First Dates, Date Ideas, London Dating and Everything You Need...
There is no shortlist nor shortage of romantic things to do in London; London date ideas range from a walk in the park to a champagne-fueled evening, from standup in Soho to immersive theatre. What you decide will be down to a number of factors - most of them driven by the feeling. To make it all a bit easier, we've got 50 BRILLIANT date suggestions - dating in London need not be hard with the right ideas to kick off an evening.
From picking that first date restaurant to making a perfect anniversary evening happen, TheatreSmart offers up a list with everything you need to making dating easier, more enjoyable and (hopefully) more successful!
From picking that first date restaurant to making a perfect anniversary evening happen, TheatreSmart offers up a list with everything you need to making dating easier, more enjoyable and (hopefully) more successful!
50 Romantic Things to do in London
An Underground Romantic London Date at Gordon’s Wine Bar
- Why? Where else can you sit in a cool catacomb in central London, and avoid the dampness of a London rental while drinking quality vino by candlelight? Gordon’s does two things really well – wine, and cheese. So it’s a perfect informal date venue and void of any cheeseballs.
- When? Any time outside of 5pm-7pm on a weekday (when it will be rammed). Snagging a table inside is perfect, but if the weather’s in your favour you can try a table outside.
- Price: House wines from £20 onwards, cheese boards £7+.
Booking? Not available
Open Monday to Saturday 11am – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 10pm
Nearest Tube: Embankment, 47 Villiers St, London WC2N 6NE
www.gordonswinebar.com
Gaze and be Inspired at The Saatchi Gallery - A Modern London Date
- Why? Located in that part of London where you wish you could live, the Saatchi Gallery delivers contemporary art without too much pretense. It’s a fantastic way to comment on art that probably makes no sense to most, and make a few jokes along the way (not about the art, or maybe about the art…..). In essence, one of the most unique romantic things to do in London. The Saatchi Gallery is free with special exhibitions (i.e. Rolling Stones’ Sexhibition) charged separately. The free galleries are perfect, unless there is an exhibition you have a special interest in, whereby you probably don’t need to read this post!
- When? Any time outside of 5pm-7pm on a weekday (when it will be rammed). Snagging a table inside is perfect, but if the weather’s in your favour you can try a table outside.
- Price: Free
Booking? Not available for general exhibition, special events are best booked ahead.
Open 10am to 6pm every day (last admission at 5:30).
Closest tube: Sloane Square - Duke of York HQ, Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4SQ
www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk
Meet the Pelicans & Swans for an Afternoon Tea Date at Inn the Park
- Why: Looking for London park date ideas? Is there a finer London park than St James? Well, it does depend on where you live, but in instances St James is likely to be in the top 5 of any Londoner. So, without further ado, an afternoon tea in St James followed by stroll and some bird feeding is likely to tick the boxes while avoiding tragic replication of a rom-com. No one ever had a bad time feeding fucks.
- When: Summer with a good 3 day forecast is best, but if you’re committed, any day will work.
- Price: £22.50 for an afternoon tea with Prosecco
Booking? Make a reservation here
Open Monday to Sunday: Afternoon Tea 15.00-17.30
Closest tube: St James Park or Westminster.
http://www.peytonandbyrne.co.uk/inn-the-park/index.html
Bar and Beigel Hop - Things to do in London for couples makes the bread factory a destination
- Why: The Shoreditch end of Brick Lane continues to evolve, and you’ll never be far away from a 24/7 beigel shop – sometimes the atmosphere of the line is better than the bars. If you’re a minimalist and value tumbleweed living, we suggest meeting up at Beigel Bake or Biegel Shop (your hub) and hitting bars (your spokes) with a one bar to one biegel rule. Yes, there’s a lot of bread, and the recurring kebab shop-esq routine works just fine.
- When: Any time works, 6pm onwards any day.
- Price: £2 for a bagel, drinks and bars vary.
Booking? Not available
Open 24/7 - these shops bake all night and day.
Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street or Shoreditch High Street.
The Argentinian Steak at Broadway Market Date
- Why: Broadway market definitely is one of the more romantic places in London, hidden off Mare Street combining the best of London Fields’ rawness with the tastes and smells of a (provincial) Cote d’Azur. It’s a safe bet to wander around the market – flowers, apples, Polish sausage and books, before heading to lunch along the market. We recommend picking Buen Ayre with its reputable steaks (and veg food too) before taking a stroll over to the Fields and snagging a park-side table on the aptly named Pub on the Park and seeing where things go. This is definitely one of those fun dates in London.
- When: Saturday is best (for the market), but it could work on Sunday or any evening If all is going well by the time you’re parkside, pop to Noble Fine Liquor and pick up a recommended vino….it’s a great way to get buy-in from your date and move to sharing it at home.
- Price: Steaks from £13.50, (bloody good) wine at Noble from £10. Is this the itinerary for one of the best dates in London? Yep, it's a contender.
Booking? Call ahead if you want, otherwise wait for a table if it's full.
