"A table for one, please" never has a very a happy ring to it, so psychotherapist Saoirse Sheridan (below) has been playing matchmaker by bringing together groups of people who share an interest in eating out, for drinks and dinner at bars and restaurants around Dublin.
Her business is called 8out, and although not primarily a matchmaking service, romance has blossomed across the table for several clients. "It's an opportunity for people to make friends as opposed to it being a dating thing. That's secondary to the socialising and friendliness factor. What I like is that it brings people together," she says. There is a €95 fee for joining one of her events, which includes dinner, and the group usually numbers between eight and 12. Next Friday night they'll meet at the Bailey pub and eat at Fitzers in Dawson Street. The following night, the rendezvous will be Ron Black's bar followed by dinner at Bleu bistro, both in Dawson Street. Places must be booked on 01-6703514/087-1385628. See www.8out.ie