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Writer's pictureDale Barnett

20 DATE IDEAS IN LONDON

Written for Telegraph.co.uk



Whilst many a romantic movie sees lovers meet on top of the Empire State Building in New York, or board a lilting gondola on Venice’s Grand Canal - London can definitely hold its own when it comes to amorous locations. If you want to impress a special someone but are lacking inspiration, read on to discover some enchanting date ideas, right here in The Big Smoke.


1.     Do a tasting – with a difference

London is a great place to do a wine, whisky or gin tasting. If you and your date are passionate about fine vintages and cutting-edge cocktails, but seeking something a little more adventurous than the norm, then a tasting could be just the ticket. At Mr Fogg’s you can browse London’s largest gin collection in the quirky surroundings of a lovingly designed Victorian parlour, or enjoy a Tipsy Tea complete with champagne and gin. At Skylon on the Southbank you can enjoy a wine tasting made extraordinary by the fantastic views of the Thames. As for whisky tasting? You can’t do much better than Black Rock in Shoreditch. Not only are there 350 bottles on offer, there’s a large table constructed from an oak tree trunk containing two “rivers” of whisky to behold.

 

2.    Dance the night away

When trying to come up with London date ideas, dancing might not instantly spring to mind. However, flaunting your dancing skills on your online dating profile can make you a catch, and backing it up on a date is even better. While we Brits aren’t known for our dancing skills, London is actually a bustling destination for dance schools and venues. If you’re seeking a date idea that’s a little more energetic and adventurous than your standard drinks-and-dinner combo, head to one of the capital’s many salsa bars, order a Cuba Libre, and get those hips moving. If swing dance is more your tempo, check out Swing Out London for a list of classes and events nearby. Remember: if you decide to opt for something particularly high energy, warn your date that dancing is ahead so they can dress accordingly!

 

3.    Dine 30 storeys up

London is not short of skyscrapers, and while some of them are a bit of an eyesore, they can be the perfect destination for a romantic date. Head to the Shard to dine at the Shangri-La Hotel’s Ting restaurant – where European classics are given a modern Asian twist – and to sip cocktails at Gong, the highest bar in Western Europe. Another great spot for drinks and dining is SUSHI SAMBA, where you’ll take a panoramic glass elevator to the 38th and 39th floor of Heron Tower at 110 Bishopsgate, enjoying unparalleled 360 degree views of the city. A sunset cocktail and Japanese tempura will surely cook up some romance..

 

4.    Get competitive with bar games

Going by the success of Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi’s marriage, there’s a lot to be said for injecting some healthy sporting rivalry into a relationship early on. Of course, there’s no need to take to the tennis court on your first date. Instead try out one of London’s hip new bars that specialise in modern takes on traditional bar games. Head to Bounce and you can challenge your date to a game of ping pong while sipping on an excellent craft beer or cocktail. At Flight Club you can try your hand at darts, ordering food and drinks to your table and getting a laugh out of the slow-mo reaction shots that appear on screen after a round. London is also home to many trendy modern pool bars and bowling alleys where you can work off some sexual tension trying to rack up that high score…

 

5.    Enjoy a picnic in the park

One of the best things about London is its vast array of luscious green spaces. Should the right weather come along at the right time, seize the opportunity and plan a picnic in the park. Hampstead Heath is the place to go for walking trails, while Regent’s Park and Greenwich Park come with lots of nearby attractions. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle and get a much-needed nature fix, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Make things that little bit more special by upgrading your usual picnic fare. Instead of ham sandwiches and crisps plan an array of deli delights: quiche, pâté, charcuterie, excellent cheeses, and some crusty French bread. Oh, and don’t forget the champagne. Why not elevate your spread to luxury status by building your own hamper at Fortnum & Mason before setting up camp in nearby Green Park?

 

6.    Enjoy dinner in the dark

Dans le Noir has become a London institution – the immersive eaterie for thrill-seeking foodies. The idea? Every guest dines in the pitch black, guided to and from their seat by visually impaired waiters. You’ll choose from one of four menus (there are pescatarian and vegetarian options available) and try to work out what each dish is from taste alone. You’ll also have the opportunity to make conversation with the strangers around you, with no idea of what anyone looks like. As first date settings go this is a fairly daring one, so not for the faint of heart. Under the right circumstances, though, it’s a recipe for laughter, adventure and romance.

