concierge's hours of operation?

Your concierge is available Monday through Sunday, 9am to 10pm. For urgent matters outside these hours, Founding Members can reach out via WhatsApp and will receive a response at the earliest opportunity.

What happens if no one books the companion table?

You'll still enjoy your dining experience with your friends. Your concierge will notify you if other members book the companion table.

the concierge

Is my personal information secure?

Yes, we take privacy and security very seriously. Your personal details, including your phone number, are only shared with another member if both parties approve a match. Selfies and QR codes are used exclusively for real-time, proximity-based interactions and are not stored for any other purpose.

How does Piano Piano ensure safety during real-life interactions?

Every piano piano member undergoes a comprehensive verification process that includes manual identity verification, professional background checks and a detailed manual application review. This means our community consists exclusively of fully verified individuals whose identities and backgrounds we have carefully authenticated.

Our structured meeting format is designed with your safety in mind. All interactions take place in carefully selected restaurants with your friends. We exclusively arrange meetings in public, well-staffed environments.

Additionally, since all members are fully verified with official documentation, there's complete accountability within our community. piano piano maintains detailed records of all member interactions and restaurant bookings.

Unlike traditional dating apps, you'll never be asked to meet someone alone or in an unfamiliar location. You're always in control of your experience, enjoying dinner with your friends while having the option to make connections in a safe, sophisticated environment.

Can I decline an approach in real life?

Whilst you are under no obligation to accept a connection just because someone approaches you, we encourage users to accept a connection even if they intend to reject the connection at a later time. This is important to encourage people to approach others in real life. If you do not wish to connect with someone then simply let them know politely that you are not interested in connecting. Our members are expected to handle these situations with kindness and respect.

Can I report inappropriate behaviour?

Yes, we encourage members to report any behaviour that violates our community values. Our support team will review the situation and take appropriate action to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all members. Please report the time and date of the event to hello@pianopiano.app

What information is shared with other members?

Other members can only see your current selfie when you're both at the same venue with active selfies. Your full name and contact details are only shared after a mutual match is confirmed.

How is my concierge communication handled?

All communication with your concierge is private and secure. Your contact details and preferences are only used to enhance your dining experience.

Privacy & Safety

Who is Piano Piano for?

piano piano is for singles in London who are looking for intentional, real-world connections. Our members are busy professionals, creatives, and thoughtful individuals who value effort, kindness, and personal growth in their relationships..

Is Piano Piano available outside of London?

For the private preview, piano piano will be available only in London. However, we have plans to expand to other cities in the future. Be sure to sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with local launches

How can I contact Piano Piano?

If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to email us at hello@pianopiano.app

Are there any additional costs beyond the membership fee?

For Founding Members, the £149 fee covers all app features and concierge services for lifetime access. You're only responsible for your dining costs at restaurants.

What happens if I’m not accepted?

If your membership application is not successful, we'll notify you via email. While we're unable to provide specific details about our decision-making process, there are two ways forward:

Obtain a referral from a current piano piano member, which will allow you to reapply immediately
Wait 6 months to reapply if your circumstances change

piano piano maintains a highly curated community to ensure the best possible experience for all members. Our acceptance criteria are designed to maintain the quality and trust within our community rather than to exclude

who created piano piano?

piano piano was created by Francesca Chiesa. To read more about the story behind piano piano click here

how do i get technical support?

Founding Members can reach out directly to their concierge via WhatsApp for immediate assistance with any technical issues.