Buen Ayre is open Saturday 12pm onwards (hours are 12:00 - 22:30)
Nearest Tube: London Fields
www.buenayre.net, pubonthepark.com and www.noblefineliquor.co.uk
The The Golborne Road Date
- Why: Golborne Road, one of many beautiful places in West London, defines Arabia in 400 metres, with notes of Portuguese, and it’s a brilliant place to spend an afternoon. With plenty for the less adventurous, we really recommend getting down to some Moroccan grilled Fish (a stand opposite Pizza East) and heading down to Lisboa for a pastel-del-nata afterwards. The best fish is often the swordfish, and cakes afterwards are perfect. Best of all, it’s really cheap. £10 per person will cover lunch and a few cakes! Wander around the antique shops, junk on the street and organized chaos before heading to the Elgin (<3 mins away). Want to go upmarket? Head to Maramia, the affable Palestinian restaurant run by the same family for year.
- When: Saturday is best, with the fish cooking until 5pm.
- Price: £10 per person has you covered. Yup, it’s cheap.
Booking? Not available
Open Saturday 11am until 5pm for grilled fish, every day for Palestinian.
Nearest Tube: Ladbroke Grove or Westbourne Park
Hampstead Theater
- Why: This is THE test of a new relationship. TheatreSmart has so often seen dates go bad when one partner doesn’t engage in a play, leading to boredom, frustration and invariable blame. Walkout by halftime….it’s occasionally more engaging than the theatre itself! It’s a tough choice to make, and getting it right has its rewards. For safety, we totally advise something at the Young Vic, Hampstead Theatre or Donmar Warehouse. These venues tend to avoid Beckett and Pinter (you don’t need to know) and will deliver something upbeat and relatable. For musical theatre, if no one has seen The Lion King or Book of Mormon, either are really worth forking out for. Afterwards, head to the closest bar you see and see if the performance delivered. Often overlooked, the theatres' interiors make up some of the most beautiful places in London so it's worth pointing out the ornate decorations of ceilings and royal boxes!
- When: Any evening works, but Sundays are usually out.
- Price: It ranges, from £20 to £150. See our ticket guide for doing it a bit cheaper.
Visit our dedicated London Theatre tickets page and learn about some cheap offers.
The "Stroke a Goat" East London Date at Hackney City Farm
- Why: Who can resist ducks, goat and sheep? Hackney City Farm is a perfect escape into rurality with plenty to see and touch – yes it’s a bit for kids, but also a perfect date setting. Spend up to an hour checking it all out, before getting up to Broadway market where a pub on the park await…when you combine animals with alcohol you create the settings for one of the best dates in London!
- When: 10am to 4:30pm, so perfect for a weekend date.
- Price: Free
Booking? Not available
Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green Station
www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk/plan-your-visit
Spanish Breakfast and Columbia Road Flower Market Date
- Why: Sunday lunchtime isn’t probably the best time for a date, but at the Columbia Road Flower Market things can’t go too wrong. We recommend meeting at Laxeiro for a late breakfast and a perfect date cafe, where Spanish food mixes with chaotic demands for tables. The result – atmosphere and a lead in to the flower market to wander around before seeing where the afternoon takes you. .
- When: 12pm onwards is wise, with the market closing up around 3pm.
- Price: Free, with breakfast from £8.
Booking? Not required,
Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green or Whitechapel
laxeiro.co.uk
The NOPI Ottolenghi + West End Theatre Date
- Why: NOPI is Ottolengi with added bling, and we totally recommend taking the pre-theatre sharing menu – there’s enough variety, and it’s all a little bit more romantic. Spend an hour over saffron and sea bass, before taking in some theatre. Recommended (date safe) follow-ons include The Donmar Warehouse or something at the Dorfmann (National Theatre – a pleasant 20 minute west-end stroll). Be sure to sit upstairs (romantic dinner vs group tables downstairs) and arrive on time.
- When: Monday to Saturday
- Price: £30+ for dinner, theatre up to £100.
Booking? Essential. Call 020 7494 9584 and lock down a date, before looking for London theatre tickets.4
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly
www.ottolenghi.co.uk/nopi
Little Venice to London Zoo Expedition Date
Why: A walk around Little Venice is one of the most romantic things to do in London, winter or summer, yet remains an infrequently visited paradise, right beside Paddington. London Zoo makes a reliable date. So combine the two and get there by boat along the Regents Canal and you’ve got a great combination. By starting off in Little Venice (meet at Paddington, or Royal Oak) and walk around the basin. On a good day, the leaves blow on the trees and it’s quite special. Every hour, 11am – 4pm year-round, the London Waterbus will whisk you through tunnels, beside houseboat communities and deliver you to the Zoo in a comfortable 45 minutes. Be sure it get a drink for the journey. Once at the Zoo, you’ve got the afternoon to explore.
When: Saturday or Monday are equally perfect.