 

7.     Curl up with a good film

If you’ve both bonded over your love of film then why not move things along with a special trip to the cinema? London is home to a variety of excellent chain and independent cinemas where you can catch arthouse flicks, old classics, and new blockbusters. Several cinemas around the city, such as Everyman branches and the Genesis in Stepney Green, provide sofas, armchairs and table service. But at the Electric in Notting Hill you can curl up on a full double bed, snuggling under a cashmere blanket for warmth. Just be sure to share the popcorn.

 

8.    Join an historic pub crawl

If your date has expressed a love of walking, if they’re not well-versed in London’s secret routes, or if they’re a bit of a history buff, plan out a walking route that will take you through the capital’s charming back streets, and into some of its most historic pubs. If you can, squeeze in some free attractions on your way – whether it’s a dedication on a park bench, a blue plaque, or a charming architectural quirk. One excellent route starts at the Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden, heads northeast to Ye Olde Mitre Olde on Ely Place, and then south to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street. From there you can cross the river and walk along the Embankment, passing the Tate Modern and the Globe, and finishing up at the George Inn in Borough.

 

9.    Go on a foodie tour

The way to the heart is often through the stomach, so why not tickle your tastebuds on a culinary cruise for two? Plenty of companies around the capital run diverse foodie tours– whether your date is a chocolate lover or cheese obsessed, there’s bound to be something to suit their taste. Alternatively, plan your own tour based upon your date’s interests. If they love artisanal treats or street snacks, visit a few of London’s best markets, such as Borough or Spitalfields. If glorious food halls are more your thing, try the likes of Mercato Mayfair or Arcade Food Hall & Bar. With lots of events going on around the city, a date is the perfect excuse to sample the delicacies at seasonal food festivals, and pop-ups.  Eat, drink and make eyes at one another – just remember to hold back on the garlic and raw onion unless your date indulges as well!


10. Soak up some culture

London boasts some of the world’s best museums and galleries. For those with a penchant for high-brow activities or looking to strike up a creative debate, there is a veritable cornucopia of artistic hubs to mosey around. From free admission gems like the National Portrait Gallery or The British Museum where you and your date can peruse everything from ancient mummies to the famed Rosetta Stone, to ticketed special attractions such as the V&A’s photography exhibition or The Saatchi Gallery’s Beyond Fashion – there’s a wealth of knowledge and discovery on your doorstep. Those wanting to avoid the crowds should stop off at the Welcome Collection in Euston, for a fascinating exploration of the human body. Be sure not to miss the building’s beautiful library and reading room either.

 

11. Tickle your funny bone

For a laid back evening full of laughs (or heckles), why not head to a comedy club? The Union Chapel in Islington offers comedy fans a chance to see some big names as well as up-and-coming talent – all with a live band and tea kiosk thrown in. Elsewhere, the Soho Theatre hosts fringe stand-up across its three performance spaces for as little as £15. In the West End, fans of period dramas – we see you, Bridgerton -  should book two tickets to Austentatious, a fully improvised comedy play in the style of,  you guessed it, Jane Austen.

 

12. Make some pottery

If your date is keen to learn something new, why not try your hand at pottery? Channel your inner Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze at a charming pottery class and take home a souvenir to boot! Muni London hosts boutique ceramics classes and workshops at its Battersea Park studio. Fulham’s original Pottery Café is a serene spot to while away the hours and get your hands dirty. You and your date can also sample the delicious cakes, cookies and snacks on site as you paint and create. Want to win some serious points? Gift your date your brand new creation as a special, personal memento. You’ll be humming Unchained Melody to each other in no time.

 

13. Get nostalgic at an arcade

 

Forecast looking gloomy? No problem! Take cover at one of the city’s buzziest new trending spaces – a retro arcade. Relieve your childhood and dial up the fun by visiting an adult-friendly playground or indoor amusement park. Nestled underground beneath Camden Lock is the out-of-this-world Babylon Park, where you and your date will be treated to futuristic fair rides, video games, bumper cars and even a roller coaster winding its way through the venue. Over in Canary Wharf, banker types can loosen their ties at entertainment arcade Fairgame, where you can win prizes for your paramour before wining and dining on lip-smacking street food, cocktails and craft beer. Meeting on a week night? Shake off the day with a game of Whac-A-Mole.

