So what do you guys do?
We organise Speed Dating events for gay guys who live, work or are new in London and who want to get together with likeminded guys for friendship or dating. We host regular events, where you can make new friends and dates. Click on View Coming Events to see what we have lined up for the coming month!
What happens at a Speedating event?
On arrival our friendly hosts/ hosteses will greet you, give you a note card and a name badge. You can grab a drink at the bar and we will show you to your seat and explain how everything works. You can expect to have a series of upto 30 three minute dates with other single guests. You can make notes on your card about every date. We will be stopping for breaks so you can have another drink and gather your thoughts and our hosts are on hand throughout the evening if you get stuck. At the end of the dating, you decide who you would like to see again as a friend or date; you have the option of ticking either 'friend' or 'date' for each person you meet.. You put ticks next to all the guys you want to see and hand in your form. We will email you the next day with your matches
How do I get a match?
A match is when you and another guy both want to see each other again. To be matched with another guest you both have to select the same option on your forms (ie, you both tick the friend option or you both tick the date option). If you tick the date option but other guest ticks the friend option, that will not be a match. If there's somone who you really really like, the best thing is to tick both 'friend' and 'date'; this will increase your chances of being matched with him.
you tick friend + he ticks friend = a friend match
you tick date + he ticks date = a date match
you tick friend + he ticks date = no match
you tick date + he ticks friend = no match
I'm not convinced. It sounds scary!
We understand that the first time you try speed dating, you may feel a bit anxious or nervous. We have seen many guests arrive feeling like this but, when the event begins, 99.9% of those guys realise what a fun night it is and wonder why they haven't tried before. You really don't have time to feel scared as every few minutes you are talking and getting to know a new person. This is a perfect way to meet plenty of new guys in one go without wasting a whole evening on an agonisingly bad date. The atmosphere is fun, friendly and chatty. Everyone is there to meet new people. We provide the best Gay Speed Dating in town because we have specialised in this area for over five years! You don't need to stress or do anything. We will be waiting for you with everything you need (pen, form & a big smile) and show how everything works.
Any tips?
- Dress to impress: first impressions count.
- Be yourself. You are fabulous.
- Think of some interesting questions beforehand. It can be very repetitive to ask 30 people the same questions!
- Remember that even though there may be no inital sparks, a relationship could start off as a friendship, so use that option on your form.
- Body language is everything! Don't fold your arms or legs as it will create a barrier.
- No onions or garlic beforehand.
- Relax! Everyone at our events wants to make new friends. The atmostphere is friendly so dont worry about coming alone.
- If you do not want to see a particular guest again, then DO NOT tick him on your sheet. It can be dissapointing for other guests when they receive 'half-hearted' ticks' and no answer when they try to contact you.
- Make sure you hand your sheet to our host when the event ends or you won’t be able to get any matches!
I always had the impression Speed Dating was a bit desperate?
Not at all! Gay speed dating has exploded in London and all over the globe over the last couple of years. Many guys are seeking an alternative to online sites, which tend to be focused on sex, and bars and clubs. A large percentage of our guests are busy, professionals who just don't have time to go out and look for a mate; that's where speed dating really comes into its own. Check the pics from our past events; our guests are young, fun guys who are taking a proactive approach to meeting new gay guys. Our clip, below, will help you with question ideas:
I like the idea but I'm too shy to come alone!
There is no need to be! Most of our guests come alone and you won't stay alone for long! You can also bring a friend if you don't want to come alone; they can stay at the bar for moral support. Attending our events is a positive step toward making new friends and possibly meeting a partner. If you don't take a chance, you will never know…
What kind of guys will be there?
People like you! We welcome all backgrounds and believe that diversity makes things more interesting. You may meet someone you would not normally have the chance to. Our guests have included architects, ballet dancers and lawyers.
What's the age range of your events?
Our aim is to bring all sections of the gay community together so there are no age restrictions at any of our events.
Does it actualy work? Do guys meet and fall in love?
Yes! Over the past three years we have brought together hundreds of couples at our events! Hundreds of friendships have also started with us too. Check out the 'Success Stories' section on our homepage!
What if I am just looking for new friends rather than love? Can I still come?
Yes! You have two options on your form; friend and date. So our events are also great for guys who are just looking to make new friends and nothing more.
How does the 'Bring 2 friends and your place is free' offer work?
Simple. You will see there are different payment options on the paypal button dropdown menu, one of them will say 'bring 2 friends and your place is free'. Choose this option and you will be charged for two places instead of three. All we need are are the names and emails of all the guests coming with you, so please email us after completing payment.
What's the dresscode at your events?
Unless otherwise stated it's always smart/ casual. Many guys come straight from work so they are in suits while others may be in jeans etc. We will let you know if the venue has a particular dress code, ie no trainers etc.
Do you send out tickets for your events by post once I have paid online?
No, after paying online you will receive a confirmation email from us. This means we have received payment and we will have your name on the night. If you need any more info you can email or call us (details below). We save paper and we don't send out any tickets.
Do I have to book online? Can't I just turn up and pay on the door?
We need to know numbers in advance so we can arrange furniture and let the venue know how many guests to expect. Online payment also means the event will start on time and it's easier for you. Sometimes we will have a couple of unsold places which we sell on the door but this is not always the case and if someone gets there first and snaps up the last place then you'll miss out!
What are your Terms and Conditions?
1) Tickets are non refundable and non exchangeable.
2) In the unavoidable situation where we have to cancel an event we will refund you in full through your Paypal account.
3) We reserve the right to change advertised venues before an event.
4) Speed dating guests please note you must hand in your completed form to our host when the dating has finished. You will normally be given 15 minutes to do this. If you do not give in your form on the night you will not receive your matches.
5) Guests booking a student place are required to present a valid N.U.S card on arrival. Failure to do so will mean paying the difference in price between the student discount and the regular price. The student price option is only available at selected events.
6) Urban Connections or its associates and hosts shall not be liable for any damages arising from participation in an Urban Connections event. This includes damages arising out of any contact with anyone participating in an Urban Connections event. Such damages to include, but not limited to, physical injury, bodily harm or mental distress. Urban Connections events are held at venues over which Urban Connections and it's associates have no control. Therefore by registering for an event you agree that Urban Connections and its associates have no liability should you suffer any loss or injury to yourself or your personal items whilst on those premises.
7) Urban Connections and its associates and hosts reserve the right to refuse admission to an event, or indeed to eject from an event, anyone it considers not in a fit state to participate due to over intoxication from alcohol or other substances, inappropriate or abusive behaviour.
What happens when I give you my email address?
We will never share your information with anyone. We will use your mail either to send you our monthly newsletter, with our latest events with any special offers we are running, monthly dating tips and fun stuff like that or to mail you your speed dating matches after an event. That's it. No junk. You can unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time.
Singles Dating UK – singles events, UK singles parties & speed dating
Single London – singles events, parties and speed dating Speed Dating in London
.jpg)
[...] FAQ’s [...]