Price: £26.50 for a ticket to the Zoo including the waterbus there
Essential Info:
Open every day, 10am-3pm (winter) and until 5pm (summer)
Nearest Tube: Paddington (for Little Venice), return from Camden Town or Chalk Farm afterwards.
Visit the ZSL London Zoo website and the London Waterbus.
When: Saturday or Monday are equally perfect.
Price: £26.50 for a ticket to the Zoo including the waterbus there
Essential Info:
Open every day, 10am-3pm (winter) and until 5pm (summer)
Nearest Tube: Paddington (for Little Venice), return from Camden Town or Chalk Farm afterwards.
Visit the ZSL London Zoo website and the London Waterbus.
Primrose Hill Date - London Views, Regents Park Road and Wine
- Why: Primrose Hill has the view, Regents Park Road has the style. Combine the two and you’ve got a great date concept. Start off at Chalk Farm, and wander down Regents Park Road to Odette’s for lunch, perhaps the best restaurant in this side of town. Once you’ve finished up there, head up to Primrose Hill, one of the most romantic places in London, and continue the ascent to get a full view over the city- remarkable on a clear day. From there you can wander the park, head back to Regent's Park Road or Camden.
- When: Saturday or Sunday, rain or shine.
- Price: £20+ for lunch.
Booking? Recommended - Odette's takes them by phone or online.
Nearest Tube: Chalk Farm
The Thames Clipper Date – Waterloo to Greenwich Market
- Why: Beyond tube and bus, the Thames Clipper explores London on water where a commute can be more exciting than the destination. Jump on in central city, London Bridge, London Eye or Embankment and head out to Greenwich. Once you arrival, head to the Painted Hall, London’s Sistene chapel. A walk around in Greenwich, a stroll through the market and on to Green Pea (near Maze Hill’s railway) for a pie-esq lunch, the perfect first dates restaurant!
- When: Saturday or Sunday, and with frequent schedules from London uplifting you to Greenwich, start around noon and see where the afternoon goes.
- Price: £6.50 to Greenwich, then around £15 for lunch.
Booking? Not needed - find the timetable here and leave from where it suits you in the city.
Sepertine Gallery and Café Date
- Why: Meeting in Hyde Park is always a good start. Stroll down from the Mandarin Oriental (a perfect meeting spot) for 10 minutes through Hyde Park (the good part) to get to the Zaha Hadid-designed gallery. There’s always something on, so you’re sorted for an hour at least (more if it’s summer and there’s a special installation). After that, continue your scenic date with a walk to the Serpertine’s Lido Café where it’s all about location. Just get a pond-side table, order whatever, and take in the afternoon.
- When: Saturday or Sunday, 10am – 6pm for the gallery, best to kick things off around noon or mid afternoon.
- Price: Free of the Sepertine Gallery, £15+ for lunch at the Lido Café.
Booking? Not needed.
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge
Boat + Theatre Date - Alfred Le Roy to Yard Theatre (Hackney Wick)
- Why: You’re original and brilliant. You’re suggesting a canal cruise, cocktails and a fringe theatre experience all in Hackney? The Alfred Le Roy offers canal-side drinking, or better yet, a canal cruise with cocktails (see their website). After that, jump landside and walk a few metres to the Yard Theatre. It’s Fringe, and it’s excellent. See what’s on beforehand and book a ticket. From river cruising to experimental theatre, Hackey Wick’s haven has you covered. Is this the best date idea in London? It certainly is a contender for unique romantic things to do in London!
- When: Saturday works perfectly.
- Price: £20 for a cruise, £10+ for lunch and £15 for a theatre ticket.
Booking? Definitely for the theatre, but not for the boat.
Nearest Tube: Hackney Wick
alfredleroy.com and theyardtheatre.co.uk
Airline Bar Date: NY-LON 02 (Delta & Virgin Atlantic Lounge Bar)
- Why: The perfect post 02 event venue (and there isn’t much else). So while airlines aren’t usually associated with dining, NY-LON is the (incestuous?) lovechild of Heathrow’s Skyteam lounge (Delta) and the Clubhouse (Virgin). After an O2 event (or a movie) it’s a busy cocktail bar doubling as a promotion of destinations served by the airlines, and it’s a safe location packing a great post-show atmosphere.
- When: ONLY when there is an event on at the 02, otherwise you may find this place as busy as Heathrow at 3am. It’s open 4pm to midnight, with food served until 8:30pm.
- Price: £10 cocktails are a safe bet.
Booking? Definitely.
Nearest Tube: North Greenwich (The O2 exit).
www.ny-lon.london
Yard Theatre
- Why: Yard Theater. It’s Fringe, and it’s excellent. See what’s on beforehand and book a ticket. From river cruising to experimental theatre, Hackey Wick’s haven has you covered.
- When: Saturday works perfectly.
- Price: £20 for a cruise, £10+ for lunch and £15 for a theatre ticket.
