FIRST DATES is one of the nation’s favourite reality shows and finding out the new place where singletons will meet is a huge part of the fun.
So where will the loved-up couples be chasing romance this time?
The new First Dates restaurant is in Bath, which is known as the UK’s most romantic city.
Jane Austen even set two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, in the UK’s city of love.
The First Dates lovebirds will be meeting for the first time in The Botanist, a hit bar and restaurant chain known for its whimsical decor.
The Botanist is in a building beloved by Bath locals, called The Octagon.
The Octagon was built as a private chapel in 1766, before becoming an antiques shop and later a rations dispensary.
Honouring this rich history was important for The Botanist team, who have added decorations that reference the building’s 250 year history.
First Dates’s Maître d’hôtel Fred Sirieix will be welcoming the couples on to the show, after returning from Paris to cheer on his daughter.
Fred’s daughter Andrea recently won a bronze for Team GB, in synchronised diving.
Her proud Mum, Alex Spendolini, and Dad joined her in Paris to cheer her on.
Bartender Merlin Griffiths is said to be excited about the range of drinks on offer at The Botanist.
Cici Coleman will be joining her cast mates to serve up the restaurant’s food to the diners.
First Dates left the Paternoster Chop House in London, after filming there for seven years, in 2020.
The show moved to Manchester, as part of Channel 4’s commitment to bring more productions to the UK’s various regions.
In Manchester, the show used The Refinery and The Anthologist to host the singleton’s dates.
Fred Sirieix
Fred is the charismatic French maître d’hôtel who hosts First Dates. He has a rich background in the hospitality industry, with over 30 years of experience. Fred has been part of the reality show since 2015 and his charming personality helps to put punters going on the dates at ease.
Merlin Griffiths
Merlin is the bartender on First Dates. His friendly presence and expert mixology skills contribute to the show’s warm atmosphere. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Merlin was in the bar industry for over two decades before offering his services to the Channel 4 series. Outside of First Dates, Merlin also owns and operates his own bar.
Cici Coleman
Cici is the show’s outgoing waitress. She trained as an actress before joining the cast of First Dates, which lends theatrical flair to her role. Her ability to make guests feel at ease, coupled with her genuine interest in their stories, has endeared her to viewers. Outside of her work on First Dates, Cici continues to pursue her passion for acting and fitness, often sharing insights into her life and career on social media.
