A question I'm often asked when hosting speed dating events: Don't you ever get bored?
To be fair I've hosted over 300 Speed Dating events so the question shouldn't come as a surprise but I can honestly say that I don't. This is partly due to the fact such a wide range of people attend events. Who wouldn't want a job where you get to meet such a broad spectrum of professionals from all sorts of backgrounds?
The other reason is the sheer variety of events I host. I'm lucky enough to work for a very professional but relaxed company who know the value of variety. So for those of you who are curious as to what Original Dating do, or perhaps those who've attended an event but are looking for something different, here are my pick of events over the last year.
Ever popular Speed Date events run throughout the week so grab some friends, pick a date and venue and get booking:
Wednesday finds us in the opulent surrounds of the justifiably famous Mahiki near Green Park. Think rambunctious royals and celebrating celebrities.
Thursday we run two events. The ever-popular Exhibit in Balham boasts a private room, bar and bar staff, while for those North of the river Islington is the destination. XOXO is situated 2 minutes from Angel tube opposite Islington Green. Come early for some amazing Thai food or simply indulge yourselves in their stunning cocktails.
Friday is time to date in the city amidst the plush surrounds of Dion right next to St Paul's Cathedral. Again, we have a private room, bar and bar staff and, as if that wasn't enough, live blues, rock and jazz plays upstairs until late leaving with you with no excuse not to stick around.
Saturday finds us in the West End in the media hub of Fitzrovia. Black & Blue is the destination boasting a great wine list and the possibility of any cocktail you can imagine. And if you want to carry on after hours, the vibrant and welcoming London Cocktail Club is just 20 steps away.
The highlight of this year has to have been our Jubilee boat party. A 28C day, our regular band The Gremlins kicking out some awesome tunes, Speed Dating try out sessions on the lower deck and our unique lock and key ice breaker offering up fabulous prizes meant this was a classic boat party of which there will be many more. Not to mention the three massive jubilee themed cakes that lasted about thirty seconds.
For those wanting a less formal, more traditional bar like atmosphere we ran a number of increasingly popular Mid-Week Socials across London. No icebreaker, just 50-80 like-minded single professionals in venues such as Soho House, Mahiki and The Exhibit. I have to admit getting home a little late after more than one of these events after being asked to lead a bunch of guests onto further night time adventures.
And finally, we're looking to revive our very own Comedy Dating event, TFI Sundays. 80-100 singles dating in groups of ten for 10-15 mins, interspersed with some of the UK's finest comedy talent.
So that was the year so far, but don't worry we don't plan to sit on our laurels. We have a few surprises coming up in the next few month so make sure you're on our mailing list and keep checking the website. And if you have any ideas you think may work, drop us a line. Who knows, perhaps you could be responsible for the next big thing in dating.
So to conclude, no I don't get bored hosting these events. How could I?
JOHN DAVIS
Here's some great dating events we've got coming up soon!
Saturday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s
Sat 20 Apr 2024
The Kings Arms, Central London
Brand new Saturday night event in the heart of the West End.
Lesbian Speed Dating
Sat 20 Apr 2024
KOMYUNITI - YOTEL, London, Clerkenwell
Join us for lesbian speed dating and meet around 15 women. Did we mention a free welcome drink?
Tuesday Night Speed Dating 20s & 30s
Tue 23 Apr 2024
Jamies Tudor Street, London, The City
Ease into the week and spend Tuesday evenings with us and up to 15 dates in the City.
Speed Dating in the City
Wed 24 Apr 2024
Langbourns, London, The City
New - Join us for this new Wednesday evening event in the City.
Speed Dating in Cambridge
Wed 24 Apr 2024
The Lab, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Join around 30 singles at this trendy Cambridge venue for a fun night meeting new people.
Speed Dating in Clapham
Thu 25 Apr 2024
Sugar Cane, London, Clapham Junction
You'll typically meet 12-15 people for our popular speed dating event at this cool venue in CJ.
Manchester Speed Dating - 20s and 30s
Thu 25 Apr 2024
Be At One Manchester, Manchester, Deansgate
Join us for Manchester's #1 professional speed dating event at Be At One.
Speed Dating in Canterbury
Thu 25 Apr 2024
One Pound Lane, Canterbury, Kent
Canterbury's busiest speed dating event. Join us and meet new people in person.
Speed Dating in Derby
Thu 25 Apr 2024
Carnero Lounge, Derby, Derbyshire
Derby's busiest speed dating event. Meet up to 15 singles at this cool bar, in the heart of Derby.
Speed Dating Cardiff
Thu 25 Apr 2024
Dirty Martini, Cardiff, Wales
Join us for our brand new singles events in the heart Cardiff.
Speed Dating in Glasgow
Thu 25 Apr 2024
Missoula, Glasgow, Scotland
Join us for an evening of multiple dates at our brand new venue in Glasgow.
Friday Night Speed Dating
Fri 26 Apr 2024
Dion - St Pauls, London, The City
It's our busiest event of the week. 25 dates and no work tomorrow. You just can't beat this event.
Friday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s event
Fri 26 Apr 2024
Langbourns, London, The City
Kick start your weekend with Friday night speed dating at our brand new venue in the heart of the...
Speed Dating in Oxford
Fri 26 Apr 2024
Hank's Bar, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Start the weekend with speed dating in the city's trendiest bar.
Saturday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s
Sat 27 Apr 2024
The Kings Arms, Central London
Brand new Saturday night event in the heart of the West End.
Gay Speed Dating
Sat 27 Apr 2024
Komyuniti - Yotel, London, Clerkenwell
Join us for gay speed dating and meet around 15 men. Did we mention a free welcome drink?
Speed Dating in Brighton
Tue 30 Apr 2024
The Walrus, The Lanes, Brighton
*NEW VENUE* It's Brighton's best speed dating event. Join us and meet up to 15 dates at The Walrus
Speed Dating in the City
Wed 1 May 2024
Jamies Tudor Street, London, The City
New - Join us for this new Wednesday evening event in the City.
Speed Dating in Islington
Thu 2 May 2024
The Bull, London, Islington
Islington's very one speed dating event at this ace North London venue.
Speed Dating in St Albans
Thu 2 May 2024
The Crown, St Albans, Hertfordshire
This is St Albans busiest speed date at Hertfordshires finest bar.
Join the waiting list