LOCK & KEY PARTIES
The perfect icebreaker for big dating events
Original Dating lock & key parties are one of the most fun ways to meet a large number of people in one night. These are some of the largest dating events anywhere and our success has been built around them - if you want to meet people, lock & key parties are for you.
Our Next Party
New Year Lock & Key Party - Birmingham
Fri 9 Jan 2026
BOX, Brindley Place, Birmingham
New Year, New you! Join our Singles Party! Up to 80 guests expected! Don't miss out, book now!
New Year Lock & Key Party - Newcastle
Fri 9 Jan 2026
Manahatta, Newcastle
Don't miss our Lock & Key Singles Party. Up to +80 people expected. Book now!
New Year Lock & Key Party - York
Fri 9 Jan 2026
Manahatta, York
Don't miss our Lock & Key Singles Party Launch! Up to 80 people expected! Book now!
New Year Lock & Key Party - Sheffield
Fri 9 Jan 2026
Manahatta, Sheffield
Don't miss our Lock & Key Singles Party Launch! Up to 80 people expected. This is set to be an in...
New Year Lock & Key Party - Leeds
Fri 9 Jan 2026
Manahatta, Leeds, Greek Street
Join us at our Leeds Singles Lock & Key Party. The ultimate way to meet singles this summer.
New Year Lock & Key Party - Cardiff
Fri 9 Jan 2026
Peppermint Bar, Cardiff, Wales
Get dating in 2026 off to the best start with our New Year Singles party this January!
THE NEW YEAR PARTY + PLUS PRE-PARTY SPEED DATING
Sat 10 Jan 2026
The Fable (Top Floor), London, The City
Join us for the New Year Lock & Key Party + Pre-Party Speed Dating. The biggest singles party in ...
THE NEW YEAR LOCK & KEY PARTY
Sat 10 Jan 2026
The Fable (Top Floor), London, The City
Welcome to the biggest party for single Londoners this New Year. Over 200+ people expected!
New Year Lock & Key Party - Harrogate
Fri 23 Jan 2026
Mojo, Harrogate, Yorkshire
Don't miss our Lock & Key Singles Party 2026 Launch! Up to 80 people expected! Book now!
New Year Lock & Key Party - Preston
Fri 23 Jan 2026
Revolution, Preston, Lancashire
The famous lock and key party has come to Preston! Book now and meet other singles in the city!
New Year Lock & Key Party - Swansea
Fri 23 Jan 2026
Peppermint Bar, Swansea
Get dating in 2026 off to the best start with our New Year Singles party this January!
Chemistry - Over 40s Singles Party
Sat 24 Jan 2026
The Happenstance (Lounge Bar), London, St Pauls
Chemistry - a unique over 40s singles party for those that are serious about dating.
Valentine's Singles Party - Birmingham
Fri 13 Feb 2026
BOX, Brindley Place, Birmingham
Love is in the air! Up to 80 guests expected at our Singles Party! Don't miss out, book now!
Valentines Day Singles Party - Cambridge
Fri 13 Feb 2026
THE LAB, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Don't miss our Valentines Day Singles Party! Up to 80 singles expected. Book your ticket now!
Valentines Day Singles Party - Edinburgh
Fri 13 Feb 2026
MANAHATTA EDINBURGH,
Join us this Valentines Day for our Singles Party in Edinburgh. Up to 80 people expected.
Valentines Singles Lock & Key Party - York
Fri 13 Feb 2026
Manahatta, York
Don't miss our Lock & Key Singles Party Launch! Up to 100 people expected!...Book now!
Valentines Singles Lock & Key Party - Sheffield
Fri 13 Feb 2026
Manahatta, Sheffield
Don't miss our Lock & Key Singles Party Launch! Up to 80 people expected. Book now!
Valentine's Lock & Key Singles Party - Newcastle
Fri 13 Feb 2026
Manahatta, Newcastle
Don't miss our Lock & Key Singles Party. Up to +80 people expected. Book now!
Valentine's Singles Party - Bournemouth
Fri 13 Feb 2026
1812, Bournemouth, Dorset
Welcome to the Bournemouth Valentines Lock & Key Party! Meet, mingle and party with the perfect i...
