Fancy sharing a game of jenga instead of staring at a screen? [Smudged Lipstick]

THE internet has changed a lot in the last thirty years.

From being able to buy anything you want in seconds, to being able to communicate with someone on the other side of the world, or condensing an entire bookcase worth of encyclopedias into something that is just seconds away.

But with online dating also part of that wider sweep of technological change, it’s a surprise to find that some are now shunning the swiping left and right and going to old-fashioned physical dating events.

Speed dating was once seen as the preserve of those entering the last chance saloon.

However as people are more relaxed about contrived ways of meeting someone special, events run by

Jordi Sinclair and his Smudged Lipstick company are often selling out weeks in advance, with most attendees aged between their late 20s and late 30s.

“The whole idea is getting like minded people in the room to start off with,” he said

“Everything attracts different people, with life drawing you’re likely to get people who are artistic, Cards Against Humanity you’ll get people who might have a similar sense of humour, which is a huge part of what attracts other people.”

“I think people are looking for that human connection. It used to be seen as a last-chance saloon, but it’s not any more.

“We make sure we don’t overpromise, you will see some websites that say ‘come along and meet the one’, what I always try to say is ‘come along and you’ll have a good night, and you never know who is going to be there’.”

Rather than the classic few minutes chatting for the 20 or so people in the room, the events run by Mr Sinclair include those based around Connect 4, Jenga and Crazy Golf.

People taking part are told to turn off their mobile phones and while groups of friends are welcome to come along together, they will be split up for the events themselves.

Hosts for events are taught how to greet people and make them feel welcome, with name badges given out before people start taking part in the activities.

People will get a chance to take part in the games with everyone, rotating around after a few goes with conversation prompts on the tables or game pieces for people who are a bit more anxious.

They can then stick around for drinks afterwards, and will be sent their “matches” a few days later.

However Mr Sinclair said that behaviour has changed in a world where people are used to digital connections.

“Over the seven years I’ve been doing this, we have seen people turn up that have grown up in a generation that is more used to having an iPod, or iPhone or iPad in their hand and then when you put them in front of real people they can find it hard to communicate, but if you look online they are amazing and a full personality and are great with emojis and sending memes,” Mr Sinclair said. “They say they want a relationship and to meet someone in real life but they find it hard.”

“We try to keep it simple because we find that if you overcomplicate it, it can make people even more anxious. When you’re playing Jenga for 7-8 minutes with someone then it can go quickly, but with the cues it gives people something to lean on.

“The problem with normal speed dating is that by the time you’ve told them what you do for a living and you live in Zone 3, then it’s time to rotate again and you don’t get much of a chance to get to know them.”

Mr Sinclair, 40, said they have heard of a few couples getting married after meeting at their events, which started seven years ago.

Events used to be held at the Bull and Gate in Kentish Town, but were stopped by Covid, with some now taking place in Soho and central London. He says that future ones may see them return to Camden.

Mr Sinclair said: “The advice I’d give is come and give it a go and just be yourself.”