Guide to speed dating in London

Guide to speed dating in London

Though dating apps ran rampant with the rise and widespread adoption of smartphones, speed dating, a popular form of meeting a bunch of new people at precisely measured intervals, never really went away. In fact, in recent years, speed dating has experienced a resurgence as singles turn away from impersonal dating apps swiping in favour of real connections and face-to-face meetings. A number of speed dating events can be found in London each week, ranging from classic speed dating to quirkier versions such as naked dating or drunk Jenga dating. Read our guide to speed dating in London and get ready to hit the town up.

In this guide
  1. Where to go speed dating in London
    1. Original Dating – Two decades of speed dating and counting
    2. Date in a Dash – Professional speed dating London-wide
    3. True Dating – Speed dating for all
    4. Strike – Meet a total knockout
    5. SpeedDater – Niche speed dating
    6. Light Centre – Tantric speed dating
    7. Moustache Bar – Speed dating for young people
    8. Linkting – LGBTQ-friendly speed dating
    9. Cocktails & Conversations – Speed dating with an air of sophistication

Where to go speed dating in London

London's best speed dating events

Original Dating

Two decades of speed dating and counting

Original Dating is a prominent speed dating and singles event organiser in the UK, boasting more than twenty years of experience in the matchmaking arena. Based in South London, the company organises weekly speed dating events throughout London and surrounding areas, selecting pleasant locations like pubs for enjoyable gatherings. If you don't find a match you'd like to meet again, you can attend the next Original Dating event free of charge.

Date in a Dash

Professional speed dating London-wide

Date in a Dash, established over a decade ago following its founder's disappointing speed dating experience, strives to offer a professional speed dating service. Offering weekly speed dating events and singles parties at various locations throughout London, the company also hosts novel concepts like naked dating, drunk Jenga dating, and virtual speed dating. Each speed dating event typically includes 15–25 speed dates, and if you don't find a suitable match, you're invited to join another Date in a Dash event for free.

True Dating

Speed dating for all

True Dating, operating out of London, specialises in organising speed dating events across the capital, focusing on creating genuine connections in a time-efficient manner. Their laid-back singles-only gatherings, led by experienced hosts, cater to various demographics, including events for over-50s, same-sex dating, and Christian dating. Participants can anticipate meeting between 10 and 15 individuals in each speed dating session.

Strike – Speed dating
Strike
Strike – Speed dating
Strike
Strike – Speed dating
Strike
Strike – Speed dating
Strike
Strike – Speed dating
Strike
Strike – Speed dating
Strike
Strike – Speed dating
Strike
Strike – Speed dating
Strike

Strike

Meet a total knockout

A boutique bowling alley housed in the UK's oldest brewery, Strike in Wandsworth, hosts monthly speed dating events in collaboration with Single & Stylish Speed Dating. Tickets include one hour of speed dating, one game of bowling, and two free drinks, with the event accompanied by live DJ music. If things go well, there's even plenty to do at the venue to keep the momentum going.

SpeedDater

Niche speed dating

SpeedDater boasts over 20 years of experience with more than 15,000 successful matches in the UK, hosting events in fashionable venues nationwide. Beyond standard speed dating sessions catering to a variety of demographics, SpeedDater also organises niche events tailored to specific groups, including professionals, tall men, or those following a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle.

Light Centre

Tantric speed dating

The Tantra Institute is a US-based proponent of tantric values and methods that runs different events around the world, including speed dating. In London, you can find them at the Belgravia branch of Light Centre, offering a new take on classic speed dating by including a relationship skills class, different connection exercises, and more. Even if you don't find a match, you'll walk away with skills that are sure to prove useful down the line.

Moustache Bar

Speed dating for young people

Moustache Bar, a charmingly unpretentious basement bar in Dalston, offers the perfect setting to effortlessly while away the hours with drinks and dancing. This venue hosts a diverse and regular schedule of events, such as live concerts and cabaret shows. Speed dating events aimed at a younger crowd are also held here on a monthly basis.

Linkting

LGBTQ-friendly speed dating

Link Ting is a dating service tailored to queer, trans, and non-binary individuals, focusing on organising speed dating events at various LGBTQ-friendly locations in London. These events feature a speed dating session, followed by an after-party where attendees can continue the fun with playful flirting and dancing well into the night.

Cocktails & Conversations

Speed dating with an air of sophistication

Cocktails & Conversations offers a dating service that arranges various matchmaking events at chic locations across London, designed to assist like-minded professionals in meeting and forming genuine connections on their journey to finding true love. Membership grants access to all of Cocktails & Conversations' events, encompassing speed dating sessions, sophisticated evening socials, and more.

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.