It’s true. A scientifically verified, indisputable cross-my-heart-and-hope-to-die god’s honest fact. Music is nice. In fact, I’ll challenge anyone to say they don’t like music.
In my last post I highlighted the fact that 40% of men report feeling ‘fear’ when meeting someone for that all important first date. This could explain the well-known phenomenon in the dating event industry that sees men only really booking up at the last minute while women tend to book weeks in advance. Some may churlishly suggest this is due to men’s general inability to plan, or an innate fear of commitment. For my money the truth lies elsewhere.
I’ve been writing about dating for a few years now so I decided it was probably about time to brush up on my research. I mean, proper research with books ‘n stuff, not going on lots of dates. Methinks my partner would not approve of the latter. It seems the ‘game’ has changed considerably over the last couple of years and not just because of the impact of apps and technology.
On this blog I talk a lot about best places to go in London, give advice on various aspects of dating, highlight some of our events, give more advice on dating and hopefully entertain you along the way. At the bottom of each blog you’ll always find a link to our events that in some way relate to what i’m writing about.
Normally, summer sees a bit of a slowdown on the speed dating front. And yet, such events are more popular than ever. From funky pop up speed dating in the trendier parts of the city, to quiz and literary speed dating for the more cerebrally celebratory, single londoners are taking to the format at a rate matched only by our thirst for gin. To explain why, John gives us his ten reasons speed dating is this summers hottest night out.
If large summer parties are Ibiza on steroids, then summer speed dating in London is the Italian hill top private bar over-looking the Mediterranean. Or so says John Davis as he explains why the summer is the best time for speed dating.
Last time I wrote about the top 6 things girls first notice about guys. The general consensus from guys was surprise and, from girls, acknowledgement. So it will be interesting to see if the opposite is true.
Our lock and key parties are justifiably becoming the most sought after singles events in London. You have a brilliant conversation starter in lock and key – including champagne prizes - mini speed date sessions just so you can say you’ve given it a go, a great nights entertainment from an exceptional live band, and our own unique matching app, Mixeo, so you can stay in touch with those you connect with.
You know you’re a nice guy right? You’re single, have a job, friendly (and have good friends), and people say you’re great company. Your female friends regularly express surprise that you’re still single. Yet the idea of meeting someone who isn’t a friend of a friend while out of an evening not only seems an impossibility, it fills you with a slight, but genuine, dread.
There’s no doubt that the stigma surrounding online dating is in significant retreat. At the same time, traditional online dating, while not statistically in decline, is finding its dominance challenged by the emergence of dating apps.
According to one analysis, daters in the UK are the most romantic in Europe. Another reading would have it that we rely too heavily on money to pave the way to dating success. Either way, UK daters spend almost three times more than their European counterparts over the whole dating process.
Last week I wrote an article entitled ‘Where are all the Male Dating Bloggers?’ One wit mailed me stating simply, “On the internet you div.” Notwithstanding that I haven’t heard the word ‘div’ since I was seven, my response would have to be, well obviously, but where?
As you’ve probably guessed by now, I’m a huge fan of the summer. If the summer was a band I’d have all the albums, be constantly following their tour and have slept with all the members.
It’s a peculiar fact that the vast majority of dating bloggers are female. Even among match makers gents are underrepresented. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t an equality debate. Those who know me will testify to my tendency to publicly rail against the patriarchy and I’m a firm believer in forms of positive discrimination.
We've had a few sunny days of late which raises the question, is summer just around the corner? Personally I hope so. Although, given the number of years since my days of high sporting achievement, the thought of bearing even the smallest part of my pale body in public fills me with anxiety.
We host plenty of events in cracking venues and, when summer hits, we welcome hundreds of you aboard our justifiably famous boat parties. And yet, there’s more to a London summer than just the river.
This is number one and the story's just begun singing doo-wa-diddy-diddy-dum-diddy-doo Um… Sorry. Got a little carried away there. Back to the task at hand. Helping the serious single navigate the riverways of romance.
Before you start balking at the thought of a 70’s throwback and a very large bowl, fear not. Lock and Key is a really straight forward way to make sure everyone mingles without the need for awkward silences.
Against patriarchal tradition you’ve reached out and messaged Mr Possibly Rather Nice. The only thing is, it’s been a few days and you've heard nothing.
What started out at 8pm as a relatively sedate affair had, within 30 minutes, erupted into a full blown party – The perfect introduction to the Summer.
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.