Original Dating  Avis 294

I am part of the wider group you commented on in two earlier reviews (Abi and Gwyneth) and I did not have a positive experience and I know others did not either.

I’m writing to ask for a refund following your speed dating event on Tuesday 3 February in Tooting. Unfortunately, I feel the event was mis-sold and did not match what was advertised when I bought the ticket.

There were several issues:

• The event was marketed for men and women aged 40–55 and stated that you could expect to meet around 15 dates. In reality, there were 8 dates and one man there confirmed he was 63.
• When I bought my ticket on the day, it showed 4 female tickets left and 2 male tickets left, which suggested there were more men than women. On the night, one man told me he had been contacted by your organisation that day to attend in order to make up male numbers. This gave me the clear impression that ticket numbers were being presented in a misleading way.
• The venue was described as a high-ceilinged, red-bricked pub with a laid-back vibe and ‘exclusive access to a private upstairs bar’. In reality, the upstairs space felt empty and disused, with no working bar and zero atmosphere.
• The 6.5-minute rotations (advertised as 4 minutes) felt too long and made the experience uncomfortable rather than enjoyable.
• The host made no effort to create a welcoming atmosphere and left immediately once the rotations finished, leaving attendees alone in the room. I have previously attended a speed dating event with another company, and the difference in hosting, energy, and overall experience was stark.
• The event was sold as a fun, enjoyable night. That was not my experience at all.

UK consumer protection law, including the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015, covers situations where an event is misrepresented or not delivered as described

Please let me know how the refund process works. I would also like my profile deleted.

I’d like to request a refund following my recent attendance at Tuesday 3rd February 2026 speed dating event at the Wheatsheaf, I would also like my profile deleted as the app wouldn’t allow it.

Unfortunately, the experience didn’t meet my expectations. I didn’t feel the matches were a good fit, and the format didn’t allow for comfortable or meaningful conversation. The 6½-minute rotations also felt too long and made the experience quite uncomfortable.

It was a waste of money and a waste of time. I also emailed the organisers but no response.

This was a zero star experience but Trust pilot doesn’t permit this.

Poor experience- the system, upon booking, said there were no men spaces left. When I arrived there were far fewer men than stated. All were clearly much older than the age bracket - one was 20 years older than me. The calibre was dire and the event was not well set up. I have contacted the company to request a refund but they haven’t even acknowledged my email.

I had a really nice time, the venue was nice and it wasn't too loud to be able to hear

I was very daunted to go to my first dating event but I'm so glad I went!
So much fun and met some lovely people.
Matches to be released shortly so will see if it works.
I think the hosts could have made it more clear what happens after you leave the event as I wasn't sure.

Lovely place, in tye lower floor of a pub, very decent young man who was very informative.
The system worked superbly.
Was for an hour and a half 19:30 - 21:00 with a 15 minutes break 20:00 until 20:15.
Very enjoable and a great opportunity to chat to about 10 - 15 young women in their 30's and 40's. An opportunity to have 4 minutes conversations and is much easier than going out to a night club or a bar.

The Venue was lovely, nice & festive with tasteful Xmas decorations & fairly upbeat tunes down low. I felt relaxed & welcome. The 4 minute dates were fast & fun! Really enjoyed this event & am definitely booking a second one. I felt it was a perfect opportunity for folk like me who have been away from the dating scene for a while to meet new people.

With so many people, I fully expected mild pandemonium… but instead it was slick, smooth and surprisingly serene. A great atmosphere, brilliant organisation, and an evening that exceeded all expectations.

My first time dating. Host made me very welcoming, 😉

Created an informal evening which helped those of us who were nervous feel more relaxed and could enjoy meeting new people, friendly and fun venue.

Went to their Halloween event and it was quite empty, honestly felt like a waste of time.

What’s worse is the misleading advertising. They promote their credit packs as being valid for “socials and parties,” but after buying one, I received an email saying it only works for some parties. When I asked for a refund, they refused and hid behind the terms and conditions.

If the credits can’t be used for the main events, the advertising should clearly say so. As it stands, it feels misleading.

Went to the lock and Key event in Harrogate. It was a fun evening, the hosts were organised and friendly, and also enthusiastic when we had a run on the locks!
One issue was the area we were in at the venue was a little cramped for room.

I attended their lock and key party. The venue and staff were great and I had some good conversations. I did notice quite a few of the men were older than the event age range of 30-45 (i.e. they were late 40s and early 50s). I suggest the company put out some guidance as to the age range that can attend, otherwise it gets tricky gauging what event to attend to meet people your own age.

The details for the venue were unclear, I didn't know where to go. I attended an event in Canterbury and the venue "1 Pound Lane" is truly dreadful. Drinks need to be purchased via an app and a service charge is added on, no matter, I was there for some time and didn't get a drink. it was my first speed dating experience, I was a bit nervous and unclear of the process and it didn't help that the host arrived 40 minutes late, without apology. We were (sort of) lead to an upstairs room, clearly it had not been heated all day, the host's response "it will warm up with all the activity" . I walked out before registration without having spoken to a soul except the rude staff at the venue.

Noting the reply, no, it is not just about the venue but would presume the company had some influence over that anyway. The key issue is the host turning up late without explanation. Says it all really, my advise is to avoid Original Dating, look at the reviews, positive and the many negative ones, it tells its own story.

Saw this advertised and thought why not! A very well organised and enjoyable evening. Was my first time and would recommend

I am pleased with the afternoon speed dating format Original Dating has on offer.

It allows me to keep socialising with people of interest after the event's end time as there is plenty of time left till the end of the day and I can spend it either at the same venue or somewhere else (i.e. local park, another cafe/restaurant).

Also, I would like to express my gratitute to the event organiser/representative for giving us the opportunity to have longer mini dates when a few people don't come instead of cancelling the event for all.
As a result, I succeeded in having quality meaningful conversations with people from the opposite gender.

I am looking forward to sign up for more afternoon and morning/lunch speed dating events with Original Dating.

An excellent evening - fun, well organised and nice to meet such friendly people.

I went for the 1st time last night with a friend, there were equal amounts of males to females, it was a really enjoyable evening, even if you dont meet a date, date, you can guarantee to come away with new friends. I made both new friends in males and females, we all stuck around afterwards having a really good time and a drink. I'd highly recommend it, im certainly going to be doing it again. WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE, either way its a really enjoyable evening.