Lifestyle

Original Speed Dating

Speedating

As you may have noticed, I’m more than happy to change plans for an evening, at, pretty much, the drop of a hat. So, it was no real surprise when I went from some casual drinks after work at Gordon’s wine bar, to speed dating at a pub in the depths of Angel with Original Dating.

It took the friend I had gone with and me a moment, however, to realise that neither of us really had any idea of what the evening involved or what the format was. Furthermore, it seemed as though the friend who had suggested we go, wasn’t going to make it. Coincidence? I think not.

Regardless, we took the plunge, were allotted our table numbers and sat ourselves opposite our first speed date. Immediately pleasantly surprised, the evening really didn’t feel like you were on dates with 15 different people. It was much closer to an evening spent socialising at a bar, but you know no one and everyone is open to conversation. Never have I found out so much about so many people in such a short space of time.

Speedating logo

Nor, to quickly deal with this, did there seem to be any kind of stigma to the event. Everyone there knew what we were there to do and had no pretence about it. The conversation flew, almost to a deafening level, around the upper floor of the pub creating a pleasantly busy atmosphere. Rotating every four minutes we rapidly found a pace and soon were buzzing. As an alternative to a conventional evening in a pub, I can definitely recommend this. Perhaps even as preparation for going on a night out when you might be looking to change your relationship status. For perennial singles such as me, it felt like an evening with no pressure but plenty of opportunity.

Original Dating is very well organised; profiles are created on their site before, you meet, you talk, you drink and then you go your ways. The following morning, an email is sent out and your mark your matches, divided into three categories; yes, no and friend. From there it is just a question of who you match with and how you want to proceed. All in all a very painless and pleasant way to spend an evening. Highly recommended.

Original Dating are on Twitter, Facebook and hold events regularly and in a variety of locations. Tickets are from £20.

Why not check them out for yourself here: http://www.originaldating.com/

By Peter Churchill

Tweet Peter @peterchurchill7