Glaswegians are being encouraged to share their dating stories whether they ended in disaster, embarrassment or were the start of a new romance, for the chance to win a year’s worth of dates, totalling over £750.

The competition coincides with All Bar One’s collaboration with Fred Sirieix. Best known for his role as the charismatic French Maitre’D on Channel 4’s, First Dates, the dating demigod has put together his top 14 tips on how to date successfully this Valentine’s Day.

Fred said: “I have been in the restaurant industry for many years and have witnessed so many dates in my career, both in the UK and across the world.

“The best piece of advice I can give is to just be yourself. Whilst not all dates will turn out to be ‘the one’, I believe there are no bad dates, just good stories.”

As Valentine’s Day approaches All Bar One on Vincent Street is anticipating an increase in the number of couples visiting the venue.

General manager at All Bar One Glasgow Jennifer Murray said: “We see so many dates in our bar as it’s neutral territory for many potential couples and our unique sharing plates and cocktails make it the perfect setting for a first date.

“As Valentine’s Day approaches I’m sure we’ll be seeing even more couples coming through our doors and as we always witness the dates from the outside, we’re really interested to hear some of our customer’s faux pas’ and success stories!”

The Valentruths competition is open now and will close on Friday, February 12. Residents in Glasgow should visit Facebook or Twitter to share their most memorable moments using #Valentruths, for a chance to win a year’s worth of All Bar One dates. The winning story will be announced on Valentine’s Day.  

 

Fred’s Top Tips

  1. Look good and smell good – make a good impression by making an effort with your appearance.
  2. Timing is everything – it may be a woman’s prerogative to show up fashionably late, but a man must always be punctual.
  3. Pay your way – it’s 2016 an age of equality, women shouldn’t presume the man will pay the whole bill.
  4. Choose your food wisely – whilst you don’t want to be deliberating over the menu. for too long, avoid potentially awkward meals such as spaghetti bolognaise, anything garlicy or in need of de-shelling.
  5. Phone Faux Pas – give your date your undivided attention, forget social media, your texts can wait, keep your phone away from the table.
  6. The look of love – it’s all about eye contact. It shows you’re engaged and interested in your date and that you want to be there.
  7. Play it cool – don’t appear too keen or presumptuous regardless of how you see the date panning out.
  8. Have an exit plan – not every date is going to be ‘the one’ but that doesn’t mean you have to leave on a bad note. If things really aren’t going well, have a get out plan that means you can end the date in a dignified way.
  9. Silence is golden – don’t feel the urge to fill every gap in conversation, take time to listen to your date and share your opinion. Over talking will only show your nerves.
  10. Confidence is everything – be confident and talk yourself up but be careful, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. 
  11. Keep it light – avoid political discussions, tales of the ex and any potentially controversial topics. Keep it light and fun – enjoy yourself!
  12. Neutral territory – a bar is a great place to go for a first date as it’s neutral ground that should make both you and your date feel comfortable.
  13. Just be you – I believe there are no bad dates, just good stories. Be who you are and if it doesn’t work, learn from it. A new story is just around the corner.