Booking? Get your tickets here
Nearest Tube: Stratford
http://www.theyardtheatre.co.uk/
Champagne Tasting Date on the London Eye
- Why: If you can time it right, a sunset to dusk rotation on the London Eye is special. And if you combine it with champagne, it’s even better. The LondonEye does a lot of “packages”, but spinning a couple of times around with glass in hand is the best.
- When: Every Saturday, 5:30pm.
- Price: Not too bad; £50 for two rotations, five champagne samplers from Pommery, nibbles and a Q&A.
Booking? Definitely. It's only once a week, so reserve in advance.
Nearest Tube: Waterloo or Charring Cross
www.londoneye.com/tickets-and-prices/experiences/
Immersive Movies Date at Secret Cinema
- Why: There is nothing that rivals Secret Cinema. They’ve taken on Star Wars and Back to the Future and delivered above all expectations. And yes, their events are very popular – reserve tickets as soon as they’re announced. It’ll be random, it’ll be intense, but it beats going down to the local Vue and watching a remake of what you saw 6 months ago.
- When: TBA – visit their website (below) and clear the diary when a date comes up.
Booking? Definitely.
Prices vary, check www.secretcinema.org and register for their mailing list.
City Views Date - Weekend Lunch or Dinner at the Tate Modern
- Why: The top floor restaurant, Kitchen & Bar, looks right out over St Pauls and is a perfect weekend date venue, largely tourist free with some very good wines on offer. Start by visiting some of the permanent exhibitions on the lower floors, before ascending the stairs to your table. It is worth booking to secure a seat; Kitchen & Bar is very popular.
- When: Saturday or Sunday; it’s open from 10am to 9:30pm. Lunch or Dinner works equally well.
- Price: £12+ for mains, £24+ for a bottle of wine.
Booking? Not required
Nearest Tube: Southwark
http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern/kitchen-and-bar
Chow down at China Town Date
- Why: Chinatown turns out a scene to be seen in on any old night, and there’s nothing more romantic than walking into Gerrard Street before hitting up the Chinese joints that light up the night. We recommend just finding somewhere at random; pre-booking takes away the spirit of the place. Don’t fancy Chinese dumplings, Dim Sum or duck? Head to C&R on Rupert Court for excellent Malaysian.
- When: Any night works. Chinatown runs on its own schedule.
- Price: £10+ for dinner.
Booking? Not required
Nearest Tube: Picadilly Circus or Leicester Square
www.cnrrestaurant.com/chinatown/
Garden Party Date with Opera Holland Park
- Why: With a 2017 including La rondine, Don Giovanni, Kát’a Kabanová, Zazà and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, this high-end night at the opera delivers romance with an open air setting in arguably London’s premier public park. It’s all very special, and perfect for a young romance.
- When: Throughout summer, June, July and August.
- Price: A limited number of tickets for £17 are available (http://www.operahollandpark.com/accessible-tickets/), but it’s more realistic your ticket price will be at least triple that. Check the website when the season goes on sale.
Booking? You may want to get the limited tickets here
Nearest Tube: Holland Park or High Street Kensington
http://www.operahollandpark.com/
Summer Saturday Boating Date on the Serpentine
- Why: Because taking a pedal boat into the Serpentine is totally brilliant – you’ve walked past it one hundred times and always wanted to do it, so now it’s time to set sail. Open every day until 8pm (4pm from October to April), take an hour out and sneak a bottle of wine onboard before paddling out – it’s a team effort, and makes a great date. Afterwards walk around to the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen for a coffee facing the water.
- When: Summer works perfectly, late afternoon when it’s not too breezy.
- Price: £12 for an hour (recommended) or £10 for half an hour. Grab a wine and some plastic glasses from any park-side store.
Booking? Not required
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge
https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/sports-and-leisure/boating-in-hyde-park
Bring Your Own Spirit for 2 hours of Cocktails
- Why: BYOC, the growing “chain” of dry cocktail bars. Basically, they make some fantastic cocktails with the spirit(s) you bring. Yep, this is random, but it works because it’s a boozy journey led by mixologists who design drinks to your preferences.
- When: We recommend any night after 7pm, in Soho, Covent Garden or Camden.
- Price: £25 pp for a two hour sitting. BYOC recommends bringing at least 350ml of spirits each – all bottles must be unopened. http://www.byoc.co.uk/home has all the details.
Booking? Not required
Nearest Tube: Morningston Crescent (Camden) or Picadilly Circus (Soho or Covent Garden)
http://www.byoc.co.uk/
Bob Bob Ricard
- Why: More than a “Press for Champagne” novelty filled with blingin’ Russians and big birthday parties dreading the bill, Bob Bob Ricard is a posh affair where a date over oysters and Champagne will definitely work.
- When: Go in the evening, Wednesday to Saturday, and anticipate a most remarkable evening to unfolding.
- Price: Expensive. £13+ for a glass of champagne (it will add up when you keep pressing the button), Oysters start at £25 for 6 and the Lobster burger is £30+.
