Speed dating has been around since 1998, when a Rabbi introduced the notion after a brainstorming session with friends to determine an efficient way to help the local community find their perfect marriage match. The dates lasted ten minutes, and a noisemaker, known as a ‘gragger’, signalled when to move on to the next date.
The concept quickly caught on, becoming the latest trend to meet a potential match. It has advantages over online dating. Some people find it safer, more fun, and you meet more people in a short space of time. If you think it might suit you, check out these seven speed dating events in London.
The Best Speed Dating in London
DateinaDash – The Personable Touch
Founded in 2011 after owner Rob had a bad experience at a Clapham speed dating event. Since launching DateinaDash has organised over 4,000 events with over 60,000 participants. They introduced four couples who tied the knot and thousands of successful partnerships.
Rob is the sole manager and strives for an enjoyable and personal experience. With his team of dating hosts, you can be sure of a fun-filled, exciting time in a relaxed environment.
They hold traditional speed-dating events and a few unconventional affairs, like Naked Dating. When you attend a speed-dating event at DateinaDash, you can expect to have 15 – 25 dates, and the company works hard to ensure a 50:50 ratio of men and women.
DateinaDash aims its events primarily at professionals, so expect sophisticated venues where you will meet dates for four minutes. Some possibilities include Single Parties in Soho, Singles Boat Parties, Comedy Nights, Pub Crawls, and Drunk Jenga. Locations include Clapham, Mayfair, Marylebone, and Shoreditch across London.
Prices are from £10.00 per person.
Events target specific age groups, ranging from 21 to 55 years, so check the occasion.
Partygoers say the atmosphere is fantastic, and everyone who goes is chatty. Many people go solo, so don’t be embarrassed to go alone. You get to meet so many fascinating people in some amazing settings.
Address: 1st Floor, Office 109, Lansdowne House, 57 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6ER
Telephone: 0845 862 1448
Urban Connections – Gay Speed Dating
Established in 2006, Urban Connections is speed dating for gay and bi men. You’re encouraged to ditch dating apps and take up the opportunity to meet real men face-to-face. In one night, it is possible to meet up to 40 dates. Urban Connections provides a free second chance if you’re unsuccessful in finding a match.
The speed dating company provides a free matching service. Within 30 minutes of the event, they will email who they’ve calculated to be your match of the night.
Urban Connections is a gay-owned company who have been serving the gay community with speed dating for over 17 years. They’re passionate about their work and create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Address: 180 Wardour St, London W1F 0TS
Email: [email protected]
True Dating – Making Real Connections
Founder Imran Malik decided something was missing after unsuccessfully trying many dating apps and events. Many events didn’t have equal attendance by men and women or were in lousy venues hosted by uninterested hosts.
In 2019 Imran changed all that by setting up True Dating. The events are in excellent and stylish venues, organised by people who know what they are doing and, more importantly, enjoy what they are doing. The True Dating hosts work hard to help break the ice and get the conversations going creating a comfortable atmosphere for an enjoyable event.
The events work with 15 seated ladies and 15 gents who change every 5 minutes. You can check out your matches the next day and arrange a second date via the secure messaging service.
True Dating hosts various speed dating events, including Christian, Mature and Gay.
To attend an event, visit the website for times, dates, venues, and restrictions and book your ticket. Prices are from £10.00 to £18.00 per person.
Alternatively, True Dating offers memberships for one, three and six months. They entitle you to attend as many events as you like. They cost £50, £100 and £150 respectively.
True Dating host events across London, including Soho, Brixton, Chelsea, Clapham, London Bridge and Shoreditch.
Address: Stateland Court, 3 Cranbrook Lane, London, N11 1PH
Telephone: 07543 662855
Social Muslims – London Singles Muslim Match-Making Event
Social Muslims have held social events for Muslims to meet and connect since 2014. In that time, they have hosted over 250, including speed-matching sessions.
Their next event is on 23rd July, from 2 pm, tickets are from £16.95. The event takes place at 6Burgerz Mile End, serving halal food in London, and tickets include food.
The afternoon includes a welcome, introductions, and ice-breaker activities to help guests relax. Next up are the speed-matching sessions, where you have brief conversations on a one-to-one basis, followed by group discussions.
For Muslim speed dating in London, check out Social Muslims. People say the events are a great way to meet like-minded young Muslims who understand the importance of marriage and faith.
Address: 6Burgerz Mile End, 554 Mile End Road, London E3 4PL
Email: [email protected]
SpeedDater – The UKs First Singles Events Site
SpeedDater launched in 2002 as the UK’s first singles event site. They believe flirtation is more fun face-to-face, possibly with a drink or two. Over the years, they have hosted 10,400 events attended by 306,000 singletons. They hold 70 monthly events in 24 UK cities, including speed dating in London.
The events vary in their target groups. Categories include Tall Man, Wine Tasting, Elite, International Professionals, and gay and lesbian speed dating in London.
Prices start from £15.00 per person, depending on the venue and type of activity.
People report that the occasions are well organised, and the hosts set the tone for a relaxed environment to get people talking, making an enjoyable evening.
Address: Tintagel House, 92 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TY
Telephone: 0131 608 0066
Contact Singles – Big Parties For Sociable Singles
Contact Singles started introducing like-minded singles in 1994. Since opening, they have emerged as one of London’s leading singles clubs. They proudly say that many couples who met through their services remain in long-term relationships.
In addition to hosting fun events for singles, ensuring a safe environment is vital. Contact Singles booking system has a screening process that confirms all home addresses of UK-only residents.
Events hosted by Contact Singles are on a larger scale with a party atmosphere. They begin with an introduction followed by speed dating. After the event, Contact Singles retains contact information for two months. So anyone wishing to contact a potential match can do so via a dedicated mobile number.
The club’s membership system is free to join. You only pay for the events you attend.
An event on 2nd September for up to 300 guests is £15.95 per person. They host events for various age groups. They also have a dating app covering the whole of the UK with over 5.5 million members.
Contact: [email protected]
Text: 07809 709099
Eventbrite – Speed Dating Events London
If you’re searching for speed dating near me, Eventbrite has an active calendar filled with many speed dating activities. The company is one of the world’s largest online ticket platforms. It’s handy for customers new to the city, passing through or locals wanting to experience something new. Excellent for businesses to market events, attract attendees and sell tickets.
Dates advertised on Eventbrite include,
Single Christians, Divorced Single Muslims, and Lesbian speed dating are some events taking place on various dates in The Square Pig Pub in Holborn, London. Prices start from £23.46. If interested, check the age groups, as each event differs.
London Speed Dating has a Speed Dating event in Shoreditch at the Trapeze Bar, a circus-inspired cocktail bar. Prices are £22.38.
Single Black Dating has arranged Black Lesbian Speed Dating at All Bar One in Holborn. Ticket prices are from £24.54. Like All Bar One bars, the venue scores highly with a great atmosphere. Add a chance of meeting 20 – 25 people for 5 – 6 minute dates. There’s bound to be some sparks flying.
The above are examples of speed dating in London, that Eventbrite market. Check them out if you’re seeking alternative ways to find love interests.
Practical Tips for Speed Dating in London
- Dress to impress. In such a short period of time, first impressions count. However, make sure you feel comfortable and dress appropriately for the occasion.
- Be positive. It’s going to be fun. Smile, hold your head up high, and be confident.
- Body Language is vital. Crossing your legs and folding your arms creates a barrier.
- Have a list of starter questions. It can help you feel more confident by being prepared. Asking the same questions can be tiresome. Avoid controversial subjects that might offend. Keep it light with a touch of humour.
- Remember to relax and have a fantastic time.
