You’ll check out some of the most hilarious comics in town, before breaking into teams for the quiz, which will include an equal number of guys and gals.  After each round, a new set of fellas will join your crew (while the old set move on to another), so think of it like speed dating without the awkward interrogation but great trivia to get the conversation flowing instead.

Fingers crossed, you’ll meet someone worthwhile – and if you need a few ideas for that first date, you can visit the Lovestruck blog for a few great suggestions, such as heading to the Southbank for a stroll or visiting the London Zoo for their late night events.

We all know it takes a little bit of luck to meet that somebody special – but we reckon if you get yourself out there next month like the hip and arty urban adventurer you are, this may just be your summer of love.

For more information about Lovestruck Events, visit: http://www.lovestruck.com/london/events.html

For dating ideas, visit: http://www.lovestruck.com/blog/2013/07/top-london-date-ideas/

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Lovestruck.com

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Doodle Date

Doodle Date is a creative take on speed dating that takes out the rigid conversation. You take turns doodling to draw a picture together or converse through images which might lead to romance. What’s great is that you don’t have to be Picasso to do it, even stickmen enthusiasts can join in! Next date, January 17th.  www.doodledate.com

Swing Dancing

The London Swing Dance Society hosts weekly swing dancing events that happen across London. Dancing with several partners during the session means it’s like speed dating but without the unnerving pressure as you’re there to shake-a-leg. It’s a light-hearted way to meet new people and you never know –  it could have you swinging “head over heels” in love!  www.swingdanceuk.com

Salsa Flirt

For a night of Latino flavour, Salsa Flirt holds weekly parties every Saturday with a Latin class for beginners. With food and wine served in the bar area you’ll find yourself dining and dancing while you make new friends and you never know it might lead to more. Saturdays, Miabella Bar & Club, Greek Street (Next event, January 7th). www.meetup.com/London-Salsa-flirts/events/42490792

 A Game of Two Halves at  Bar Kick, Shoreditch High Street

Football, drink and Edwardian costumes are not the usual elements for romance but A Game of Two Halves makes it work. The evening is split, between ‘the pitch’ where you can enjoy interactive table tennis and ‘the bench’ where you get chatting at the conversation tables. A couple in old-fashioned costumes basically referee everything and it’s pretty fun.  www.agameof2halves.co.uk

Meet & Mingle

It’s no secret that the capital can be a lonely one, and beyond the usual work/social/community circle, it can be tough getting connected with the city’s dwellers.   So voila – the Meet + Mingle was born, and the aim is for people from all walks of life to simply have interesting conversations with as many people as possible,  without the awkwardness that can come with dating-type events (M&M is a purely platonic affair). So come with an open-mind and expect a fun and enlightening experience – you never know who you might meet!  www.facebook.com/events/323250677695549/

Other suggestions

Meetup.com – this free website is a brilliant way to find people who are into the stuff you like – whether it’s board games, dim sum, or simply having a good old fashion debate.  The events are varied, but it’s a great way to meet new people while finding things to do in the capital. www.meetup.com 

Doingsomething.co.uk – their motto is “Dating’s more fun when you’re doing something” and the whole premise is that you recommend an activity and hope that someone will want to do it with you, taking “internet” dating into the real world.  But with most dating sites, the more you put in, the more you get out of it, so you’ll need to be seriously on the case – and there’s alot more flexibility if you get a paid package – but it’s definitely worth a gander. https://www.doingsomething.co.uk/ (Words: Tosin Omilaju) 

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Well! I had a total of 13 dates (each 3 minutes each), and only one stood out as a potential friend – he was very charming, relaxed, cute, intelligent – and we ended up talking into the interval (so, about 10 mins). Safe dude. And here’s the most memorable worst of the bunch:

The spitter – A very peculiar dude who needed a towel to wipe up the excess saliva he was splashing all over my table. He was a bit of an eediot too – when he asked me what I did for a living and I told him, “journalist and photographer” and he said (and I quote): “That’s an interesting job…I hate you already.” Is that so? Next. (And you better hope I don’t spot you on Crimewatch jack!)

The Old City guy – So the maximum age for the fellas at this event had to be 35-years-old. I’m certain homie was 42. And he was nervous. Oh so, nervous. And there were a lot of awkward silence. Poor chap. Possibly a divorcee :-(

Mr Star Sign – His first question was, what’s your star sign, of which I reluctantly said ‘Leo’, and was given a big fat smile afterwards. Ooooookay. And ‘Isn’t it?’ was his favourite response. He did remind me of Apu from the Simpsons, I can’t even lie.

Mr Tipsy – I mean, really? You’re that shook? Dang.

Mr Arrogant – A dude who was extremely forceful, intense, fake – and who leaned into my personal space, ended up coming out for dinner with us (more or less invited himself), and called me an Alpha Female. All in the name of ‘I Like You’ (or so I was told by one of my friends). His presence more or less ruined my evening. You’re not meant to come out of the boundaries of the event – unless dude is like THAT DUDE (and even then, THAT DUDE needs to go through SpeedDaters computer system and match me before we can even contemplate friendship) So that was that.

But hey, I did it :-) Yey, me. I’d do it again too (maybe). 

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