When a friend invited me to a speed-dating event, I was not completely sure how to react. Was she asking me because I was 29 and single and therefore in her eyes desperate, or did she think I was so socially inadequate, I would never be able to arrange a date by myself?

I decided to give the night a go and set off to the Chocolate Lounge (146-148 Newington Butts, Kennington) where the event was being held.

After downing three bottles of beers to steady my nerves I headed down to the basement where the organisers had created a very cosy atmosphere of comfy sofas and candles. We were then sat in pairs and given a name badge with a number on it. The idea was simple. For three minutes we would chat, flirt and try to impress, once the bell rang to tell us our time was up we would tick a yes or no on our comments card (or score card as I preferred to call it) to indicate whether we liked the person or not. At the end of the evening we would hand in our cards and if two people ticked yes to each other we would get an email the next day telling us we were a match and giving us each other contact details.

As the event was about to begin my initial response of ‘oh, has it really come to this’ was swapped for one of nerves. Added to the fact that Lovegirls.co.uk had asked me to write an article on the event and had sent along a photographer I felt under huge pressure to be funny and interesting, which would be a bit of a problem as I am neither particularly.

I quickly scanned the room to see what the crowed was like, and was surprised to see a mixed bag of old, young, pretty, not so pretty and of course mullets and neck ties. But everyone seemed in good spirits and keen to enjoy themselves.

As the bell rang to signal the start I found myself paired up with a girl I recognised, in fact I had a brief romance with her two years previous, if you can call a drunken kiss and grope in the toilets of Popstarz a romance. Talk about ‘Gay ja vue’. I had never rang her back so stuttered and fidgeted my way through the three minutes at the same time trying to avoid her icy gaze. I was relieved to finally hear the bell ring to signal the end of the three minutes and beginning of a new date with someone fresh.

I now understood the beauty of speed dating. Unlike most dates where you are subjected to a meal, drinks and crème caramel, with speed dating you only get three minutes. So no matter how dull, awkward or offensive your date is you only have to spend a tiny amount of time with them before moving on to the next date. Pure genius!

As the alcohol flowed so the evening carried on and date after date went by. I had made an arrangement with the photographer that I would rub my nose if I fancied the girl I was with or yank my ear lobe if I did not. After ten dates my ear lobe was sore and my nose untouched. Maybe I was being too picky; after all I had actually met a few girls who were lovely, made me laugh and whom normally I would love to have met up with for a drink as friends. But this was ‘speed dating’ not ‘lets meet up for a drink as friends dating’ so obviously I had to tick them as a no, which felt slightly cut throat.

Towards the end of the night I found myself relaxing and genuinely enjoying my self. Whether this was due to the alcohol or the company I cant be sure but everyone seemed to be having fun and getting on with each other. Its not often you get the chance to meet and talk to so many women in just one evening. I certainly met girls from all different walks of life and backgrounds who I would have not normally, which made a welcomed change from the normal haunts I visit.

Admittedly, by the end, I did tire slightly of telling people ’what I did, where I lived and if I hade done this before’ but I suppose it is to be expected when you only have three minutes to decide if you want to see the person again.

As the night drew to a close I totalled up my No’s (15) and my Yes’s (1) then handed in my card to the organisers. At least there was one girl I liked, so in that way alone the evening was a success.

Regardless of whether you’re looking to meet Mrs Right or not, I would sum up my experience of speed dating as a positive one. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Obviously I met one or two odd balls, like the women who sang to me, badly, and the women who declared I was the rudest person she ever met, but at the same time I had a thoroughly entertaining two hours of conversation and alcohol.

I would definitely recommend speed dating to anyone willing to try something a little different. My only advice is, try not to take it too seriously and try not to bump into anyone who ticked Yes to you but who you tick no.

If you are interested in joining in the next speed dating event then visit www.pinkdate.co.uk or call 08701 997 839.

Photography by Kerry Pringle