Unlike other dating services, Ice Brkr™ lets you send a discreet message to someone you fancy across the room. And yes, you guessed it. A new dating system means a few new rules.

The number one rule when using Ice Brkr™ in a Dating Hot Spot™ is respect for other members. Please do not start a conversation unless you've both (discreetly) exchanged messages and agreed it's okay first. If they are happy to say hello then go on over. If not, respect their space.

We take this rule very seriously. If you fail to comply, we reserve the right to remove your membership.

Other than that its just common sense.

So even if you find you do not have as much in common as you would like or you don't agree with their opinions, be polite and gracious. Be honest about yourself and accept that everyone has a non-negotiable right to find what's best for them. And as the old song goes … ”the best thing for them could be you”.

Once Ice Brkr™ has discreetly introduced you to the person you fancy, and they've sent you a positive message back, it's time to go over and say hello.

Not a lot of people know this, but scientists have proven that you can actually increase your chances of dating success by simply following the basics of “good conversation”. And they have nothing to do with witty opening lines.

Begin by matching their mood right from the start

Try to work out if they're happy, tired, bored etc and adjust your tone-of-voice accordingly. It works because we tend to like people that we feel are like us.

Become a verbal cross-dresser

Men and women communicate differently. You'll make your date more responsive if you talk in their language and style. Men's conversations tend to be about events, while women want to share emotions and private thoughts. Interestingly, the way you say it can also count. Women prefer to talk face-to-face and make lots of eye contact, while men generally favour shoulder-to-shoulder conversation.

Listen with genuine interest

If you show a real interest in what they're saying then, apart from making them feel good, it helps you ask relevant questions and keeps the conversation flowing.

Ask open-ended questions

Not everyone finds it easy making small talk with someone they don't know. When stuck for words ask them a question, but phrase it so it needs more than a one word answer; “Why do you think this place is so popular?” rather than “Popular place this, isn't it?”

Don't sound bitter about lost love

If the subject comes up, try and be gracious about your past partners otherwise, your date could get the impression you still want the old relationship and aren't ready to move on to a new one.

Plan how you're going to “mingle” in advance

Not everyone wants to spend the whole night talking to just one person, especially if there are other people waiting to talk to them. So make sure you mingle.

It can be a good idea to visit an Ice Brkr™ Dating Hot Spot™ with friends because you can have a pleasant night out regardless of what happens. Anyway, most of us feel uncomfortable going into a bar on our own.

Friends also give you a get-out-of-jail card if you're stuck with somebody you know instinctively is just not your type.

When you do choose to chat with someone, instead of meeting at your table, have your first chat by the bar. This allows you to return to your table at a time of your choosing if you want an excuse to close the conversation.

Conversely, when things are going really well, you can suggest that you both move to a table away from the bar for a more intimate chat. Most people will find this a natural arrangement because, when in bars, we have an understanding that the bar counter is the public area, where starting conversation with a total stranger is okay. Whereas, tables are considered more private.

And our top tip for chatting by the bar?

Well, the best place is at the corner of the bar. More people gravitate there which means the bar staff do as well. So when your dream date wants to buy you a drink, it will be “coming right up!”

Ice Brkr™ Dating Hot Spots are stylish but informal. Dress to impress but please don't overdo it.

Women are attracted to men wearing blue (stable, faithful, constant).

Men find women in pink-peach colours more approachable, not threatening and with an appealing little touch of vulnerability which makes guys feel protective. Fortunately girls, it also goes well with most skin tones.

Bright or deep reds and burgundies will certainly sort out the guys who can handle strong women (well who think they can anyway) or who are only after one thing, which is fine if you have the same thing in mind.

Females: Be particularly careful when signalling interest because men can mistake even mere friendliness for flirting. So signal too strongly, and it will probably be mistaken for sexual availability.

If you're driving, try and park close to your friend's car. And remember that vehicles can break down. So agree in advance that no one should drive off until everyone else's car is obviously okay. Choose a signal, like your hazard lights, to say everything is fine before you all drive off.

Everyone: As with all dating services, never give out your personal contact details until you feel confident to do so.

Consider taking a friend to the Dating Hot Spot™. It helps if you're apprehensive or shy. And it also means you have company when leaving.

Important: Don't drink too much. You run the risk of making a fool of yourself. And alcohol also impairs your judgement and lowers your guard.