Nice thread Serqet
Some interesting posts and perspectives
My 2 cents worth:
At 45 i am coming from a fair amount of experience (i think

)
Going from venue to venue i find is never a positive thing when wanting to meet people. It doesnt happen in a single night out, it happens over a time period. find a venue you enjoy, and go on a regular basis, not every night, but at least 1 -3 times a week.
Every night doesnt come across as good, as you may have a bit of a drinking problem.
Regular, and you enjoy the place. When you are a familiar face or set of faces in a place, other people recognise you from the past and will begin to greet and chat. Both guys and girls will become more relaxed with you. That is when you begin to meet new people, and it is on neutral ground with no expectations. You will also begin to spot who is out just for a good time, and who is out on the hunt and also who is possibly just a nice person out becasue they may just be after meeting nice people as well.
N.B. Dont hit on the first person of the opposite sex that does become friendly, as that sends the simple message that all you want is to get laid and then that is the label that sticks.
After a while as either a girl or guy, you can comfortably go their alone for a quiet drink and chat, without feeling uncomfortable, and you also know on those off evening you can go somewhere where you may not also be bothered if the mood suites you.
Meeting quality people takes time and effort, you must make the time and take the effort.
The more friends you make the more chance their is of actually meeting that special someone.