Question 1

What's Speed Mating?

Accepted Answer

Like speed dating, the point of speed mating is to meet people, but instead of looking for a romantic partner, you'll get to meet a whole bunch of potential new friends.

Question 2

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

In a nutshell, we'll start with a brief icebreaker, and then you'll get the opportunity to meet around 40 new people in small groups of up to five. We'll give you around 10 minutes to get to know your group a little before shaking up the room and starting again. There'll be a break half way through.

Question 3

An icebreaker? Do you want us to suffer?

Accepted Answer

I know, I know. We're not into that corporate forced fun either.  Don't worry, we'll make it as painless as possible!

Question 4

What if I'm shy?

Accepted Answer

We cannot lie, events like this are easier for more outgoing people, but we've put in place a couple of strategies to make it easier, like supplying conversation prompts, contact cards to hand out and having guidelines for polite rejection.

Question 5

What if I can't think of anything to say?

Accepted Answer

We'll provide conversation starters on each table. Every table has a different selection. We do recommended using them if you fall into a lull but they're not compulsory.

Question 6

How do I tell people at the event I'd like to see them again?

Accepted Answer

Unlike speed dating that uses a third party (us) to inform you of your matches, you are welcome to begin your new friendly relationship by simply saying youd like to be friends. You can also simply hand each person a contact slip (supplied) with your info.

Question 7

What's a contact slip?

Accepted Answer

If you've only got 10 minutes, scrambling to find your phone and then completely blanking on how it works because of the pressure is not ideal. Insead, we'll give you a pile of slips with your name and pronouns that you can add any contact info you like to.

Question 8

Do contact slips have any other benefit?

Accepted Answer

Yes! They're MUCH lower pressure than actually saying "I want to be friends with you", and they give you more control too.  Don’t want to give your number? Just add your email, or your instagram account. Whatever you're comfortable with.

Question 9

I don't want to be rejected!

Accepted Answer

That's reasonable. Rejection is not nice. If you reach out to someone who isn't interested, try to take it on the chin. It sucks, but not everyone is for everyone.

Question 10

I don't want to reject someone!

Accepted Answer

Yeah, that sucks too, but we don't want you to start a new relationship because you wanted to be polite. Be kind and try to be empathetic and we'll be fine.

Question 11

Why aren't you matching us up yourselves?

Accepted Answer

Lots of reasons! Firstly we want to encourage you to build your own relationships. Having you submit your requests to us slows things down a lot (what if someone forgets to hand their form in?), so it could take days to get to you. Its also important to us that you control who gets your info.

Question 12

Is this a sober event?

Accepted Answer

No, but it's not a bacchanalia either. The bar sells alcohol as well as soft drinks and hot drinks. Food is also available but we recommended eating before or after the session. If you drink more than you can handle we may ask you to leave.

Question 13

Is this venue accessible?

Accepted Answer

This question is pretty impossible to answer because accessibility is different for everyone. The pub is wheelchair friendly (according to their staff). There is an accessible toilet. Please get in touch with your specific needs and we'll be happy to confirm what we can do to meet them.

Question 14

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

The venues postcode is EC1R 1UU. The nearest underground stations are Angel and King's Cross St Pancras, which is also on the local and national rail networks. Angel is a nine minute walk at average speed, and King's Cross St Pancras14 minutes. Local buses are abundant.

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