Booking? Make a reservation here
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus or Picadilly Circus
http://www.bobbobricard.com/
Ascend the Heights of St Pauls Date
- Why: The view from the spire of St Pauls is nostalgic. Formerlly Europe’s tallest building (before we got the Shard, Salesforce Tower and the Walkie Talkie), it’s an effort to get up but the morale support created is very genuine. Pass through and marvel at the whispering gallery before the big climb, with a 360 degree of London waiting as your reward. Afterwards head over to onenewchange’s <<<>>> bar – less of a view, but stylish outside seating and a good wine list.
- When: An afternoon on Saturday is perfect; while the last admission is 4pm, you can easily do the climb, take the photos, walk around St Pauls and stay for evensong (the church’s daily choir) at 5pm, then proceed to drinkies.
- Price: £xx – worth every penny. https://www.stpauls.co.uk/history-collections/history/explore-the-cathedral/climb-the-dome
Booking? Get your tickets here
Nearest Tube: St Paul's
https://www.stpauls.co.uk/
Israeli/Palestinian Sharing Plates Date at The Palomar
- Why: The Palomar, regarded as one of the best restaurants in London, dishes up tapas and light mains in a Soho location big on chefs and low on tables. It’s a perfect date night – be guided through the menu by an experienced team, order and share. It’s not pretentious in any way – in fact, it feels sometimes like a bustling airport café than what you would imagine Tatler’s restaurant of the year to be.
- When: We recommend Tuesday to Saturday evenings, or a Saturday lunch. It pays to book – a week in advance should be fine.
- Price: Expect to spend around £50 per person including one or two drinks – if you go overboard and want to try more, the bill will could be exponential, but you’ll both be so happy you’ll not regret it.
Booking? Make a reservation here
Nearest Tube: Picadilly Circus or Leicester Square
http://thepalomar.co.uk/
Sofa, Movie and Dinner on Portobello Road
- Why: The Electric Cinema and Restaurant is a Portobello Road institution, and the go-to place for the neighbour’s gentry. It’s kubemetes a romantic haunt, and the cinema is a perfect place for a date. Best of all, this isn’t a cheesy blockbuster lineup, nor is it arthouse. Expect a lineup of curated winners that please audiences. Get a sofa and order drinks; is there a better way to watch a movie? Afterwards wander next door to the brasserie and snag a table outside to talk, laugh and people watch.
- When: nights offers significant discounts, and it’s open every day except…. It’s a perfect place
- Price: https://www.electriccinema.co.uk/
Booking? Get your tickets here
Nearest Tube: Ladbroke Grove
https://www.electriccinema.co.uk/portobello
Canoe Down the Thames Date
- Why: More effort than a cruise, less effort than a swim, canoeing down the Thames is best done in tandem with pleasant weather. It’s a perfect way to aquiant yourselves with the developing St Katherine’s dock, and it’s all very safe and scenic. And better still, rarely done as a date. And if the Thames doesn’t appeal, why not Little Venice? This is a perfect way to see London at night too, with “Big Ben by Night” a great start to any evening.
- When: Anytime, but March to October is probably best.
- Price: From £39
Booking? You can book through here
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square or Fulham Broadway
http://www.kayakinglondon.com/kayaking-tours/tours/
Wandsworth Ship One
- Why: Wandsworth Town’s Thames facing stretch hasn’t reached its potential yet, but The Ship offers a riverside perfect for an afternoon. With uncomplicated food and unrestricted views, it’s a perfect place to get to know someone better without it all being obviously romantic. Arrive in the afternoon and see where the day goes.
- When: Saturday or Sunday, from 2pm – snack and drink the afternoon away.
- Price: £4+ for a beer, extensive cocktails available.
Booking? Make a reservation here
Nearest Tube: East Putney
http://www.theship.co.uk/
SushiSamba
- Why: Japanese meets Peruvian Ceviche in this view-better-than-the-food restaurant, full on flavours and low on quantity. Expect to eat light and spend big!
- When: Sunset onwards, the views are quite extraordinary.
- Price: £50+ per person is safe; this isn’t a cheap date place, instead it’s one of London’s most impressionable.
Booking? Book a table here
Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street
https://sushisamba.com/location/london
Canary Wharf Date – Docklands, West India Quays
- Why: Canary Wharf isn’t usually a romantic place – office towers and an underground mall, but the West India Quays redeem the brashness of the area with appealing with a host of good bars and restaurants. As such, we’re not recommending any in particular; it’s best to just explore, eat and drink. If you’re both working in Canary Wharf, it’s convenient and safe for a first date.
- When: Year round, after work. Don’t bother at the weekend.
- Price: Standard pricing.
Booking? Not required
Nearest Tube: Canary Wharf
Hampstead Heath Walk (and swim?) + Ginger & White + shops + drink in a pub
- Why: Hampstead Heath makes a perfect date. Meet at the station and go right in – use Google Maps to navigate to the mixed bathing area. Once there, you’ll find London’s former water reserve turned into a leafy pond. It’s a lovely place to have a swim or splash about for half an hour. After that, head to Hampstead village for lunch at Ginger & White. Snag an lane table if you can, and order away. After you finish up, head to a nearby pub. You can easily spend the afternoon chatting and people watching.
