Cupid aiming up at singles

Lynsey Cochrane, Caitlin Sullivan and Ricki Weber at the Valentine’s Day Singles Party at the Avondale Tavern.

Mike Knott

EVEN the most unlucky in love would have found it hard to avoid being in Cupid's firing line at the Avondale Homestead Tavern's Valentine's Day Ball on Saturday night.

No expense was spared, turning the tavern into a sea of red and decorating the place in cut-out hearts, fairy lights and even a red carpet for the grand entry.

Publican Mick Rose said the event had been a huge success and had attracted about 300 of Bundy's singles, aged from 18 all the way up to 80.

"It was a really great night," he said.

"There were probably a little bit more than usual because costs were down and the buses were free. Everyone's doing it tough at the moment."

Cupid, otherwise known as staff member Karen Green (inset), flitted around the pub playing matchmaker, helping out those who may have been more on the shy side.

"She'd have a balloon and, if a person liked someone else, they'd write their name on the balloon and she'd deliver it to the lady or gentleman, as an ice breaker," Mr Rose said.

"People mingled and got to know each other because they realised everyone was single.

"It's very hard these days to meet single people."

Those familiar with the 1980s dating show Perfect Match would have a fair idea on how the game unfolded at the tavern.

Mr Rose said inspiration was drawn from the show, whereby a person had to ask three possible suitors three questions and, without seeing what they looked like, choose the person they felt had answered the question best.

"We had a few games of that," he said.

And the answers, Mr Rose said, were interesting to say the least.

"They were all a bit risque," he said with a laugh.

The singles party on Saturday night was such a hit that Mr Rose said some of the people who entered the tavern that night as singles might wake up on Valentine's Day taken.

"A lot of them wouldn't be single today," he said.

"They all left in a very jovial mood - I don't know what happened after."

Proceeds from the night will be donated to depression initiative Beyondblue.