Great alternative dating nights in London

If you’re looking to take your dating game offline in the new year, the capital has a number of quirky nights designed for meeting new people.

Everyone knows that dating apps aren't for everyone. From misleading profiles to the one way exchange of 'interesting' photos or chat up lines, finding love in the digital world can completely turn you off it.

Luckily for single Londoners, these nights are far from cringe-worthy speed dating events. Instead, they are fun and time-effective ways to meet like-minded singles.

We’ve rounded up the new ways you can meet your soulmate the good old fashioned way.

Don't speak

Avoid one liners and awkward conversation with a silent speed dating session. Verbal contact is completely banned during a programme of flirty games, so until the end of the night you’ll have to rely on the power of your fluttering lashes and seductive glances to find a connection, while exploring the four experimental zones. Held in bars like Farr's School of Dancing and John the Unicorn, The Shhh Dating events sell out really fast so keep an eye on their Facebook page for new events.

Play games

From rude-words-only Dirty Scrabble to truth or dare Jenga, Drink Shop Do offers a range of game-based singles nights for those out to meet their creative match. It also offers lot of crafty evenings from candle and cocktail making sessions to screen printing workshops on canvas bags.

Alternatively, a secret bar at The Looking Glass Cocktail Club hosts a Cards Against Humanity Dating Night. Players rotate around to ensure they get to know everyone at the event — not to mention their filthy minds. This one certainly isn't for the easily-offended.

Get baking

Find love in the kitchen at The Big London Bake's classes. This baking extravaganza sees 10 teams of two battle it out for the crown — and regardless of cooking experience, it’s a great chance to get stuck in with a partner. In true Bake-Off style, the sessions take place in a marque and all ingredients are included in the ticket price.

For more information, visit thebiglondonbake.com

Bust a move

The salsa is a dance filled with fun — a key ingredient for a winning date night, and Shoreditch’s Book Club hosts a night dedicated to the dance itself. The hour and a half sessions are run by professional salsa teacher Katie, so there’s no fear of getting the moves wrong. The class incorporates both the educational side of the dance as well as the social, flirtatious side — the perfect opportunity to get a little closer to your date or to meet fellow dancers.

For more information on Singles Salsa, visit, thebookclub.eventcube.io

Go green

One Hackney florist offers green-fingered enthusiasts the chance to make their very own miniature garden. Terrarium Tuesdays at Grace & Thorn, which run from 7pm until 9pm, offer the perfect place to show off creativity — and there’s even a souvenir to take home at the end. The team provide everything from the glass vessel to the succulents and are on-hand to teach guests every step of the way.

For more information, visit graceandthorn.com