- When: Saturday or Sunday
- Price: £4.50 for a swim, £10+ for lunch.
Booking? Not required
Nearest Tube: Hampstead
http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath/Pages/default.aspx
The Malaysian & Granary Square Date
- Why: Malaysian food joints can be hit or miss. Roti King is a sure hit, but the line to get can snake up into the road in this underground haunt just off Euston station. Come anytime from 6pm, bring a bottle or two (it’s a BYO) and order at least one savoury and one sweet roti. For good measure, a Nasi Lemak as well, and share your order because Malaysian is best that way. Once done there, release your table to the growing line and walk off the lemak as you head towards Kings Cross’s nicely redeveloped Granary Square. Bars are in abundance, and its buzz is a great way to continue the evening.
- When: Any evening is perfect, but warmer months make the walking and waiting more bearable.
- Price: £5+ per dish at Roti King, London’s most authentic Malaysian.
Booking? Not available
Open Monday to Saturday 12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:30
Nearest Tube: Euston - 40 Doric Way, London NW1 1LH
https://www.facebook.com/rotikinglondon
French Bistro + Soho Square Drinkies Date
- Why: Pierre Victoire on the quieter end of Dean Street, is a happening French bistro with lovely everything and delicious warm bread that always needs a re-order. What’s best is the menu - conversational and tasty! Order the two course (steamed mussels recommended as a starter), order a bottle of wine and enjoy. Afterwards, wander down to the Tesco and then head to Soho Square. Bring a blanket and while away the afternoon.
- When: Weekends are best; lunch 12pm-4pm, dinner 7pm onwards. Soho Square is best before it gets cold, so drink after if it’s lunch or before dinner.
- Price: £10/£13 for lunch/dinner. Pick a bottle over at Tesco, with bottle openers on sale if needed.
Booking? Not required
Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road
https://www.pierrevictoire.co.uk/
£5 Shakespeare Globe + Dinner Date
- Why: Taking in a Shakespeare play while standing in the middle of the Globe is traditional English theatre, and it’s a wonderful date idea. However, picking the right Shakespeare play is going to make or break the date. As such, we recommend powerful material you can follow (Hamlet, Merhcant of Venice, Richard III) and avoiding farsical nonsense (Midsummernights Dream) which will irriate rather than amuse. To ensure it works, read up about the play beforehand on Wiki so it makes sense – you’ll look better informed, and will be able to interpret it as it’s presented. Take a drink at the bar, wander around the Globe and afterwards walk along a Thames lit up under the moon, settling on a late dinner towards the Southank. Shakespeare + Drinks is a recipe for a good date.
- When: Best on a summer evening, as the Globe is exposed to the elements making it less than romantic if it pours down. Midsummer clearly the best time for this date idea.
- Price: £5 per ticket
Booking? Buy your tickets here
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/
Vegetarian Date – 2222 VegeBegan (Fultham), Gate (Hammersmith) or Tidbits (Oxford Circus)
- Why: Are vegetarian restaurants the new Mexican? Well, probably not, but these three locations each deliver beautiful meat-free goodness that you will struggle to find “somewhere at the end of the menu” in London’s finest nonveg establishments. After a lunch or dinner, head out to a rooftop bar – Lyric (Hammersmith), <Fulham) and (Oxford Circus).
- When: Any night works, as does Saturday lunch.
- Price: £10 for a main, £6+ for a drink at any bar.
Booking? You may book here for The Gate
Nearest Tube: Hammersmith
http://thegaterestaurants.com/hammersmith/
Angel to Haggerston Canal Walk and Lunch or Dinner Date
- Why: The most Hipster segment of the Regents Canal starts just off Angel and takes you to the ubiqutuous barland of Haggerston. This walk works in any season, easily completed in 30 minutes of walking, is made best when you bar hop along the way. Start off with a coffee at Coffeeworks, before heading down to the Duncan Terrance Gardens and onto the Canal. It’s a lovely stroll, and after 20 minutes you’ll hit The Tow Path Grill (http://www.canaltowpathbargrill.com/), Arepa & Co and Proud East, all of which sit canal-facing. After eating there, continue along the canal to Kingsland. From there, you can hit some bars around Dunston Road, perfectly placing you around Shoreditch…
- When: Saturday lunchtime is perfect for this, but a pre-dinner works well in summer too.
- Price: £10+ for mains at any canal-side café.
Booking? Not required
Nearest Tube: Angel
BoneDaddies & Ronnie Scotts Date
- Why: Located in a more dodgy part of Soho, the Australian-concocted “BoneDaddies” turns out ramin broths so tasty a vegetarian will tuck in without hesitation. It’s ramin infusions, and we rate this place because it’s informal, great value and gives you a buzz perfect before hitting up some jazz a moments walk away. You’re likely going to need to book in advance for a main act, otherwise the “Upstairs” area is perfect for last-minute sets. Order some drinks and talk (quietly) throughout the evening.
