We have all heard the classic fairy tales, read the poetry, and watched the Hollywood movies. But in the real world, love at first sight is far more than just a convenient plot device, it is a profound, documentable phenomenon where two individuals look at each other and instantly recognise, "That is my person."

For decades, the traditional dinner date has been the unchallenged king of romance, especially around Valentine’s Day. We get dressed up, sit across from each other in an expensive, brightly lit restaurant, and try to perform our best selves. But more and more, couples and singles are ditching these rigid setups.