The Best Speed Dating Events in London (And Why More Londoners Are Trying Them)
Looking for speed dating in London, singles events, or simply a better way to meet people in the city? Read on for the London dating events worth knowing about.
This article was made in partnership with True Dating, London. All recommendations are my own.
Dating in London can feel draining, and most important oddly inefficient (or perhaps I’m just a Capricorn).
For a city full of people, there’s often a surprising amount of messaging, matching, and conversation that never quite turns into an actual date. A week can disappear speaking to someone you never meet, and before long, modern dating starts to feel less like connection and more like admin…
Which is partly why speed dating events in London have quietly become popular again.
Not in the old cliché sense many people imagine, but as a practical alternative for people who want to meet someone properly, in person, without weeks of uncertainty beforehand.
For busy Londoners tired of dating apps, singles events in London are the perfect way to find immediate and real-life chemistry without having to waste hours of your week leaving or being left on read (we’ve all been there…).
Here’s everything you need to know about speed dating, and how to try it for yourself.
Shall we?
About the Author
Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.
On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.
P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.
🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.
What is speed dating, exactly?
If you’ve never tried speed dating before, it can definitely seem a bit intimidating.
Essentially, you book a ticket for an event based on your age group, arrive at the venue, and spend a few minutes speaking one-on-one with other people attending.
Each conversation is short—usually around five minutes—which turns out to be more than enough time to work out whether there’s natural chemistry.
From there you can decide to move on or keep connecting once the timer ends; i.e skipping the long build up and getting straight to whether there’s a spark or not.
Why speed dating works particularly well in London
London is full of people, but not always full of easy opportunities to meet them properly.
Between long workdays, commuting, social plans, and the general pace of life here, dating can quickly become something squeezed between everything else. And often, that means apps become the default—even when many people are quietly tired of them.
That’s where singles events in London come in.
Everyone arrives knowing why they are there, which removes a lot of the uncertainty modern dating often creates. No guessing whether someone is genuinely interested, no wondering whether conversation will ever leave your phone, and no investing two weeks into someone you never actually meet.
Just immediate conversation, in person, with people who are equally open to meeting someone.
One London company worth knowing: True Dating
If you’re curious where to begin, True Dating hosts some of the best speed dating options in London (and you’re invited!).
They host regular events across central London, with tickets organised by age group and held in relaxed venues that feel approachable rather than intimidating.
The format is simple:
- choose your age group
- book your event
- meet a number of people through short timed conversations
Afterwards, matches are submitted privately, and if interest is mutual, you can continue speaking through their platform the next day.
It’s all designed to feel low-pressure—which, for many people, is exactly the appeal.
What’s the vibe actually like at a True Dating event in London?
One of the biggest misconceptions about speed dating is that it feels awkward.
In reality, well-run events tend to feel much lighter than people expect.
True Dating events are hosted, paced carefully, and built around the idea that everyone should feel comfortable from the start.
And because each conversation only lasts a few minutes, there’s very little pressure for any one interaction to carry too much weight.
If conversation flows, lovely and if it doesn’t, another begins shortly after.
Like I said, it’s efficient!
Where are True Dating events in London?
Events take place across central London neighbourhoods including Shoreditch, Soho, Marylebone and Liverpool Street, so super easy to fit into a weekday evening or after-work plan.
Final thoughts on speed dating in London
Speed dating in London isn’t about replacing apps entirely—but finding a different way of approaching the same goal (finding love in London) with far less waiting around.
And sometimes, five minutes face-to-face tells you far more than weeks of messaging ever could.
If you’re looking for speed dating events in London, you can browse upcoming speed dating events in London here and see which London dates suit you best—there’s plenty running regularly, so worth having a look before dates fill up, as they tend to sell out!
Have the best time.
Thanks for reading my Speed Dating in London Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
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Happy Londoning,
