Single in the city: speed dating London & beyond!

Photo Credit: www.pixabay.com

Photo Credit: www.pixabay.com

Being single in the city can be tough. There are 8.7 million people living in London – so why does it feel so hard to meet new people? Especially new single people! That’s where SpeedDater comes in. From classic singles nights like speed dating to quirky nights out like ping pong events they’re on a long term mission to get London singles out into the real world for face-to-face flirtation. Whether you’re looking for speed dating tips or want to know what else is out there, you’ve come to the right place.

Speed dating: top tips

SpeedDater launched speed dating London in 2002, and the events are still immensely popular. From the good dates to the bad, the chemistry and flirty eyes to the cringe-inducing; speed dating’s four-minute formula of chit chat has made for many a great night out. Not sure if it’s your scene? We asked dating expert and SpeedDater host Danielle Waller for her top 5 speed dating tips:

Fix up look sharp! Dress as if you were going on a first date. Because you are; lots of first dates. First impressions really count at speed dating. It’s better to be a bit overdressed than underdressed, no matter what Channel 4’s ‘Naked Attraction’ tells you…

Take it easy on the drinks, sailor! This is speed dating; not your mate’s big Christmas blowout. If you’re seen drinking even one jagerbomb, I guarantee you won’t be going home with a date. Consider yourself warned.

Be open minded – a lot of cool people are playing Pokémon Go so it really doesn’t need to be a deal breaker if they’re into it. Give your dates a chance, even if they are not your ‘typical’ choice. Maybe your ‘type’ isn’t working out for you?

Avoid politics/religion. Seriously. Whether EU (get it?!) were in or out, whether you’re a Trump supporter or a firm Hillary fan, your date just doesn’t need to know in the first four minutes. Leave the longer discussions to the longer dates, please!

Love the sound of your own voice? Talking non-stop for 4 minutes is not ok, even if you are giving your date a blow by blow of Game of Thrones ‘Battle of the Bastards’ and the *SPOILER ALERT* death of Ramsey Bolton (hurrah!). Whilst they may appreciate your passionate support for our new King in the North, they will definitely not appreciate your lack of basic conversation skills.

Alternative dating nights

As well as running regular speed dating London events, SpeedDater also host activity events; from cooking classes and wine tasting to ping pong dating and quiz nights, there’s something to suit everyone. This includes monthly singles parties – around 200 London singles getting to know one another in a chic venue with ice-breaker games and a DJ! It’s a guaranteed giggle and a brilliant night out for groups of friends. Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve party – it’s the event of the year and always a sellout!

SpeedDater recently hosted a Movember charity night, raising £469 for the Movember Foundation with an evening of fuzzy faced flirting – an event for men with facial hair and ladies who love it. Danielle said: “This event is quite possibly my favourite of the year, and it didn’t disappoint. Facial hair and flirting for a good cause – what’s not to love?! There is something special about bringing together single Londoners for a laugh in real life. I’m finding a lot of our attendees are suffering from ‘swipe fatigue’ and just want to meet over a drink. And let’s be honest, a fabulous beard/moustache is best in person!”

With 70+ monthly events across 24 UK cities, SpeedDater is the UK’s #1 singles events site. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to ditch your overly swiped phone, don your glad rags and book a singles event!

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