If you’ve tried to book a speed dating event recently, specifically if you're looking for the "Slow Dating" brand, you might have noticed something strange. Slowdating.com is offline and the company sadly appears to have ceased trading.
SlowDating was formed around the same time as Original Dating and we viewed them as a worthy competitor, particularly in their early days - before they were sold by their wonderful founder, Carl.
However, it looks like the "UK’s longest established" speed dating company has done the ultimate modern dating move: they’ve ghosted us.
But just because one big player has left the chat doesn’t mean your love life has to go on pause. In fact, for singles in cities like Norwich, Portsmouth, and Exeter, this is the perfect time to try something new and Original Dating is here for you.
Here is your survival guide to the post-Slow Dating landscape and where you can actually find events in your city right now.
The "It's Not You, It's Them" Breakup
First, let’s validate what you’re seeing. If you’ve been trying to book a speed dating ticket in Norwich or Southampton and found yourself staring at a "greyed out" screen, you aren't alone. Reports from late 2025 show that bookings have effectively frozen, and communication from the old slowdating.com HQ has gone silent.
It’s frustrating, especially if you have a "free event guarantee" sitting in your inbox that you can’t use.
It’s time to swipe left on the old legacy brand and look at what’s actually happening in your local area.
The Location Guide: Where to Go Now
The biggest loss from the Slow Dating disappearance isn't the format (4 minutes is just 4 minutes, after all), but the locations. They were everywhere. So, if you are in one of their former strongholds, here is your game plan.
1. The South Coast: Portsmouth, Bournemouth & Southampton
This was the heartland of the old empire. If you are in Portsmouth (perhaps used to the events at Gunwharf Quays) or Bournemouth, the void is real.
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** The Fix:** Look for our speed dating and parties. We are here to step in and fill the calendar in these larger southern coastal hubs.
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** The Vibe:** The crowd here is often a mix of young professionals and the maritime community. If you don't see a "Speed Dating" event listed, check for "Singles Mixers", which are booming in Southampton as a more casual alternative.
2. The Eastern Gap: Norwich & Cambridge
Norwich singles, we hear you loud and clear. You’ve been hit hard by the closure of Slowdating. Because Norwich is a bit geographically isolated, you don't have the option to just "pop to London" for a Tuesday night event. Check our Original Dating's events in Cambridge
3. The South West: Exeter, Bristol & Bath
Bristol is fine—it’s packed with options. Check them here. But Exeter and Bath relied heavily on the old Slow Dating schedule and we plan to fill that void. Speed dating events in Bath can be found here.
4. The North: Leeds, Sheffield & York
In Sheffield, the events at Pitcher & Piano were a staple. In Leeds, the scene is shifting fast.
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** The Fix:** Northerners are rejecting the stiff interview style. The new trend in Leeds and York is Activity Dating. Think board game nights, bowling mixers, or "Chicken Rush" style scavenger hunts. It takes the pressure off the 4-minute timer and lets you actually see someone's personality. For events in Leeds, Sheffield and York, we're here for you.
Wait, Isn't "Slow Dating" a Good Thing?
Here is the irony: while the company Slow Dating is disappearing, the concept of slow dating is hotter than ever.
Gen Z and Millennials are burning out on apps. They are tired of the swipe-and-ghost culture. They want Slow Dating—meaning intentionality, fewer dates, and deeper connections.2
So, if you are searching for "Slow Dating" in 2025, don't look for a company logo. Look for events that promise:
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Longer interactions (not just 3 minutes).
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No pressure to match instantly.
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Safe spaces (often hosted by matchmakers rather than promoters).
The Verdict
The website might be gathering dust, but the singles in Basingstoke, Chester, and Worcester are still there. The search term "Slow Dating" doesn't belong to a corporation anymore—it belongs to you.
Our advice? Check the local listings on Eventbrite, search for "Singles Socials" in your city, and be the one to start the conversation. The old bells may have stopped ringing, but the night is still young.
Looking for a verified speed dating event in your city? Check out our updated calendar.
If you're an ex-slow dating host. Please contact us to apply to join Original Dating.