- When: Any evening for Ronnie Scotts is perfect year round, and pre-booking avoids standing in the cold.
- Price: Standard seating at Ronnie Scotts from £35 for a top name act, otherwise it’s £5+ at the door depending on the time, BoneDaddies ramin from £10. Beers £3.
Booking? Check here for reservations
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road
https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/schedulemonthly and https://www.bonedaddies.com/ have the details.
Picnic date (and BBQ) in London Fields or Clapham Common
- Why: London has its parks, but our newfound love for BBQ is permitted at London Fields, making it a perfect date idea for a Saturday or Sunday during summer. Pick up a DIY BBQ set at a Tesco or Sainsburys and some suitable meats, booze and snacks and get cooking. Take a blanket and sit under the trees as the smoke rises from others doing the same, the perfect midsummer date. Not into BBQ? Head to Clapham Common with your smoke-free spread.
- When: Summer only, or when warm weather is forecast in the outlier months.
- Price: £3+ for a BBQ set, £30 will more than cover food and drink for two.
Booking? Not required
Nearest Tube: Clapham Common or Clapham South
http://claphamcommon.london/
The Emirates Airline and Thai Curry date
- Why: Because now you’re allowed to drink on it, it’s a bit more than a “why is there a cable car from North Greenwich to the Excel” affair. And, it’s good views in London’s booming South East are unrivalled – with so much development you rise over a construction site and land developments-in-waiting.
- When: Year round, but summer obviously is best. Take it after work when light off the Thames can be, er, delightfully vibrant. After you’ve arrived, have a walk around and head to the Thai.
- Price: £10+ for the Thai, £3.40 each way on the Emirates Airline.
Booking? Buy tickets here or you can buy at the terminal buildings
Nearest Tube: Royal Victoria or North Greenwich
http://www.emiratesairline.co.uk/
Menier Chocolate Factory Date
- Why: The Menier isn’t a chocolate factory, but instead a theatre space that offers a romantic restaurant setting just near London Bridge. With set menus, candles and wine being the state of play, you can’t go too wrong. Once you’ve wined and dined, head down the corridor to the theatre – this is a theatre that is responsible for some recent hits, including Sheridan Smith’s Funny Girl and Buyer & Seller. This is an all-in-one venue that won’t disappoint.
- When: Any evening with a performance, or a Saturday matinee if you prefer a lunch date.
- Price: Get a combo ticket (meal + theatre) and order a bottle of wine - £50 per person.
Booking? Book here
Nearest Tube: Borough
https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/
The Pop Up Crazy Golf date at Swingers London
- Why: Random mini golf in the heart of the financial district? Thanks to Swingers, it’s an underground craze and a quirky date idea that works with even the most uncoordinated. Kick off in the afternoon or evening, with a drink in hand, as you complete either of the two courses.
- When: Every day from 12pm, but best in the evening. Book in advance (http://swingersldn.com/book-now/) to get the best times, i.e. tee-off at 7pm or 8pm.
- Price: £13 per round (9 holes). An excellent choice of street food freely available.
Booking? Book here
Nearest Tube: Bank, Aldgate or Liverpool St
http://swingersldn.com/
Kensington Palace Gardens, the Orangery and Swan Feedings
- Why: A splendid afternoon is guaranteed when you mix up Kensington Palace Gardens (free, and in full bloom in summer) with lunch and subsequent swan mingling. Meet up at Notting Hill Gate and stroll down Kensington Palace Gardens (the street full of embassies and Saudi princes) before backtracking slightly to the open gardens. Afterwards, take to the Orangery for lunch or a drink in a sublime Victorian-era setting. Once you’re feeling like getting back into the park, head for the Kensington pond. You can never have enough bread to feed the swans, geese and ducks. Bring a couple of sliced loaves and enjoy the attention. Afterwards, you can head south towards Kensington or north towards Notting Hill, strolling to Portobello Road.
- When: Saturday or Sunday are perfect for such a date, meeting around noon in summer. You can do it in winter, but the garden is near-dead and the birds shiver.
- Price: The Orangery recommends bookings all year round (http://www.orangerykensingtonpalace.co.uk/reservations/), mains from £15.
Booking? Go here for reservations
Nearest Tube: Queensway
http://www.orangerykensingtonpalace.co.uk/
Walking Date Tour – Southbank to Borough Market
- Why: Winter or summer, a stroll down the Southank works perfectly. Meet for a drink at The Understudy (National Theatre), a Thames facing bar full of the acting crowds. Proceed towards Tower Bridge, stopping along the way to see the sand sculpters, art exhibitions tucked away and any randomness that sparks an interest. Stop in at the Tate Modern for caffeine on the top floor overlooking St Pauls – brilliant. Continue on past the Globe Theatre into London Bridge and the Borough Market for lunch or dinner. It’s a scenic date, taking in art, people and fine food and drinks.
