Why come

Everyone in the room is single and there to meet someone, and the locks and keys give you a reason to talk to anybody: no chat-up lines needed. It's the easiest way to meet a whole room of new people in one evening.

The night

Friday 20 November, from 8pm, at The Lab, Cambridge, for people in their early thirties to mid forties. Every woman is given a padlock and every man a key. The game is simple: find the one that fits, and meet a lot of people trying.

How it works

Check in with the host when you arrive and get a drink. There's no script to follow: the host gets people talking, and the rest is up to you. It's bigger and looser than speed dating, with no bell telling you to move on, so you can spend longer with the people you like. Swap numbers with anyone you click with.

The venue

An area of The Lab, Cambridge, kept for us. Nearest station: Cambridge Train Station.

What a guest said

“Great fun! Super relaxed environment and some great conversations, really enjoyed it” — a guest at a singles party in Cambridge, September 2026.

Before you book

Tickets are sold separately for men and women to keep the numbers even; none on the door. Please arrive 15 minutes early: latecomers may not be able to join.

Good to know

Early thirties to mid forties

Starts 8pm; doors open 30 minutes before

Nearest station: Cambridge Train Station

Questions and answers

Will there be equal numbers of men and women?

Most of the time it is equal or nearly so. That is why tickets are sold separately for men and women, and why there are no tickets on the door.

I'm going on my own. Is that OK?

Most people do. Our host looks after you from the door, so nobody is left standing in a corner.

I'm just outside the age range. Can I come?

Most people are within the range shown, and a year or so either side is fine. People usually want to meet others of a similar age, so a night for a much younger or older crowd is unlikely to end in matches.

Can a friend take my place?

Yes, as long as they are the same gender as you. Ask them to tell the host they are coming in your place.

Can I book for friends?

Yes: choose a men's or women's ticket for each person, so the numbers stay even. We'll email you afterwards for their names and details.

What happens after I book?

We'll email you to confirm your details, and those of anyone you've booked for, and set up an Original Dating account for each of you. Please reply: the account is how you see your matches after the night.

Can I get a refund?

Tickets can't be cancelled, changed or refunded, so please check the date and time before you book.

Description supplied by the event organiser.