 

14. Go for afternoon tea

 

Afternoon tea is a British institution, dating back to the 1800s. Quintessentially romantic, this time-honoured tradition is the perfect way to make your date feel like royalty. For classic, heritage fare, you can’t go wrong with the timeless elegance of The Ritz or The Savoy. For something with a modern twist, The Gallery at Sketch is guaranteed to secure you a second date. London also offers a variety of themed teas, from The Sanderson’s Alice In Wonderland-inspired Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea to Peter Pan at Aqua Shard. Because who doesn’t want to eat finger sandwiches out of a pirate ship? Just make sure you and your date are on the same page when it comes to cream or jam first.

 

15. Book tickets to a musical

Celebrating a special occasion? Dinner and a show will never disappoint. London’s theatre district gives Broadway a run for its money, with no shortage of spectacular performances to choose from. With plenty of last minute offers and matinee deals, keen-eyed theatre-goers could experience some of the longest-running and most critically acclaimed musicals without breaking the bank. Whether your date is a Lion King fan, or if SIX is more your vibe - musicals are a fantastic way to lift your spirits. If you’d prefer to limber up your own vocal chords and show off your dulcet tones, head to a cinema or theatre offering sing-along screenings.

 

16. Go star-gazing

Greenwich’s Royal Observatory was founded to appease Charles II’s quest for knowledge of astronomy, cartography and navigation. Standing on the world famous Prime Meridian line, the observatory boasts ownership of one the UK’s largest telescopes. But its main pull is that it is home to London’s only remaining Planetarium. Cosy up under the stars at one of the Peter Harrison Planetarium’s awe-inspiring shows led by expert astronomers. Combining real space photography and stunning visualisations – you and your date will be treated to an unforgettable view of the universe that is truly out of this world.


 

17. Get your skates on

You’d be forgiven for thinking ice-skating rinks are only an option in the Winter months. In London, anything is possible. Venues like the iconic Alexandra Palace and Queens Ice Skating Rink in Queensway offer year-round indoor ice rinks. Of course, if you’re lucky enough to be coupled up this December, ice skating at Somerset House and the Natural History Museum are a must! If you prefer warmer climes, consider donning four wheels at a roller-blading rink. Head to a roller disco and put on your boogie skates. With options in King’s Cross and Tottenham – it’s never been easier to get your speed fix. And with a legitimate excuse to grab on to your partner, what more could you want?


18. Visit a city farm

It may not immediately spring to mind when you think of the urban city centre, but London is home to a surprising number of rural farms that allow visitors to get up close and personal with local livestock. If your plus one is an animal-lover, taking a trip to a city farm will surely win their heart. Get a slice of country life in locations such as Hackney, Vauxhall or Kentish Town. If more exotic wildlife is your thing, a trip to London Zoo or the SEALIFE London Aquarium will never disappoint.

 

19. Take a boat trip

Even London locals can delight in the romance of a river cruise. Departing from Westminster Pier, Waterloo Pier, Tower Pier and more, lovers can find their sea legs, board a boat and see the sights from the Thames. Whether you opt for an opulent dinner cruise or an adrenaline-fueled speedboat tour, you can’t beat seeing the city scenery from the water. For a less intimidating body of water, consider ambling down Regent’s Canal on an intimate narrowboat,  journeying through picturesque Little Venice.

 

20. Peruse a botanical garden

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew sit on an impressive 500 acres of woodland. Plant-lovers and botanists will appreciate this sprawling collection of trees and flowers from across the globe. Take a hand-in-hand stroll through its vast gardens and botanic greenhouse which features an idyllic treetop walkway that will transport any city dweller to a jungle paradise. Kew Gardens demands a modest entrance fee and runs a full programme of year-long events and seasonal attractions – from wine walks to Pilates. For festive Winter dates, the illuminated trail known as Christmas At Kew is a must see. Don’t forget the mistletoe!


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