What is it?

London based speed dating company, they launched in 2002 and ran their first event in Clapham. Since then they've had 3 marriages including the first UK speed dating couple to marry!

Original Dating run speed dating, wine dating and lock and key events in central and south London, but plan to expand nationwide.

How does it work?

Booking can be done online or on the phone and as with most speed dating companies no actual tickets are distributed. Instead you arrive at the venue and have your name checked off on a guest list.

You'll then receive a score sheet, instructions, a sticker and pen. Each date lasts 4 minutes and there's a break halfway though the evening. Currently you have to hand you score sheets in at the end of the night, but Original Dating are about to launch a new website that will include a facility to enter your ticks online yourself.

Who does it attract?

I attended the Clapham event at the Boom Bar and as with a lot of events held in the suburbs, most people lived within walking distance of the venue.

The age range was 23-35 and there were more younger guys at this event than at any other I've been to. I would guess that about a third of the men were over 30, but none were older than 35.

Occupations were diverse, accountants, musicians and even bodyguards!

What's different about it?

A small thing, but I was impressed that both the hosts and bar staff were always on hand to organise drinks while the dating was taking place. Many companies shy away from this for fear of interrupting the dating, but I was very grateful to have top ups (and a good distraction during a dull date!)  

What does it cost?

Speed dating events cost £20, wine tasting £29.95 and Lock and Key is £10.99

What makes it special?

Original Dating are a relatively small company concentrating on running events in London, this means the boss, Andrew, has an active part in running the events.

What's the down side?

Score sheets were just that and there was only a tiny space to write notes in. Most speed dating companies have score cards that fold in half which makes it far easier to hide your notes from your dates.

Any tricks I need to know?

On the website they list the time that the venue opens and the latest time to arrive for the event, which in my case were 6pm & 7:30pm. The venue is indeed open at 6pm, but there's no one there! So you want to aim for 7pm really!

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