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
Spring Lock and Key Party - Chelmsford
Fri 28 Mar 2025
Be At One, Chelmsford, Essex
Join us as we return to Chelmsford for a singles party like no other!
Spring Singles Party - Glasgow
Fri 4 Apr 2025
Committee Room No.9, Glasgow, Scotland
Join us for our Spring Singles Party in Glasgow. Over 80+ people expected.
THE SPRING FLING - LOCK & KEY PARTY - PLUS PRE-PARTY SPEED DATING
Sat 12 Apr 2025
The Happenstance, London, St Pauls
Lock & Key party PLUS pre-party speed dating. Over 200 people are expected once again. Book now!
Spring Singles Party - Manchester
Sat 12 Apr 2025
Revolution - Oxford Road, Manchester Central
The ultimate singles party returns to Manchester! Book now and meet other singles in the city!
THE SPRING FLING - LOCK & KEY PARTY
Sat 12 Apr 2025
The Happenstance, London, St Pauls
Join us for our Spring Fling Lock & Key Party - Over 250 people expected!
Spring Lock & Key Party Cardiff
Fri 18 Apr 2025
Peppermint Bar, Cardiff, Wales
Don't miss the best singles party in town! Over 100 people expected!
Spring Singles Party - Edinburgh
Fri 25 Apr 2025
The Granary, Leith, Edinburgh
The best Spring singles party in town! Beautiful riverside venue, up to 80 people expected!
Chemistry - Over 40s Singles Party
Sat 26 Apr 2025
The Happenstance (Lounge Bar), London, St Pauls
Chemistry - a unique over 40s singles party for those that are serious about dating.
Spring Singles Party - Birmingham
Fri 9 May 2025
All Bar One Brindleyplace, Birmingham, West Midlands
The best Spring Singles event in Birmingham!
THE ORIGINAL DATING EARLY SUMMER BOAT PARTY
Sat 10 May 2025
The Golden Spirit, London, Central London
The ultimate party to kickstart your summer. 250 Londoners, ALL SINGLE and one huge party boat!
Spring Lock & Key Party - Cambridge
Fri 16 May 2025
The Cambridge Tap, Cambridgeshire
Join us at our Spring Singles Lock & Key Party. The best way to meet other singles in Cambridge.
Chemistry - Over 40s Singles Party
Sat 24 May 2025
The Happenstance (Lounge Bar), London, St Pauls
Chemistry - a unique over 40s singles party for those that are serious about dating.
Summer Singles Party Chelmsford
Fri 6 Jun 2025
Be At One, Chelmsford, Essex
Join us at our Chelmsford launch party. The ultimate way to meet singles this festive season!
THE SUMMER SIZZLER LOCK & KEY + PRE-PARTY SPEED DATING
Sat 7 Jun 2025
The Refinery, London, Central
Welcome to the biggest party + pre-party speed dating for single Londoners. Over 200+ people are ...
THE SUMMER SIZZLER LOCK & KEY PARTY
Sat 7 Jun 2025
The Refinery, London, Central
Welcome to the biggest party for single Londoners of the summer. Over 200+ people expected!
Chemistry - Over 40s Singles Party
Sat 21 Jun 2025
The Happenstance (Lounge Bar), London, St Pauls
Chemistry - a unique over 40s singles party for those that are serious about dating.
THE ORIGINAL DATING SUMMER IN THE CITY PARTY + PRE-PARTY SPEED DATING
Sat 12 Jul 2025
The Happenstance, London, St Pauls
Welcome to the biggest party + pre-party speed dating for single Londoners this summer. 250+ peop...
THE ORIGINAL DATING SUMMER IN THE CITY PARTY
Sat 12 Jul 2025
The Happenstance, London, St Pauls
Welcome to the biggest party for single Londoners of the summer. 200+ people expected!
Summer Lock and Key Party - Cambridge
Fri 18 Jul 2025
The Cambridge Tap, Cambridgeshire
Join us for our Summer Lock & Key Party. Up to 80 guests expected.
Summer Lock & Key Party Cardiff
Fri 18 Jul 2025
Peppermint Bar, Cardiff, Wales
Meet over 100 other singles in Cardiff this summer! Tickets on sale now!
Join the waiting list
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