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ORIGINAL DATING REVIEWS

Reviews, feedback and quotes from our past clients

We loving reading feedback about the events we organise. We ask everyone about their experience with us after every event. These reviews are from past clients at recent events across the UK.

Tanya Verified Attendee
Posted: 20/09/2026, Saturday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s
Jo Verified Attendee
  Easy going process. Polite and friendly host. Nice venue and good quantity of people.  
Posted: 19/09/2026, Saturday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s
Alan Verified Attendee
Posted: 19/09/2026, Saturday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s
Chris Verified Attendee
Posted: 19/09/2026, Saturday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s
Alireza Verified Attendee
  Very friendly hosts  
Posted: 19/09/2026, Saturday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s
Tosia Verified Attendee
Posted: 19/09/2026, Friday Night Speed Dating
Simon Verified Attendee
Posted: 19/09/2026, Friday Night Speed Dating
Bogdan Verified Attendee
Posted: 19/09/2026, Friday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s event
Alan Verified Attendee
Posted: 18/09/2026, Friday Night Speed Dating
Rashed Verified Attendee
Posted: 18/09/2026, Friday Night Speed Dating
Joss Verified Attendee
  Event was well hosted, venue (Anthologist) was good, only 8 female to 15 males so very uneven with waiting around  
Posted: 18/09/2026, Friday Night Speed Dating
Judy Roo Verified Attendee
  It was a great way to meet new people and gain some confidence in communicating with new people.  
Posted: 18/09/2026, Friday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s event
Jo Verified Attendee
  Relaxed. Polite and friendly staff.  
Posted: 18/09/2026, Friday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s event
Rachel Verified Attendee
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Cambridge
Phil Verified Attendee
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Exeter
Mel Verified Attendee
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Maidstone
Corinne Verified Attendee
  It was a good opportunity to make new friends.  
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Canterbury
Alex Verified Attendee
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Edinburgh
Duncan Verified Attendee
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Exeter
Syed Verified Attendee
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Edinburgh
David Verified Attendee
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Canterbury
Elliot Harrison Verified Attendee
  I enjoyed the event, thank you for organising it. The host was excellent - very thorough, friendly throughout and made everyone feel welcome. He is quite shy / softly-spoken, but in a really nice and professional way and he ran the evening really well. The Varsity Club is a nice venue and the rooftop could be a great option for next time if available. For future events it would be great to have more women attending and a few more people in their 30s to make the groups a bit more balanced.  
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Oxford
Raj Verified Attendee
  Host Leo made it work!  
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Oxford
Natalie Verified Attendee
  Everyone was friendly and the evening was so much fun!  
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Exeter
Mel Verified Attendee
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Exeter
Sara Verified Attendee
  really well organised, nice friendly men, felt very safe and Jo the facilitator was lovely! would recommend and come again... my daughter aged 22 would really like to attend an event for her age group..  
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Exeter
Andrew Verified Attendee
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Cambridge
Jen Verified Attendee
  Its was fun but it was far too loud at the back of the room we were shouting to be heard to each other just sat over the table.  
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Edinburgh
Scott Verified Attendee
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Edinburgh
Mark Verified Attendee
Posted: 18/09/2026, Speed Dating in Oxford

 

Client quotes

"On last year's Original Dating's boat party I found my boyfriend Tony :) We're very happy and often talk about how we met. Thank you Original Dating!"
Debbie

"The host was so welcoming and people so friendly I didn't have a chance to be nervous"
Sam, Highbury

"Had a brilliant time and I have a date tomorrow! I'm going to tell my mate he has to come."
Richard, Clapham

"A really nice bunch of people last week. A great venue. Very professional. My friends have booked."
Sonali, Balham

"I honestly just came for a laugh, but it was actually really good fun.
Can I come again?"
Natalia

"I really think praise should be given where it's due. I loved your event last night and will be recommending it to others. Very professional, a great bar and a really fun crowd. I've been speed dating before but yours was the best I've attended."
Jon, Balham

"Me and my mate booked as a dare! We thought it would be full of saddos, but it was amazing. We were really surprised that it's actually quite cool. And the girls were hot!"
Mikael P. and Jason, Tooting

