Pubs championed as a favourite setting for first dates

A recent survey by PPL PRS found of the 1000 UK respondents, 40% said hospitality-based activities, including visits to pubs for meals and drinks, were their preferred activity for a first date.

However, the music licensing company noted menu options and the choice of music in hospitality venues was crucial for capitalising on the first date demographic.

First date jitters 

The figures showed evenings and afternoons were the most popular dayparts for dates, with 65% and 22% of the vote respectively.

Some 13% of participants sharing an afternoon meal and 35% opting for evening dates said they could be further enticed by a venue offering discounted meals or drinks when purchased in pairs. Set menu or drinks deals were also popular among those surveyed.

Looking at music choices, more than half (57%) of respondents stated they would prefer to listen to chill-out music to combat first date jitters while 45% preferred pop music and 27% would opt for RnB.

However, this can vary depending on the venue with almost half of consumers wanting to listen to pop music in bars, while restaurants and cafes were encouraged to play chill-out music.

Safe environment 

Smart Wellness Coach for PPL PRS Dr Julia Jones said: “Listening to music you find relaxing can help reassure your brain you’re in a safe environment - so the stress response can be disengaged.

“Studies have shown our brainwaves often synchronise to the music we hear.

“This means you can use calm, relaxing music to slow your brainwaves and enter peaceful brain states.

“If you know you’re going to have a string of nervous daters in your venue, you can use music to ease their experience.”