What is it?

Speed dating event organiser aimed at the top end of the singles market. Using stylish bars and often providing a glass of champagne in the ticket price. ukXFactor is London based and runs events in 20 locations around the UK.

UKXFactor also run Brunch Dating events, where guests enjoy 20 dates over a four course Sunday brunch. Brunch dating is a new style of
speed dating, but in a bit more of a relaxed and subdued environment.

How does it work?

When you arrive, you're greeted by your hosts who call themselves (rather comfortingly for the lone dater) "icebreakers". A glass of champagne is included in the ticket price and the alcohol certainly helps everyone relax early on. You're given a name badge, score card and pen and left to mingle with the other daters. Dating usually gets underway within half an hour of the official 'start time'. As usual with speed dating you start at the table that matches your badge number.

After 3 minutes a whistle is blown and your date moves on, leaving you to scribble notes before the next one sits down. You can expect at least 20 dates and there are several breaks during the evening. Most people stay on for a drink after the official dating has finished at around 10pm.

You take your scorecard home with you and then add your 'ticks' onto the site yourself the next day.

Who does it attract?

A good collection of professional men with only a few 'wild cards'. Amongst the ones I met, were an accountant, a social worker, a magazine publisher and most impressive of all a guy who was working on the new Harry Potter film!

What's different about it?

Not all speed dating companies give you three choices on the form. With ukXFactor you can choose between, yes, no and 'friend', which makes things a little less pressurised.

Xfactor's computer system insures that male and female bookings are always equal, by suspending bookings to one gender if the gap between the two becomes too large.

What does it cost?

Prices vary depending on the location and venue, but most events are priced around £25.00

What makes it special?

You get a free ticket with every 4 you buy, which makes it a brilliant night out with the girls!

What's the down side?

While most companies who allow you to put your 'ticks' in online give you the option of seeing how many people ticked you, it's often in an area you have to choose to view. With ukXFactor, if you want to see your matches (and presumably you would) you are also shown how many people ticked you. Whilst it's good news for most people, if you were someone who didn't receive many ticks (as opposed to matches), you'd probably rather not know.

Any tricks I need to know?

Whilst the event says it finishes at 10:15pm, allow yourself the flexibility of leaving later. I had to run off when it finished which meant turning down an invitation to go to Karaoke with 4 single men.... damn!

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