What is it?

Lock & Key parties were originally started by CosmoParty who also ran Dinner In The Dark, but are now run by several companies. (See links at the bottom of this page) Women are given a lock and men are given a key when they arrive, your challenge for the night is to make a pair with any of your several potential matches!

How does it work?

I have to admit I was cynical about whether a few padlocks and some keys was really going to prove a successful way to meet people, but I was proved very wrong. This is by far one of the best dating events I've ever been to.

When you have been given your lock/key, you spend the night mingling with the 150 people at the party trying to get a match for your lock or key, it's a great icebreaker and no one thinks your odd if you introduce yourself to a complete stranger. Each time you get match you are entered into a draw to win a prize and given a new lock, so there is an added motivation to circulate (or an excuse if you want to escape someone!)

Who does it attract?

Events like Lock & Key parties & Dinner In The Dark don't tend to attract the usual dating crowd, often they are young singletons who are just looking for a novel night out. There is no age bracket for the event, which I found very

refreshing. In the end one of the men I enjoyed chatting to most on that night was 15 years older than me.

What's different about it?

With speed dating you either find yourself spending too little or too much time with a date, with this event you are able to move on whenever you want, or make a beeline straight away for the person you fancy!

What does it cost?

Prices vary depending on the organiser, but typically it's £15-£20 and cheaper than speed dating

What makes it special?

It's the perfect mix, a good reason to mingle with people and make new friends but no obligation to do so. Perfect for those who are fed up with the regimented style of speed dating events.

There's also none of the usual series of questions and answers that you have fired at you when you're speed dating, because you chat in groups as you would normally in a bar.

I found I talked about everything from religion to marriage and books, but no one asked that speed dating favourite "so what do you do?". I really enjoyed the night and found it an excellent way to meet people, especially if you fancy coming out with a group of friends.

What's the down side?

Events are mainly held in London, Manchester or Birmingham

There's no guarantee of being able to hold the attention of the gorgeous individual you've spied across the room. With speed dating you at least have an allotted length of time with them in order to 'sell' yourself.

We rate it :

See what other people thought of Lock & Key Parties... Read their comments here

Want to try it..?

CosmoParty were the first to run Lock & Key parties. Click on the banner below to go to their website.

UKXFactor also run Lock & Key parties. Click on the banner below it will take you straight to the website.