Valentine's Lock & Key Party - Brighton
Fri 13 Feb 2026
The Fitz Regent, Brighton, East Sussex
Welcome to the Brighton Valentines Lock & Key Party! Meet, mingle and party with the perfect iceb...
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The lock & key icebreaker forms the basis of all our large-scale events and we run them on boats, for Valentine's Day and for lots of other occasions.
Essentially the lock & key provides you with the perfect icebreaker and forms the catalyst for a very sociable, fun night out with plenty of chances to win great prizes on the night!
What is the format of a Lock & Key Party?
On arrival you will be welcomed by our hosts. Girls are issued with a small padlock to wear around their wrist and guys are issued keys. After a quick explanation from us everyone starts to work the room trying keys in Locks and vice versa. All the time meeting new people in the slightly bizarre but incredibly fun way.
These events allow for you to be as forward as you like - work the room like the social animal you are or stand back and let people come to you! It works great both ways.
We often incorporate speed dating sessions into our lock & key parties. Participation is always optional and you simply sign up on the night.
What happens when a key opens a lock?
We call this a match, through a relationship isn't compulsory! You've met someone new and now the is your chance to win one of our great prizes that are drawn throughout the evening. Return to the organiser's desk (with your match) and present us with your open lock and key. Our staff will give you both a new lock and key and you'll both will receive a draw ticket for our instant draw. Win or lose you're free to continue meeting new people or chatting to your latest match. We have loads of prizes on the evening so the more people you match with the more chances you have to win something - Get mingling to win!
How long do the parties last?
The lock and key icebreaker part of the evening lasts around two hours. After the event you will have met loads of new people so most people stay on and continue mingling. But don't go rushing off - most people have met lots of people by then so it's time to get down to the business of flirting and swapping numbers. You can stay in the venue until it closes and from experience most people do.
Where are the events held?
We always hire private venue for our parties. Typically our events are held in stylish independent venues known for their great locations, decor, style and service. In the past we have held events in some of London's best-known venues and private clubs. We also have regular events on River Thames party boats, normally you'll see a few of these every summer.
What prizes do you offer?
We offer a range of prizes at our events including bottles of champagne, chocolates, meals for two plus some great prizes from our event sponsors.
What are the chances a lock opening?
You have a great chance of getting a lock and key match. There are always at least two keys in circulation for each lock so you will get many matches in one event.
How many people attend?
Although we can't guarantee exact numbers our events typically attract 200-300 people. We have run events with over 400 people attending! We're pretty sure you'll click with someone.
Are the numbers of girls and guys equal?
Yes. We carefully monitor bookings to control the girl/guy ratio and keep it as equal as absolutely possible. We've been doing this a long time and we know what we're doing.
What type of people attend Lock & Key Parties?
Similarly to our speed dating events our lock and key clients are young professionals. Often attractive, fun and YES - totally normal! People attend lock and key parties because they're fed up with going to noisy nightclubs and hardly meeting anyone. At lock and key parties, you will meet loads of new people in just one night.
Do these events actually work?
The results speak for themselves, we've had amazing feedback. Simply by the law of averages, because you are meeting so many people you are very likely to meet at least one or two people you like and want to see again!
What happens after the event?
The Lock and Key party is only the icebreaker start to your evening. By the end, you will have met loads of new people so you are welcome to stay on in the venue as they often stay open late. Alternatively some people will move on and dance the night away with their new friends. The choice is yours.
How long to the events last?
The lock and Key icebreaker will last around two hours from start to finish - but this is just the beginning of your night! You are welcome to stay at the venue until it closes if you like!
Can my company sponsor your parties?
Yes. Contact us to discuss the various opportunities available.
What the press say...
"You never know you may find the key to your heart. 10/10!"
The Sun
"It felt more like a fashionable party where everyone knew everyone else than a sordid singles night."
The Observer
"The consensus, especially for men, is that lock and key parties work well because the girls approach the guys instead of the usual vice versa."
The Scotsman
Check out our event calendar for our next party