What is it?

Speed dating company who run events in south west London.

How does it work?

The event I attended was held at the Firefly in Clapham, we spent some time mingling downstairs before being seated upstairs. Once in the dating area, you pick your table and your number and the guys move round. The score sheet is a single piece of paper which divides in two so you can give details of your ticks to the organiser at the end of the event.

The next day you receive an email telling you how many people "expressed an interest in you" and how many matches you have.

Who does it attract?

SpeedFlirt have realised something that even I hadn't worked out. Basically that if you attend an event in your own area (or at least the area in which you aspire to live!) you are more likely to meet people who you have things in common with, than if you go to a large event in central London.

The event I went to in Clapham (my spiritual home!) was full of exactly the kind of guys I've been trying to meet. Although I only dated 15 men, I had a far higher hit rate than at larger events.

You can view brief descriptions of the people attending an event before you book, which gives you a rough idea of who you will meet. When you've booked you can create your own profile and email others, which is useful if you are coming on your own as you could arrange to meet another girl beforehand.

They also have a forum area to discuss events and any suggestions for improvements

What does it cost?

Between £15 and £25 dependent on location and how early you sign up. Excellent value and I'd go back again.

What makes it special?

The cocktails you get in the break! By then I was tipsy enough to find it funny to ask a couple of people if they wanted 'sex on the beach' - Oh the shame! :-) There is also still something about cocktails which make them feel like a bit of a treat.

What's the down side?

When you are matched with someone you are only given their SpeedFlirt screen name, not there email address. This means you have to go onto the site to mail them and they have to log on to it to read them. I found it took a bit of the excitement away from my matches, as all I got was confirmation of a screen name that I already had access to.

I'm also not sure revealing how many people "expressed an interest in you" is a brilliant idea. The whole point of the ticking process is to avoid the feeling of rejection. At least when it's only matches that are revealed you can kid yourself all the guys you didn't tick liked you!

Any tricks I need to know?

The start time isn't as rigid as it may seem. I got lost finding the bar and ran most of the way, collapsing at the feet of the hosts 20 minutes after the start time and I still had ages chatting to people in the bar. That said it is courteous to turn up at the time you are instructed to and if you're late you do miss out on some pre-dating bonding (and drinking!)

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