Dating without admitting it is the 21st century way of playing the field. How to achieve this?

Simple... inject the usually mortifying experience with some fun.

Foodies will love the new Clerkenwell kitchen school Eat Drink Talk, which offers both one-off classes for up to ten people (UJ favourite: Brunch class) and tailor-made classes for groups. Enlist four single friends with the task of inviting someone of the opposite sex to enrol on the Cocktails and Canapés course, bring a bottle and who knows, you may pick up more than a new recipe?

For the more health conscious among you, check out the in:spa club. They organise group holidays to exclusive locations (great for budding romances) and have an ongoing members club which hosts healthy cooking classes (like Moroccan salads), yoga masterclasses and, if you want to check for six-packs, fitness training in the park.

If you don't mind splashing the cash but the above approaches are far too subtle, budding socialites will love Tamsin Lonsdale's Supper Club. After a "fair but vigorous" screening process (those who don't read Tatler need not apply) Tamsin will ensure you are seated next to a like-minded singleton at one of her introductory cocktail parties and high-class dinners.