Press cuttings

SpeedDater is running London's first ever organized Smirting event. The event will allow people to combine flirting with smoking at the Fence, a Clerkenwell bar with Central London's biggest beer garden.

In Ireland, Scotland and Wales where smoking bans are already in force, Smirting has proved very popular. It builds on the office trend where smokers congregate outside buildings and get to know people from other offices. Instead smokers step outside bars, where smoking is no longer permitted, for a spot of smirting.

SpeedDater co-founder Simon Prockter said, 'I am single and a smoker and totally agree with the ban. However, I've also found that I know many more of the other office staff in our building than my colleagues because I meet them in the smoking area outside. So I'm glad that Smirting is catching on and looking forward to giving it a try.'

Tickets for the event on Saturday July 14th at The Fence, 67-69 Cowcross Street London EC1M 6BP cost £25.95 and include a special smirting area, a barbecue dinner, a photo wall, giant lock and key party and optional speed dating. Over 200 people are expected.

Smirting area
An outside smoking area where people can chat to other smokers. Non-smokers can join in too but will have to put up with the smoke.

Photo wall
Have your picture taken and printed out in 8 seconds flat by our high speed printer. You can then leave messages for people you like.Lock & key party
A great ice-breaker. All the guys have a key and the girls have a lock. You look for someone whose key matches your lock and then collect a raffle ticket for a special draw.Speed dating
Meet around 10 people for a series of fun 3 minute dates.

About SpeedDater
SpeedDater was started by Ben Tisdall and Simon Prockter September 2002. It has since grown into the UK's largest single events company with regular events in over 30 UK cities. It also runs singles holidays and days out through its www.SpeedBreaks.co.uk brand. And offers online dating through www.speeddateronline.co.uk.

For further details of the party see www.speeddater.co.uk/parties/