- When: Saturday or Sunday any time, and any evening during the summer.
- Price: Standard bar/café/market prices.
Booking? Not required
Nearest Tube: Waterloo, Embankment or Temple
http://www.southbanklondon.com/
Udderbelly Date – fringe comedy and shows
- Why: So you can’t go to Edinburgh Fringe but the Udderbelly works hard to create a St George Square-esq environment in the heart of the Southbank. Udderbelly offers standup, cabaret, theatre and circus. Best of all, you don’t need to book most things – just show up, grab some food and get tickets for whatever takes your fancy. Don’t like it? Shows are frequent, so like fringe
- When: Strictly a spring and summer affair, lasting April to July. http://www.udderbelly.co.uk/
- Price: Shows from £5.
Booking? Check the shows that you want to see here or check here for news about the event
Nearest Tube: Waterloo
http://www.udderbelly.co.uk/
Date Weekenders
Tangier (perfect for intrepid BA Silver and Gold members)
- Why: Walk around an ancient medina made famous by eccentric American author Paul Bowles, and see a city transform from traditional to modern with the launch of a billion dollar marina project. It’s all very authentic, and you’re spared the tourist touts and pet monkeys in Marrakech that dance limply to Katy Perry’s “California Girls”. Instead, you get to feast on wonderfully fresh fish (Le Saveur du Poisson and La Posada del Hafa) before heading to the elegant El Morocco Club. By day you can wander the medina and the new town, by night head out into the city for some Moroccan dance clubs. Tangier wants to be Dubai, but right now it’s special and original, and a definite long weekender.
- When and How: Take the Friday night 8:50pm flight from Gatwick to Madrid, and if you’re BA Silver/Gold make your way to the Iberia Lounge and have a pyjama party in the snooze room, equipped with pillows, blankets, eye masks and unlimited booze and tapas. It really is quite exotic; indeed the last outpost for Africa and Latin American flights. After you awake, take a shower and hop on the plane to Tangier (1 hour) at 11am, arriving in time for lunch overlooking the bay. On the return, take the 4:30pm flight allowing a full day before getting back to London around 9pm, again via Madrid.
- Price: £100 return on BA.com all year, but we recommend March to May and September to November. Book a Riad (traditional Arabian house with a roof terrace) on AirBnB or stay in a top hotel. If you like to drink over a sunset with the coast of Spain in the background, pick some duty free up in Madrid on the way out.
Edinburgh
- Why: Scotland’s finest city, it’s the perfect date weekender. Give the Irish bars a miss and instead walk up Arthur’s Seat, explore the old town, wander around the Summerhall, but best of all, time your trip for Fringe.
- When: Edinburgh Fringe really is the best time. Yes, accommodation will be a rip, and yes, the world and his wife will fill the streets, but it’s just too good not to go. Take the hit and book two nights in a hotel at the start or end of the festival and get into it – it’s really the best theatre festival in the world. Check out our reviews.
- Price: Fly, don’t train. £80 with easyjet, BA and FlyBE. Take a tram from the airport (£8 return) and arrive rested and ready to take on a micropercent of the 3,000+ shows.
Barcelona
- Why: There’s three things which we can’t get enough of, and they’re perfect for a new romance. Kick off your holiday with a visit to Tibidabo, the crazy themepark overlooking Barcelona from an unrivalled height. Take a day pass for <30 euros and do every ride at least once. It’s brilliantly kitsch and scary. Then, La Cova Fumada down in Barcelonetta is tapas meets seafood - octopus and calamari grilled to perfection. Order away from the blackboard and taste the best of Catalan cuisine. Finally, head to Park Güell just before sunset for more views from the lookout points. Gaudi art dots the area and is a brilliant finish to any day. Los Ramblas and bar crawls are there for the taking, but the above options bring out the best of the city.
- When: Any Friday night is perfect, but March to November is usually perfect.
- Price: <£80 return with BA, easyjet, Ryanair and Vueling.
Get Stupidly Happy at the Cathay Pacific Lounge
- Why: If you’re a BA Silver or Gold Executive Club member, or an alternative oneworld Saphire or Emerald, it’s NOT tragic to show up to an airport 3 hours early when you’re on a British Airways weekender from Terminal 3. T3 covers weekend favourites such as Lisbon, Barcelona, Prague and Vienna, or go further to Warsaw or Helsinki. While you could use the BA Galleries lounge, Cathay Pacific is where it’s at. Revamped and opened in September 2016, it’s waiting for you. Nothing is a better date than “free” alcohol and food; you can do it in style at the noodle bar, wine bar and lounge suites. And after all of that, jump on your plane and arrive stupidly happy on the continent.
- When: Any Friday is best. Take off the afternoon. Book the plane for 6pm. Arrive at 2pm. It won’t do wrong.
- Price: £79 return for most flights if booked in advance. So a weekend away is a bit more than a date, but devoid of pretentiousness, this is a great way to start it.