First Dates star to host dating event for singles at Manchester bar

"Our fun, flirty evening is set to be an exciting but safe space to mingle and explore connections."

Dianne Bourne Lifestyle Editor

12:52, 30 Dec 2024

David Marc, star of Channel 4’s First Dates, tests out his matchmaking skills at the Slug & Lettuce in Manchester ahead of its ever dating event which will be hosted by the TV favourite(Image: Lorne Campbell / Guzelian)

A Manchester restaurant and bar is to trial a "new dating concept" with the help of a First Dates star this January. Manchester's Slug & Lettuce on Albert Square is to host the new event in a bid to help singletons find love at the start of 2025.

The trial event comes after research by the Slug & Lettuce chain found that Brits may be falling out of love with dating apps. Just 23% of those surveyed said they prefer to find dates through online matchmaking services or apps.

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A further 51% said they favoured meeting people in real life situations such as through work or in a bar. And when hopefuls do strike up a promising conversation online, a quarter (25.34%) are then too nervous to meet up on a date.

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They say the figure rises to almost a third in Manchester (29.09%) which is why Slug & Lettuce has chosen the city to trial its new dating concept, hosted by First Dates star and dating expert, David Marc.

David Marc will be hosting the event in Manchester(Image: Lorne Campbell / Guzelian)

The event will take place on Wednesday, January 15, at the city centre bar with tickets priced at £15 which includes a welcome drink and nibbles. It's open to singles aged from 25 - 40.

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Becky Southern, head of marketing at Slug & Lettuce, said: “We’re constantly speaking to our guests to help improve their experience in venue. Recent feedback has strongly hinted at guests seeking support when looking for love on a night out and obviously, we jumped at the chance.

"It’s not easy meeting people and it’s understandable that even if conversation is flowing online, it’s a big step to then meet up in person. Our fun, flirty evening is set to be an exciting but safe space to mingle and explore connections.

"Dating expert, David, has plenty of tips and tricks up his sleeve to keep guests relaxed and to help the make perfect matches, we’re so pleased he’s agreed to be our host.”

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David will be helping singletons at the Slug & Lettuce event(Image: Lorne Campbell / Guzelian)

Slug & Lettuce’s research also revealed that 55% of Brits have experienced a dating faux pas, with the top six identified as:

• I've had a date not show up (15.69%)

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• It turned out my date was already in a relationship (15.23%)

• I've been ghosted (14.48%)

• I’ve met the person to find out they've dated a friend of mine before (10.71%)

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• My date has spilled food/drink on me (8.60%)

• I've had a date leave half way through the event without warning (8.30%)

For more information and to take part in the dating event on January 15 at 7pm, you can register here. Tickets are £15 and include a welcome drink and nibbles.