FAQs
New to ZEST Singles?
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about events, Speed Dating, bookings and what to expect.
What is ZEST Singles?
ZEST Singles is a relaxed events and dating community for singles over 50 in Exeter and across Devon.
Founded by Sarah, ZEST offers a more natural way to meet people in real life — without the pressure of dating apps or traditional matchmaking.
From relaxed suppers, brunches and walks to Speed Dating and other dating-focused events, ZEST is designed to help people connect in a comfortable, well-run and genuine way.
Everyone attending is open to meeting someone — whether that’s through relaxed conversation at an event or a more structured dating experience. The aim is simple: creating real-life opportunities for genuine connection to happen naturally.
Is ZEST a dating agency?
No — ZEST is not a dating agency or matchmaking service.
ZEST creates relaxed, real-life opportunities for singles over 50 to meet naturally through events, Speed Dating and other dating-focused experiences.
Everyone attending is open to meeting someone, but there’s no forced interaction, set-ups or pressure. Some events are more relaxed and social, while others — such as Speed Dating — offer a more structured way to connect.
The aim is simply to create a comfortable, well-run environment where genuine connection can happen naturally.
What age group is ZEST Singles for?
ZEST Singles events are generally for singles over 50, with most people usually in their 50s and 60s.
Some relaxed social events may attract people slightly outside this age range, but the overall feel is aimed at people at a similar stage of life.
ZEST Speed Dating and most dating-focused events are different. These are usually for singles aged 50–65, and the age range will be clearly shown on each event listing.
What kind of people come to ZEST events?
ZEST attracts singles who are generally looking for a more genuine, relaxed and grown-up way to meet people in real life.
Most guests are generally in their 50s and 60s and are thoughtful, friendly and open to meeting someone naturally — without the pressure of dating apps or noisy nightlife.
People come from a wide range of backgrounds, but usually share similar values: enjoying good conversation, relaxed experiences and meeting like-minded people in a comfortable, well-run environment.
View upcoming ZEST events
Is ZEST only for dating?
ZEST is designed for singles who are open to meeting someone — whether through relaxed events, shared experiences or more structured dating formats such as Speed Dating.
Some people join feeling ready to date immediately, while others prefer a more relaxed way to meet people first. The atmosphere is designed to feel natural, comfortable and easy to step into.
There’s no pressure, no forced interaction and no expectation that every event needs to feel like a date. The aim is simply to create genuine real-life opportunities for connection to happen naturally.
Do people come to events on their own?
Yes — most people come on their own, especially when attending for the first time.
One of the things people often say afterwards is how quickly they relax once they arrive and realise everyone is there for the same reason — to meet new people in a genuine, pressure-free way.
Events are designed to feel easy to step into, whether that’s a relaxed supper, a walk, a shared experience or Speed Dating. Sarah personally hosts the events, helping create a calm, friendly atmosphere where people feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
Will it feel awkward if I come alone?
This is probably the question people worry about most — but in reality, most guests arrive on their own and quickly relax once the event gets underway.
ZEST events are designed to feel comfortable, well-run and easy to step into, even if you don’t know anyone beforehand. There’s no pressure to impress anyone or force conversation, and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than intense.
Many people are understandably a little nervous before their first event, especially after being out of the dating world for a long time. That’s completely normal — and usually disappears very quickly once people arrive and start chatting naturally.
What happens at a typical ZEST event?
Each event is slightly different, but the atmosphere is always designed to feel relaxed, welcoming and easy to step into.
On arrival, Sarah will be there to greet you and introduce you to the other people attending, helping everyone quickly settle in and feel comfortable.
You’ll then enjoy the event naturally — whether that’s a supper, walk, brunch, vineyard visit or dating-focused evening.
Most people attend on their own, so there’s never any pressure to arrive with friends or already know anyone beforehand.
Each event is fully described on the individual Eventbrite listing before booking, including venue details, timings and what to expect from the event.
View upcoming ZEST events
Where do ZEST events take place?
ZEST events take place in Exeter and across Devon, using a variety of relaxed, carefully chosen venues depending on the type of event.
These include restaurants, cafés, country venues, vineyards, coastal locations and other places designed to help people feel comfortable while getting to know new people.
ZEST Speed Dating currently takes place at Browns, Exeter, while other events are held at different venues across the region. Full venue details are always included on individual event listings before booking.
From Autumn 2026, ZEST will also be introducing Online Dating events via Zoom. These hosted events will allow singles to meet through a series of short one-to-one conversations from the comfort of home, with mutual matches shared afterwards.
The aim is to offer a simple, relaxed way to meet people beyond your immediate area, while keeping the friendly, personal approach ZEST is known for.
What should I wear to a ZEST event?
There’s no formal dress code — the aim is simply to feel comfortable, relaxed and like yourself.
Most people choose smart casual clothing they’d feel comfortable wearing to a nice lunch, drinks venue or relaxed evening out. There’s no need to dress formally or feel under pressure to “dress to impress”.
For Speed Dating evenings, many people make a little extra effort simply because it’s a dating event, but the atmosphere remains relaxed and friendly rather than overly polished or formal.
The most important thing is arriving feeling comfortable and confident enough to enjoy yourself.
How does ZEST Speed Dating work?
ZEST Speed Dating is a relaxed, structured evening designed to make meeting people feel easier and more natural.
Guests arrive from 7.00pm for a drink and a chance to settle in before the dating begins. Ladies remain seated while the gentlemen move between tables, with each mini-date lasting around 4–5 minutes.
