Dating can be difficult with a plethora of dating apps, and with almost 9 million people, it’s even harder in London. But it’s not impossible! If you’re bored of swiping dating apps, there are plenty of single nights London has to offer!
Whether you want an excuse for a fun night out or you want to speed up the process of meeting someone in person, speed dating and singles events could be just what you need!
From secret speakeasies to swanky rooftop bars and chic clubs, here’s our pick of the best singles events to find other single people in the capital.
| Our Top Picks for Singles Nights in London: 1. Tantra speed dating 2. Speed dating at 100 Wardour Street 3. Skiddle singles parties 4. Thursday – The offline dating app 5. Squid Game Dating party 6. Date in a Dash singles parties 7. Cocktails & Conversation – Upscale singles parties |
Are Dating Events Just for People Aged 30 & Up?
Dating events are not exclusively for those aged 30 and up; they cater to a wide range of age groups.
Many events are specifically organised to suit diverse age demographics, ensuring everyone has a chance to connect with peers at similar life stages.
Whether you are in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond, there are dating events tailored to meet your social and romantic interests, offering opportunities for connection and fun regardless of your age.
Find Your Perfect Speed Dating Event in London
Speed dating might feel a little old-fashioned, but it’s a great way to meet a lot of people in one night and have fun doing it, making it ideal for busy professionals.
You’ll get to chat with potential dates for around four minutes at a time before moving on. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and fun to meet so many single people in such a short space of time.
Here are some of our best picks for speed dating in London:
1. Tantra Speed Dating
If the idea of sitting at a small table with a complete stranger for four minutes in an endless cycle of introductions sounds like hell, you’ve got to give Tantra Speed Dating a go!
Truly a speed dating company with a difference, this unique take on the traditional format combines yoga, mindfulness, and, of course, tantra to help you find your perfect match.
These speed dating events feature a relationship skills class that helps singles find their roles in a relationship, which can lead to much healthier relationships in the future.
| Even if you don’t find your perfect match doing downward dog, you can learn some skills to help your love life in general, if you know what we mean! |
2. Speed Dating at 100 Wardour Street
If you’re willing to give speed dating a go but don’t want to head to your local pub for an event, speed dating at 100 Wardour Street is ideal!
Set in the heart of Soho, this fancy brunch spot is the perfect place to do some classy speed dating. The venue itself is super cool and creates a fun, relaxed vibe for getting to know other like-minded singles.
Best of all, the restaurant turns into a nightclub after dark Thursday through Saturday, letting you dance the night away with anyone who catches your eye.
| The speed dating events here are organised and hosted by the venue itself so keep an eye on their socials to find out when the next event is. |
Our Favourite London Singles Events
If speed dating events aren’t really your scene, there are plenty of other singles events in London that are a lot more chill.
If the idea of having to introduce yourself to every other person at an event stresses you out, our pick of singles events in London is going to be right up your street.
Here are our top singles events in London to help get you out there and meet new people:
3. Skiddle Singles Parties
Skiddle is a company that offers fun dating options in London. They facilitate events throughout the year where London singles can come, socialise, eat, drink, and hang out.
There’s a lot less pressure at one of Skiddle’s events than at a speed dating night.
One of the best things about Skiddle dating events is that they’re fun and creative. The company has been known to host singles jenga nights that create some hilarious moments that are perfect for meeting new people.
They also tend to hold these events in interesting places such as rooftop bars and under viaducts.
| Skiddle categorises many of its singles events into age groups and sexual orientations to make things easier and prevent the number of guests from getting overwhelming. |
4. Thursday – The Offline Dating App
We’re not just suggesting that you go out on a Thursday to try and meet new people. Thursday is actually a dating app, but don’t worry, it’s not like Tinder. Thursday describes itself as an offline dating app.
The Thursday dating app is only able to be used one day a week, you guessed it, a Thursday.
Every Thursday, the company hosts exclusive events for its members across London. You can also just meet up with someone you match with that day.
Thursday takes over venues around the city and turns them into a space for singles to mingle and have a good time one night a week.
It’s the perfect antidote for anyone who’s sick of constant swiping and online small talk.
5. Squid Game Dating
If you’re looking for something completely unique and fun, you can’t go wrong with the Squid Game dating event. As the name suggests, this singles event is based on the popular Netflix show Squid Game.
This themed dating event is the perfect opportunity to meet someone who shares your interest in TV shows, at the very least.
All attendees get to know each other at the bar before the game begins, so you won’t feel like you’re at a corporate team-building event.
Once the game begins, you get to work with other singles to complete games from the TV show. To up the competition a bit, there’s a cash prize to be won that can create the perfect after-party for you and someone who caught your eye.
As far as singles parties go, this is a fun one!
6. Date in a Dash
If you’ve been on the dating scene for a while, you’re sure to have come across Date in a Dash. This is a singles party company similar to Skiddle.
They do host speed dating events across London, but their singles parties are what really earns them a place on this list.
Date in a Dash is another company that conveniently categorises its dating events into age ranges. They’re also brilliant at organising fun, themed singles parties to help you bond with other London singles.
Think of a flirty Halloween party or their singles ghost walk, which is one of the most popular events they hold.