"I wasn't really looking for anything but my friend has been single for ages so I said I'd come with her for moral support. But the guys were really impressive. Smart, good looking, professional. And no weirdos!
Now that we've done it once we're thinking about doing it again."
Sarah

Just tried #speeddating /w @original_dating. Really good! #FF @original_dating
Via Twitter

"I had no idea what to expect and was a bit nervous. But once I was two dates in it was easy, and really good fun. Everyone was really cool. The girls were lovely and the other guys really friendly. I've nearly lost my voice from talking so much, but I'd definitely do it again."
Paul, Croydon

"Lol. What a laugh. I didn't think it would be so good! I met two guys I liked tonight so let's see how it goes."
Elise, Wandsworth

"The event was really good. I went on my own but about 15 of us went out together after. I got home at about 4 am! A few of us are going to meet up at the comedy event."
Charlie

"That was hilarious. The three of us really had a laugh. No nutters either and some of the guys were hot."
Sinead, New Cross

"My friend and me went on the boat party and totally loved it. We won speed dating tickets so decided to try it. It was totally not what we expected. Much more relaxed than we thought it would be and loads more people than we were expecting. And loads of us went out after. Some of the guys were well cute."
Francesca, Earlsfield

"As someone who organises events myself I thought I should drop you a quick email to tell you how impressed I was with last night's speed dating event. It was really well organised, the host made everyone feel really relaxed, the venue was lovely and the mix of people was much better than I expected. I'll definitely be recommending it to my single friends."
Tamsin

"I've just come out of a relationship and my friend made me come. But I had a really fun time and all the guys were really nice. It was a good reintroduction to the dating world."
Quan

"I felt I just had to drop you a line and let you know that I met someone at one of your events last July. We've just celebrated our one year anniversary! Who would have thought!?"
Iain

Interested? Why not check out our forthcoming events?

Last few places!
Today
Wed 23 SEP

Speed Dating in Birmingham

Wed 23 Sep 2026

Be At One - New Street, Birmingham

Join around 30 singles at this trendy Cardiff venue for a fun night meeting new people.

Tickets

£25

£20

Age guide

30-45

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waiting list

Female left

3

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Last few places!
Thu 24 SEP

Speed Dating in Islington

Thu 24 Sep 2026

Be at One, Islington

Islington's very one speed dating event at this ace North London venue.

Tickets

£20

Age guide

30-45

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waiting list

Female left

2

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Book now!
Thu 24 SEP

Speed Dating in Richmond

Thu 24 Sep 2026

The Bootlegger, Richmond, London

Introducing Richmond Speed Dating, a brand new addition to our program where singles can meet, mi...

Tickets

£25

Age guide

30-45

Male left

2

Female left

2

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Book now!
Thu 24 SEP

Speed Dating in Bath

Thu 24 Sep 2026

The Bootlegger, Bath, Somerset

Brand-new addition. This is Bath's busiest speed date. Join us to meet up to 30 singles.

Tickets

£22

Age guide

40-55

Male left

3

Female left

2

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Last few places!
Thu 24 SEP

Speed Dating in St Albans

Thu 24 Sep 2026

The Crown, St Albans, Hertfordshire

This is St Albans' busiest speed date at Hertfordshire's finest bar. Join us to meet up to 30 sin...

Tickets

£20

Age guide

25-38

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waiting list

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2

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Last few places!
Thu 24 SEP

Speed Dating in Glasgow

Thu 24 Sep 2026

ARTA, Glasgow, Scotland

Join us for an evening of multiple dates at our brand new venue in Glasgow.

Tickets

£18

Age guide

25-38

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waiting list

Female left

2

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Last few places!
Thu 24 SEP

Speed Dating in Derby

Thu 24 Sep 2026

Bistrot Pierre, Derby, Derbyshire

Derby's busiest speed dating event. Meet up to 15 singles at this cool bar, in the heart of Derby.

Tickets

£20

Age guide

40-55

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1

Female left

2

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Last few places!
Thu 24 SEP

Speed Dating in Edinburgh

Thu 24 Sep 2026

Manahatta EDINBURGH, Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh's best speed dating event at this incredible venue.

