Couple's Ely escape room bids to become ultimate Valentine's 'ice-breaker'
They've seen many first dates and almost a marriage proposal
It's seen plenty of first dates and nearly a marriage proposal, as one couple in Cambridgeshire hope their idea of fun can help bring love to the air this Valentine's Day.
Josh Whitrod and his partner Claire have been running Principal Escape Rooms - based in St Mary's Street in Ely - since 2024.
They've had couples, as well as families and friends, visit from across the country in the last two years, all to have a good time.
"As much as you have a challenge and a clock to beat, it's about having fun; if you have fun with someone on a first date, you're going to remember that," Josh said.
"We just want to provide those initial moments that you look back on and be one of those memories you can build on."
There are two main themed rooms that Josh and Claire run, Mystery At The Museum and War of the Roses.
The pair have turned their passion for escape rooms into a business, with the hope others can also enjoy taking on the challenge.
"It's lovely to see them again because you know you've helped spark that romance, you don't always see them again, but that's dating," Josh said.
'It's a good ice-breaker'
Josh and Claire have plans to expand their escape room offering in the near future.
As for now, Josh believes there are many reasons why people would rather not have a quiet night in or a meal out and try an activity like this.
"You're in a safe environment, you know somebody's watching, you haven't got to worry about anything, it's a good ice-breaker," he added.
"You don't have those awkward silences of 'what are we going to talk about?'; you've got loads to talk about in front of you, like what locks you can see, what puzzles can you see.
"They forget about the real world; they're immersed in this other world and all of their worries disappear."