The format is gently guided throughout, helping conversations flow naturally without the awkwardness of approaching people across a room.
There’s also a short midway break, and once the structured part of the evening finishes, guests are welcome to stay and continue chatting more casually.
After the event, everyone submits their matches privately online. If two people both select each other, they’re introduced afterwards by email.
View about ZEST speed dating
What ages are ZEST Speed Dating events for?
Most ZEST Speed Dating events are currently designed for singles aged 50–65.
The aim is to create a comfortable, balanced atmosphere where people are generally at a similar stage of life and looking for the same kind of real-life connection.
Occasionally, different age ranges may be introduced for specific events, but the age guidance will always be clearly shown before booking.
Are numbers balanced at ZEST Speed Dating events?
Yes — wherever possible, ZEST aims to keep numbers balanced between men and women to help create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for everyone attending.
Most events are designed for around 12–14 men and 12–14 women, although numbers can occasionally vary slightly due to late cancellations or last-minute bookings.
Unlike larger commercial speed dating companies, ZEST events are kept intentionally smaller and personally hosted, helping the evening feel more relaxed, genuine and easy to step into.
What happens after a ZEST Speed Dating event?
After the event, guests submit their matches privately using a simple online form sent out the following day.
If two people both select each other, they’ll be introduced afterwards by email so they can continue the conversation privately if they’d like to.
There’s no public matching, no awkward announcements and no pressure to make instant decisions on the night. The process is designed to feel discreet, straightforward and comfortable for everyone involved.
Guests are also encouraged to keep an open mind — sometimes a connection becomes clearer after reflecting on the evening afterwards.
What if I’m nervous about Speed Dating?
That’s completely normal — especially if it’s your first time or you’ve been out of the dating world for a while.
In reality, most people arrive feeling at least a little nervous initially, but the atmosphere usually relaxes very quickly once the evening gets underway and conversations start flowing naturally.
ZEST Speed Dating is designed to feel calm, welcoming and easy to step into, with gentle structure throughout the evening so there’s never any pressure to approach people across a room or “perform”.
Sarah personally hosts the evenings and is known for helping people quickly feel at ease, creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where guests can simply enjoy themselves and have fun meeting new people.
Many guests leave saying it felt far more relaxed, natural and enjoyable than they expected.
Do I need to subscribe to the ZEST Monthly Plan to attend events?
No — most ZEST events can still be booked individually without subscribing to the Monthly Plan.
The ZEST Monthly Plan is designed for people who would like regular access to events, priority booking and better value for people attending events regularly.
Some dating events, such as ZEST Speed Dating, are not included within the Monthly Plan.
Full booking details are always included on individual event listings.
Explore the ZEST Monthly Plan
What’s included in the ZEST Monthly Plan?
The ZEST Monthly Plan is designed for people who enjoy attending ZEST events regularly and would like a simpler, more flexible way to take part.
Subscribers receive:
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Free attendance at ZEST events
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48-hour priority booking
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Weekly newsletters and event updates
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No minimum term — cancel anytime
Please note:
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Third-party costs, such as meals, drinks or venue charges, are not included
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ZEST Speed Dating and future Online Introductions are not included in the Monthly Plan
All events still need to be booked individually in advance, even when included within the Monthly Plan.
Full event details are always shown clearly before booking.
How do I book a ZEST event?
All ZEST events must be booked in advance.
Events can be booked through the weekly ZEST newsletter, via the ZEST Singles website, or directly through Eventbrite.
If you subscribe to the ZEST Monthly Plan, you’ll receive a booking code to use when reserving your place on eligible events. Depending on the event, this may either give a full discount or reduce the event price accordingly.
If you book on a pay-per-event basis simply pay the full amount shown on each individual event listing.
Each event listing includes full details, including venue information, timings, availability and booking instructions.
Spaces are often limited to help keep events relaxed and well balanced, so advance booking is recommended wherever possible.
What is your cancellation policy?
Most ZEST events are fully refundable with at least 7 days’ notice before the event date.
ZEST Speed Dating tickets are non-refundable, but may be transferred once to another ZEST Speed Dating event if at least 14 days’ notice is given.
The ZEST Christmas Party requires at least 30 days’ notice for cancellations and is non-transferable.
Please check individual event listings carefully, as cancellation terms may occasionally vary depending on the venue or event type.
Full cancellation details are always clearly stated before booking.
Is my information kept private?
Yes — guest privacy is taken seriously at ZEST.
Personal information is never shared publicly, and contact details are only exchanged after a mutual match at ZEST Speed Dating events.
Event bookings and communications are handled securely through trusted platforms including Eventbrite, HubSpot and Stripe.
ZEST is designed to feel relaxed, respectful and discreet, helping people feel comfortable attending events and meeting others in a safe and genuine environment.
Can I bring a friend to ZEST events?
Yes — friends are welcome at many ZEST events, provided they are also single and fit within the age guidance shown on the individual event listing.
Some guests feel more comfortable attending their first event with a friend, although most people do come on their own.
View upcoming ZEST events
Who hosts ZEST events?
Most ZEST events are personally hosted by Sarah Briggs, founder of ZEST Singles.
Sarah has hosted hundreds of events over the years and is known for creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where people quickly feel comfortable and included.
From relaxed suppers and walks to dating-focused evenings and Speed Dating events, ZEST is designed to help people meet naturally in real life — without pressure or awkwardness.