Tickets

£20

Age guide

40-55

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3

Female left

2

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Last few places!
Thu 24 SEP

Newcastle Speed Dating

Thu 24 Sep 2026

Slug and Lettuce , Newcastle

Newcastle's busiest speed dating event! Join us for a great night at this fab venue!

Tickets

£22

Age guide

40-55

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2

Female left

3

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Last few places!
Thu 24 SEP

Guildford Speed Dating

Thu 24 Sep 2026

Rogues Bar, Guildford, Surrey

Guildford's newest speed dating event! Enjoy a fun night at this fab venue!

Tickets

£22

Age guide

30-45

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3

Female left

2

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Last few places!
Thu 24 SEP

Bowling + Pizza Speed Dating Worcester

Thu 24 Sep 2026

DiscoBowl, Worcester

Worcester's newest bowling + pizza speed dating event! Enjoy the perfect mix of Pizza, bowling an...

Tickets

£35

Age guide

30-45

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waiting list

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2

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Last few places!
Fri 25 SEP

Friday Night Speed Dating - Over 40s

Fri 25 Sep 2026

The Cocktail Club Oxford Circus, London, Central London

Kick start your weekend with Friday night speed dating at our brand new venue in the heart of Cen...

Tickets

£22

Age guide

40-55

Male left

3

Female left

1

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Book now!
Fri 25 SEP

Friday Night Speed Dating

Fri 25 Sep 2026

The Anthologist (panel room), London, The City

It's our busiest event of the week. 20 dates and no work tomorrow. You just can't beat this event.

Tickets

£20

Age guide

30-45

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3

Female left

2

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Last few places!
Fri 25 SEP

Speed Dating in Norwich

Fri 25 Sep 2026

Be At One, Norwich, Norfolk

Brand-new addition. This is Norwich's busiest speed date. Join us to meet up to 30 singles.

Tickets

£25

Age guide

40-55

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2

Female left

2

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Book now!
Fri 25 SEP

Autumn Lock & Key Party - Cambridge

Fri 25 Sep 2026

THE LAB, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Join us at our Singles Lock & Key Party. The ultimate way to meet singles in Cambridge.

Tickets

£25

Age guide

30-45

Male left

6+

Female left

6+

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Book now!
Fri 25 SEP

Autumn Lock & Key Party Cardiff

Fri 25 Sep 2026

Peppermint Bar, Cardiff, Wales

Welcome to the Cardiff Autumn Chemistry Mixer. The Best Over 40s Singles Night in The City.

Tickets

£25

£20

Age guide

40-55

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5

Female left

6

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Book now!
Fri 25 SEP

Autumn Singles Party - Edinburgh

Fri 25 Sep 2026

MANAHATTA EDINBURGH, Edinburgh, Scotland

Join us this Autumn for our Singles Party in Edinburgh. Up to 80 people expected.

Tickets

£25

£20

Age guide

30-45

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6

Female left

4

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Book now!
Sat 26 SEP

Gay Speed Dating

Sat 26 Sep 2026

Revolve - Yotel, London, Clerkenwell

Join us for gay speed dating and meet around 15 men. Did we mention a free welcome drink?

Tickets

£20

Age guide

25-45

Male left

3

Female left

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waiting list
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Last few places!
Sat 26 SEP

Saturday Night Speed Dating - 30s & 40s

Sat 26 Sep 2026

The Kings Arms, Central London

One of the busiest and best speed dating events in Central London, not to be missed. Book your ti...

Tickets

£22

Age guide

30-45

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waiting list

Female left

3

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Last few places!
Sat 26 SEP

Chemistry - Over 40s Singles Party

Sat 26 Sep 2026

The Happenstance (Lounge Bar), London, St Pauls

Chemistry - a unique over 40s singles party for those that are serious about dating.

Tickets

£30

Age guide

40-55

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6

Female left

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waiting list
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ORIGINAL DATING IN THE PRESS
Trustpilot

HOW IT WORKS

The beauty of Speed Dating 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.

When you get there

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.

Meet & Mingle

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!

Complete your score sheet

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.