Dinner Dates Agency – Blending the Traditional and Modern

Dinner Dates are a social networking agency that brings together likeminded people through memorable fun events. Their main office is located in Ealing, west London.

Simply Woman attended their Black Tie Ball held in central London. We weren’t disappointed. The setting, in the Le Meridien Hotel was more than we expected. Lush carpet with concierge facilities, chandeliers…you get the picture – this was a swish do! We loved the finesse of the drinks reception, complete with ladies in fine gowns and gents in dinner jackets. When it comes to courtship and romance much can be learned from events like these.

The event room  screamed high society, with 120 reserved places, and heavy dining decor. Following our hosts’ welcome, we relaxed to a three course meal and unlimited wine. To encourage everyone to meet as many potential friends as possible, the men were rotated around their table after the main course. The live blues singer and saxophone player made this an evening to remember, supported by classics and Motown beats courtesy of the DJ. Then the floor came to life where attendees strutted their stuff.

Given the setting and the price tag per head, it’s easy to feel events like these are for the elite only. But nothing could be further from the truth. Dinner Dates offer a myriad of less formal events, so if balls aren’t for you there’s nights at the theatre, drinks evenings, golf or even a holiday abroad.

Dinner Dates’ Profile Husband and wife team Cynthia and Peter Spillman bought Dinner Dates in 2011 from author and actress Hillie Marshall. Hillie previously established the company (the first of its kind) in 1989. Peter is Director of Business Development and Cynthia is Chief Executive, and together they are furthering the ethos of social networking in the modern age. Dinner Dates can’t promise to introduce you to your future partner; meeting other singles and seeing what happens is the key. After all, the best romances begin when the pace is slower and expectations haven’t been raised.

Today the company boasts more than 17,000 members and arranges 200 events annually. It is the largest company of its kind in the UK, and Peter and Cynthia are keen to see their staff help run Dinner Dates in future. Dinner Dates even offer franchise opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs (see website). Dinner Dates’ events cater for the 20s – 60s plus age range. If you do meet someone you’d like to see again, their hosts can facilitate this. After events, Dinner Dates also telephone every attendee to see if there’s anybody they’d like to know more about. If you’re shy or are coming alone, company hosts will be you feel welcome.

Membership You pay a one-off registration fee, and a monthly information update fee. Members can then attend all the events they wish, subject to event fees (see website for details). Discounts apply if an existing member introduces you to Dinner Dates, or ladies bring a male guest when attending their first event. Dinner Dates’ tailored service assures discretion, and members’ details are never revealed without permission. For the current events calendar and further information see www.Dinner Dates.com. Dinner Dates also offer ‘taster’ meetings so you can try before you buy.