FAQs

What is the dress code?
Smart/casual - No blue denim and no trainers at any time please. We also request that coats and outerwear are removed and deposited in the cloakroom upon arrival.

There are occasions when we like to 'modify' our dress code, e.g. at Halloween when we give a prize to the spookiest guest, or for the Connect4 Christmas Ball which is 'Black Tie' - a great excuse to pull out all the stops and really dress up. Gents - if you have a tux, wear it! Ladies - evening dress or smart trouser suit.

What is speed dating and how does it work?
Speed dating is an excellent way to meet members of the opposite sex and a great icebreaker for our buffets/dining and parties that follow.

The usual procedure is that everyone arrives at 7pm to be greeted by a Connect4 host who will describe how the process works and answer any questions. Speed dating starts at 7.30pm. Ladies remain seated and each couple has a 3 minute 'date' before the whistle is blown and the men are asked to move to the next seat - there is normally time for about 15 moves. Chat can be about anything and everything, it all adds to the fun of the evening! At 8.30pm the event winds down and more members join us for the dining and/or partying part of the evening.

Members are required to pre-book for speed dating events as spaces are limited (to about 40 guests), and so that we can ensure an even split of males and females. We give a guide to the age range of participants for each event in the Diary pages - this is not set in stone but means we are more likely to get successful matches.

Speed dating events have proved to be very popular with our members, and are a fun and relaxed way of meeting people. If you're still not sure if speed dating is for you, but you have booked a meal, why not turn up a little early (8.15pm-ish) and see it in action. Please view the Diary pages for details of future events and venues.

What is the ratio of men to women?
We do our utmost to maintain even numbers of both sexes for all events. In particular, we request pre-booking for speed dating, buffets and meals, which allows us to ensure even numbers for these parts of the evening.

Are all of your members single?
Membership of Connect4 is offered to single persons only. We cannot guarantee than everyone who applies to join us is genuinely unattached, but we do ask for contact details and it would be a great risk for a married person to join Connect4 and have events lists arrive by post, or receive a phone call from us at their home.

How can I find out about future events?
There are several ways to keep informed of upcoming events and news. We can contact you by phone or email, you can check the event diary, pick up a newsletter at one of our events, or have it posted to your address, whichever you prefer.

I am a shy person, will I fit in?
Connect4 has become so successful because our community is very friendly and welcoming. We would recommend that you book a full evening, as our speed dating and dining events are held in smaller groups and act as a great ice-breaker before the party. For female members we also have a ladies network which is very supportive.

Do I have to join Connect4 to come to your events?
Yes, to be able to attend our events and take advantage of membership benefits we do ask you to answer a few simple questions on a membership form. But remember, it is free to join and the procedure is virtually painless!

Can I bring a friend?
Of course, but they will be asked to fill in a membership form on the night and probably would not be able to attend a dining or speed dating event without booking in advance. Remember, you get half price entry to the party for bringing a female friend!

How do I get to the venues?
All venues are close to public transport. There are map links in the event diary and contact details for the venues which may be useful if enquiring about parking or staying overnight. We also print directions from nearest tubes and train stations in our newsletters.

What are your charges?
It is free to join Connect4, we only require payment for the events. These charges vary depending on which events you are attending and are shown on the relevant event diary pages. Our concessions are 'Earlybird' prices for members who book at least two weeks in advance and a 'Loyalty card' scheme for regular guests. Also, introduce a female friend and we offer you half price entry to a party.

Can I cancel a booking?
Of course, and you will be refunded in full, but please let us know as early as possible prior to the event so that we can allow another person to take your place. Refunds cannot be claimed for non-attendance unless we have been advised by 12 noon on the preceding Friday at the latest.

What is the membership age range?
We are very pleased to say that the age range attending our meals and parties is very broad. Most members are between 35 and 55, but we enjoy a good mix of people from mid 20's upwards. Our policy is not to impose age restrictions, however, we do give recommended age ranges for speed dating events as in our experience, this produces more successful matches.