The idea of a dining club for singles was born when Barbara Bailey, a life coach and Reiki healer, realised 50 per cent of adults in London were single and had difficulty in meeting others in the same situation. JEAN MAY reports

Barbara’s clients are from all walks of life, have different lifestyles and represent all age groups but many share one thing in common – a difficultly in meeting and connecting with their ideal partner.  According to Barbara, age does not discriminate when trying to meet new partners and conventional venues do not seem to produce meaningful relationships. Based upon these observations and Barbara’s own personal experience she launched the MeNU Dining Club..

Single people meet over dinner and a glass or two of wine at Los Toreros Restaurant, Upper Norwood, or Fuego Restaurant, bar and late night venue in the city.  Members are matched on the basis of their hobbies, interests, likes and dislikes.  At the end of each course partners are swapped – meaning members can meet as many people as possible.

Barbara organised dinner at Fuego Restaurant recently for 32 members in three age groups:  20/30s, 30/40s, 40/50s. The evening was a great success and received excellent feedback from all ages.  Jennie Stead, 42, an insurance PA, said of the evening: "I arrived at the venue where there were already quite a few people at the bar.  Barbara was at hand to greet every arrival and direct them into the allocated bar area and introduce us to each other.  I was made to feel very welcome and the atmosphere was friendly and not at all scary.

“After everyone on her list had arrived and enjoyed several glasses of wine, we moved into the restaurant which was well organised with name cards.  After each course of about 30 minutes or so, the gentlemen moved tables – each of the guys I spoke to were very nice and the conversation seemed easy.  I have received a call from a guy who has asked me to dinner next week, so from my point of view, MeNU is an opportunity to meet like-minded people for a very enjoyable evening. The venue Barbara chose was an excellent choice as the dancing afterwards certainly broke any ice”.

David Mills, 50, an independent financial adviser, said: “I had a really good evening out.  The concept of bringing single people together in a social environment where they can meet others without pressure to do anything other than talk is a great idea!  The food, conversation and company were first class and gave the opportunity for us all to make new friends.  I personally met several new people who I will stay in contact with and look forward to meeting again in the future.  I look forward to the next event."

Barbara said: “You can imagine how happy I was to be asked to match two members who were seated at opposite sides of the restaurant. The attraction for them started in the bar without a single word passing between them!”. In the words of William Shakespeare: ‘Journeys end in lovers meeting…’ For details of future dining club events, contact Barbara on 020 8771 4104.