In a flush on the fairway
Card schools and golf clubs are big news for singles right now. Lorraine Adams holds the winning hand for a birdie
Would you believe that the most sought-after events this year have been our poker nights and golf days? Even those who don’t know how to play poker or golf are desperate to buy up tickets for themselves and their unattached buddies. Who would have thought sweating over a hand of cards or making a fool of yourself on the golf course — yes they even wear those awful plaid trousers — would be the most endearing way of attracting a lover. But my members cannot get enough of these events. The scuba diving and country walks are right out of the window and speed dating has become a dirty word in Gorgeous city. Having said that, the recent tapas party we had at the fantastic Portuguese Chelsea restaurant Tugga did go down very well, although I think that had something to do with the most adorable attractive “Jose Mourinho-type” owners.
It is hard keeping up with trends and knowing what singles are looking for these days.
Over the five years that I have been in this business I have seen many companies sprout up with a unique “dating” concept only to disappear again within months. More often than not the founders are single themselves and think it’s going to be a quick fix in finding their own Mr/Miss Right, and make a fast buck along the way. This business is extremely incestuous in terms of everybody knowing each other; you soon get to hear through the grapevine of new companies and events taking place.
Although I admire the enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit of these newcomers, I really want to jump in and tell them of all the pitfalls and how hard it is trying to keep all of the people happy all of the time.
One “newcomer” — though she has actually now been around for two years and is doing very well for herself — is the lovely Clare Gillbanks of www.meetatlast.com. Clare (pictured) is actually my eligible of the week — she is one of the few dating industry bosses who lives, breathes and sleeps dating and events, so much so she has lost the plot with her own social life.
What has made her events so renowned is her personal touch — her guests’ enjoyment is paramount to her success. All hopeful guys apply to her website!
November is actually one of our busiest months for new joiners, especially men; I think the prospect of a “girlfriend-free” Christmas actually fills them with dread.
The girls hate being single around St Valentine’s Day, so the influx of female applicants usually comes in January. So chaps, if you really want to fill your Christmas stocking with someone gorgeous (actually I had better rephrase that), log on now before all the best birds are taken!
Lorraine Adams is the founder and managing director of Gorgeous Networks
Tel: 020 7376 7676, www.gorgeousnetworks.com