To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "Never, in the field of human dating, has so much dating been done, by some many, in so few venues", in this case one.
Picture the scene. The Exhibit, Balham. 2 floors. 2 speed dating sessions. 40 people at each. And the piece de resistance, an after party with all 80 speed daters.
It was a first for us. Our biggest single speed dating event ever and a first we believe for London, IF NOT THE WORLD! Okay so the current world record speed date event sits at around 350 but that was in New Jersey so doesn't count.
We were also breaking in our new speed dating host - actor Stuart - and trying to keep the events running simultaneously. What could possibly go wrong?
Well lots could have but nothing did! A fantastic night of controlled anarchy, a flawless online matching system, pretty much equal numbers and a night of dating, dancing and the occasional dalliance with other daters.
We'll be running more of these events throughout the year so make sure you're checking the website and book early! Tickets go very fast.
And if that wasn't enough, we decided to break another company record by holding our biggest ever Lock & Key Party two days later.
280 single folk gathered in the vaulted lounge, gallery and party space that is the Adam Street private members club. But no yearly membership to pay here. Oh no. Just locks, keys, prizes and live music from ENTER NAME OF BAND. Oh and 4 mini speed dating events just to give those at our events for the first time a little taster of what we do best.
Stuart, hosting his first ever Lock & Key Party, was suitably impressed.
"Awesome!" was his first utterance as the evening got underway, followed by "gutted" when he remembered he wasn't single (with apologies to his girlfriend).
Locks were unlocked, prizes distributed, speed dates dated, dancing done (our house band provided top live entertainment) and flirting amply facilitated due to our icebreaker. Oh and Darius, our regular close up magician wowed the crowd and help romance blossom between more than one couple. Apparently destiny really is written in the cards. Just don't challenge this man to a game of poker.
Tickets disappeared in record time but don't fret if you missed out we'll be hosting quite a few more of these throughout the year. Why simply utilize the spirit of Valentines only once a year?
So stay tuned for more Speed Dating madness and Lock & Key loving. Just make sure you don't miss out.
Check out some pics we took at the event. (Sorry about the quality, the proper camera ran out of power!)