Our dating events work and we genuinely believe in there's no easier, more fun way to meet people.
We've been around since speed dating was invented and we're proud to still be running successful events today. The company started by organising a monthly speed dating event in Clapham in South West London and we soon expanded our event programme to cities across The UK.
We later branched into parties and lots of other popular dating event formats and niche speed dating events. Since our launch the company has organised more than 10,000 events and welcomed over 500,000 clients.
Thousands of people have coupled up after attending our events and we've been responsible for a lot of weddings too.
Our goal is simple: To organise well-attended, fun events at nice venues for nice people. We're pretty good at it and we thrive on the great feedback we receive.
We're not like other operators in our market. We're run by a professional team, full-time. We really care about giving our clients the best experience possible. We also guarantee that you'll meet at least one person you want to see again. If you don't - your next event is free of charge. We're proud to boast that most of our bookings come by recommendation so we must be doing something right.
Why not book an event and give us a try?
It was fun!! Definitely going again. Maybe increase the dating time from 5 minutes to 8/10 minutes? And provide us with note pads and pen/pencil?
People were really nice and the hostess was amazing. Really high spirited and kept the good vibes flowing.
It was a fun venue. Age range leant towards the older side and I’d have preferred more around my age. I preferred the host to most of the other guests 😅
We're based in Central London and the company is run by a small but dedicated team of people.
Here's some more info about the team behind Original Dating.
Andrew Summersgill
Founder
Andrew founded Original Dating way, way back in 2003 when speed dating was new and he was just a boy. Fast forward a couple of decades and company is leading the way in the live dating events market and continues to expand it's offering across the UK. Andrew loves London but also travelling the world. He counts cooking, gadgets and camping amongst his hobbies. He's always interested in new ventures and partnerships both inside and outside of the dating space.
Chigse
Events & Admin Assistant
Chigse is a recent university graduate and joined Original Dating in January 2023. In just a short time she's proven to be a fantastic asset to the team and we welcome her input across all areas of the business as we continue to grow our offering in the UK.
Kris
CTO
Kris is the coding wiz behind the Original Dating. He joined the team way, way back 2004 and is an expert in so many web technologies there's simply too many to list. Kris was responsible for building our first proper website and since then he's helped us keep our technology platforms up to date. Kris is technical tour de force, a mathematical magician and a web wizard of the highest order and Andrew is very pleased to have someone of his coding calibre on the team. No amount of alliteration can fully sum up this man's contribution.
Al
Event Host
Star of the London Stand-up circuit and Tic Tok legend Al has become a stalwart of the Original Dating hosting team having hosted many dozens of events over recent years. Expect laughs aplenty and top notch organisation when Al is hosting your night.
Jake
Event Host
Jake was born and raised in Derby but now calls home London which is great news for our events in The Capital. With his unfaltering enthusiasm, Jake brings an exciting energy to proceedings. Jake's a natural host and is sure to make your event a fantastic night out.
Kathryn
Event Host
When Kathryn isn't hosting our speed dating events in Buckinghamshire you'll find her with a set of headphones behind some turn tables, as she's also a DJ. Kathryn presents on the box making her the coolest addition to the Original Dating team. Kathryn has all the chat, as well as the Irish craic and she's sure to make your event a fun night.
Marisa
Event Host
You'll meet Marisa at our events in both London and Oxford (she lives between the two). In real life Marisa is a trained actor so when she's hosting for us she draws on her performing background to enliven proceedings to guarantee you'll have the best dating experience possible. It's sure to be an entertaining night whenever Marisa is calling the shots.
Emily
Event Host
Emily, originally from Derby, is the host of our Essex events in either Chelmsford or Southend. She’s an accomplished actor and host, having performed all over the world – you may even spot her on TV! With Emily you’re sure to have a relaxed and fun evening.
Tara
Event Host
Tara joins us with tons of events and presenting experience. As an Essex local you'll more than likely find her at our Chelmsford events. You're sure to be in for a great night with Tara running the show.
Daniel
Event host
Daniel heads up our Derby speed dating team. Daniel is a natural host with an abundance of charm and he goes above and beyond to make our events the very best they can be. Book an event with Dan in charge and you're certain of a great night.
Paul
Event Host
Hosting is second nature to Paul. Alongside hosting our events Paul can also be found leading guided tours around famous city landmarks, as well as running the local escape rooms in Canterbury. With Paul's calm and attentive style, he brings a relaxed atmosphere to our events, that won't leave you running for the exit.
Sam
Event Host
Sam is an all round nice guy and we couldn't be more chuffed to have him as part of our team. Sam goes the extra mile to make sure everyone have a great time. Sam is a seasoned actor and presenter when he's not helping people find love in London.
Peter
Event Host - Manchester
Peter is a star of stage, screen and now star of the Manchester speed dating scene. He join Original Dating's team of hosts in Manchester bringing you the very best dating events every time.
Wendi
Host - Kent
Introducing the host for our events in Kent, Wendi. She's is a born matchmaker and absolutely loves playing cupid. Wendi enjoys yoga and has a keen interest in all things spiritual.
Lisa
Host - Manchester & Leeds
Lisa is based in the North and is the lead host for our Leeds & Manchester dating events. A professional actor, presenter, model and dancer with a bubbly, friendly an energetic personality. She has over a decade worth of hosting experiences and is a favourite with clients at events. There is never a dull moment when Lisa is hosting.
Esme
Host - London
Esme is an experienced TV & radio presenter and professional live event host. Originally from Bristol, she’s been living in London in recent years, occasionally wowing the crowds at Original Dating events. She runs a great speed dating event and works super hard to ensure everyone has a fantastic night out.
The beauty of Speed Dating London lies in its no-nonsense approach. You take an equal number of single girls and guys, put them in a room and give them a few minutes to chat with every other member of the opposite sex.
Original speed dating events in London normally begin at 7.30pm. You will need to register with our hosts and to begin with they will issue you with a score sheet. This will help you to keep track of the singles that you would like to meet again and perhaps go on a date with. After a short period of mingling, your host for the evening who will run through detailed instructions and give you your starting position if you are a guy or table for the event if you are a girl.
A London speed dating event is split into two halves, each lasting around an hour, there will be an interval at half time of about 15 minutes for speed dating London. You will have between 4 and 5 minutes with each person, after which you need to tick a box on your score sheet - "yes, I would like to meet this person again" or "no. Thanks but no thanks". Or "friend" if you'd like to get to know them platonically. Make sure that you do this after each date to keep track. Afterwards there is an opportunity for everyone to meet and mingle informally - this is often where the real action begins, so make sure you don't disappear too quickly!
After the event you simply tick who you liked on the Original Dating website and the site works about your matches automatically. If the dates you have ticked as a "yes" have reciprocated you have a match. You will be able to view the first names and message them via our site online without revealing your email address until you are ready to. You'll be having proper first dates in no time.