It gives you a chance to explore the city, take in some spooky sights, and chat with like-minded people, all alongside a classic pub crawl.
| They also host classic singles parties at popular rooftop bars if you just want to go and hang out with other single people. |
7. Cocktails & Conversation
A speed dating event, online dating, and themed singles events can be fun, but sometimes you just want to get dressed up and chat with other professional singles to form some meaningful connections.
That’s where Cocktails & Conversation come into play.
Cocktails & Conversation is an exclusive members club that offers luxurious, unique events to help you connect with other single people and network.
Many of their events are more upscale than some of the other single parties mentioned on this list.
You don’t have to be a member to attend an event. They release a limited number of tickets to non-members so you can try it before signing up.
| It’s important to note that many of the venues they host have strict dress codes, so don’t get caught out in your trainers. Check out our first-date outfit ideas for inspo! |
Our Top Tips for Exploring Singles Events in London
Now you know what types of singles events are available to you, you’ve got to know how to approach them to get the most out of them.
We’ve got a few helpful tips to help you go into these events with the right mindset. You never know; you might be pleasantly surprised with the results.
Go in With an Open Mind
The most important thing when speed dating or attending a singles night is to go in with an open mind. Having expectations when you go to a singles event can turn a fun night into a disaster.
Instead of hoping that you’ll find your soul mate as soon as you enter the room, focus on the fact that these are social events.
You might meet some new friends, you might find someone you’re attracted to, or you might just have a night out instead of on the sofa bingeing Netflix.
Invite Friends for Moral Support
Going to singles events can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re stepping into a new social scene. Bringing a friend or two along can give you the moral support you need to feel more at ease.
With some familiar faces around, you can create a comfy vibe for yourself, helping you relax and enjoy the evening. Plus, friends can offer encouragement and feedback, making the whole experience more fun and less intimidating.
You never know. They might even help break the ice and introduce you to someone new.
So, don’t hesitate to invite a buddy to your next singles event; it might just turn a stressful situation into a fun and memorable night out.
Persevere With Different Events
Singles nights and dating events can be exciting ways to meet new people, but remember, not every event will be your cup of tea. Some might feel too formal, others too laid-back or chaotic.
It’s normal to try a few and not instantly find the perfect fit. Navigating the dating scene is a journey, so perseverance is key.
Mix it up with different formats, like speed dating or themed parties, until you find what clicks with your personality and dating goals.
Be patient with the process and open to trying different experiences. This way, you’ll up your chances of finding the right event and meeting someone special.
Take the Complimentary Cocktail But Limit Yourself
While a complimentary cocktail can be an excellent way to relax and ease any initial nerves, it’s crucial to approach it with moderation.
Alcohol can certainly help loosen you up, allowing for more natural and engaging conversations, but overindulgence can lead to unintended consequences.
Becoming too intoxicated may cloud your judgement and detract from your ability to make meaningful connections. Additionally, it can lead to awkward situations that may be remembered for the wrong reasons.
Enjoy a drink as a social tool, but always keep your wits about yourself to ensure a positive and successful experience at singles events.
Remember to Have Fun!
No matter what kind of dating you’re exploring, the one thing you need to remember is to have fun! Let go of your expectations, throw away the calendar counting how many days you’ve been single, and throw yourself into it.
Singles parties are just like any other kind of party, except all the guests are single. There’s no pressure and no need for soulless, repetitive text introductions.
All you need to do is turn up and have a good time! If you meet someone, it’s just a bonus.
Final Thoughts: Meet London Singles With London Dating Events
There’s no shortage of fun, interesting singles events across London. If you’re bored of mainstream dating apps or feel like you’re stuck in a dating rut, these nights can be a great way to freshen things up and meet new people.
If you’re not quite ready to dive into dating just yet, you can find plenty of advice for dating and finding love on the Finding The One blog!
FAQs
What is Tantra Speed Dating, and how does it differ from traditional speed dating?
Tantra speed dating might sound scary, but it’s actually a super fun way to approach speed dating. Instead of sitting across a tiny table, you’ll be sitting on the floor doing a lotus pose opposite your assigned partner.
You still rotate partners like in traditional speed dating, but you’ll be doing yoga poses with them instead of just chatting. You also get some relationship skills to help you build relationships in the future.
How can I approach singles events in London with an open mind for the best results?
It can be difficult to go to singles events without a preconceived notion of what it’s going to be like, especially if it’s your first time. You probably have nightmare images of the city’s most desperate singles all trying to find the one, but that’s simply not the case.
Most singles parties and speed dating events are full of interesting people just like you. They’re just normal, London singles who are looking to meet someone that shares their interests or aspirations.
How can singles events in London help improve my dating life?
Attending a speed dating event can be daunting and you want to know you’re going to get something out of it. Luckily, there’s no world in which you won’t get something out of attending a singles event. You might end up finding the one, you might make some new friends, or you might learn that large, group events aren’t for you. Either way, you’ve gained something.
What should I do if I didn’t enjoy a particular singles event in London?
As we’ve mentioned above, you’re not going to enjoy every singles event in the city. If you come across one you don’t like, you can leave whenever you want to. It’s a good idea to work out what it was you didn’t like about it so you can avoid the same disappointment at future events.