How I Accidentally Found Love at a Speed Dating Night in Birmingham

Cat Llewellyn
4 days ago
2 min read

How I Accidentally Found Love at a Speed Dating Night in Birmingham

Let me start by saying: I am not a speed dating person. I’m more of a “cancel plans and order takeaway” person. But after one too many nights swiping left on men holding fish, my best friend decided enough was enough.

“Come on,” she said. “It’ll be fun. You’ll meet actual humans — in real life!”

So that’s how I found myself on a rainy Thursday evening, standing outside a bar in Birmingham’s Be At One Cocktail Bar, silently praying for a power cut so the event would be cancelled.

Welcome to the Dating Olympics

Inside, the room was buzzing with nervous energy and perfume. Everyone clutched a drink like it was a life raft. There were candles, name tags, and a host who looked way too enthusiastic for someone managing a crowd of single adults who’d rather be at home watching Netflix.

When the bell rang for the first round, it felt like I was competing in some kind of romantic Hunger Games. Six minutes per person. Talk fast, smile, don’t say anything weird. (Spoiler: I said many weird things.)

There was James the Gym Guy, who spent our entire conversation flexing his forearms and telling me about “clean bulking.” Then Phil from Accounting, who whispered that his mum had filled out his registration form. And who could forget Dave, who opened with, “So… do you believe in aliens?”

By round five, I was ready to marry my cocktail.

And Then Came Alex

Just when I’d mentally sworn off all future dating events, he sat down — Alex. He had a warm smile, mismatched socks (instant charm), and an energy that felt easy.

Instead of talking about jobs or hobbies, we somehow ended up debating the best crisp flavours, laughing about disastrous first dates, and bonding over the fact that both of us had managed to kill every houseplant we’d ever owned.

The bell rang mid-laughter, and we both groaned. “Six minutes?” he said. “That was, like, two.”

I joked, “Guess you’ll have to book a rematch.” (Yes, I flirted. Yes, I’m proud.)

Match Made in Brum

The next day, I got the email: “You have a match!” I may or may not have squealed in public. We met for coffee that weekend — no stopwatches, no scorecards, no sweaty palms. Just us.

One date turned into two, two turned into weekend markets, and now… well, let’s just say my houseplants are still dying, but at least I’ve got company while I murder them.

Final Thoughts (and Mild Bragging)

Speed dating in Birmingham: chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly romantic. I went in expecting to collect stories for future dinner party entertainment — instead, I walked out with the person I want to tell them to for the rest of my life.

So, if you’re on the fence about going, do it. Worst case, you get a funny story. Best case, you meet your Alex.

Jo & Alex, Birmingham, July 2025