Calling all love-birds. As if first dates weren't stressful enough, the last thing you want to do is end up spoiling that big day by going to the wrong place at the wrong time. Whether you're looking for a snug speakeasy or something a bit different to get the conversation flowing, use this list as inspo for the best first date ideas in London.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 23rd April 2024
To keep your first date relaxed, and yet still impress them with authentic cuisine, look no further than yapix Coffee And Wine House. These guys are pairing glasses of vino with Italian fare, from fresh pasta to pinsa (the ancient Roman version of pizza).
Stylish, relaxed and bursting with excellent bottles of wine, Vagabond is a top spot for making that first date a good one. With venues sprinkled across South West and Central London, you're sure to find one that makes the perfect meeting spot for grabbing Italian and Spanish small plates.
Break the ice on your first date at Peckham Rye's Funkidory. Inside this slick cocktail den, there are plenty of cosy corners to get to know one another, all while quaffing quirky pours. Think a Banaperol Spritz touting banana-infused Aperol and prosecco.
For those seeking a top-notch spot to cut the awkwardness with gorgeous decor and lip-smacking drinks, Supermax in King's Cross is a great choice. With interiors and cocktails inspired by Italian culture, this hotspot is perfect for first dates.
A very active London date idea, Fairgame Canary Wharf will certainly keep you and your date entertained with its innovative twist on fairground games, such as Roll-A-Ball Derby and Skeeball. Their app logs your scores and tracks leaderboards, so your competitive side is bound to come out on this first date.
Swift Soho is here to cure your first date nerves with its gorgeous interiors and fabulous cocktails. Located on Old Compton Street and in Borough, this much-loved haunt offers an elegant upstairs space for a quick bevvy, alongside a chilled downstairs area for those who fancy a few bespoke concoctions.
Humble Grape's charming hangouts sprinkled all over London are sure to make your sweetheart swoon. Head down into multi-level, industrial-inspired haunts and snuggle up on a pew together. Spend your evening chatting, laughing and flirting as you sip on some premium vino in these charismatic caverns.
The Racketeer has a long history of mischief, and it's that kind of character that'll keep the sparks flying on a first date. Relaxed, welcoming and boasting its own secret garden, this charming Essex Road pub is the type of spot you stop in for a few pints and end up staying until closing time.
Have a hot date on the cards? Then make sure to impress them by showing off your knowledge of London's best bars. Diogenes the Dog is the atmospheric spot that's decked out with romantic lighting and indoor foliage, boasting a fabulous selection of wines, meat and cheeses.
For a laidback first date in traditional Italian-inspired surrounds, Il Maremmano is an apericena bar which serves delicious Tuscan wines from an independent producer and delicacies from the beautiful Maremma region. Their dishes range from cheese or meat boards to mini pizzette topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella, and there's a cracking cocktail selection here too which includes refreshing spritzes and signature serves.
The Parisian chic of this dark and intimate Soho haunt is certainly fit for impressing on a first date. Head on down to Basement Sate for indulgent, silky cocktails and handmade dessert pairings that are quite literally a piece of melt-in-the-mouth deliciousness.
Situated in Covent Garden, The Wild Monkey is a great shout when it comes to cute first date spots. This haunt showcases the most delicious cocktails in a slinky space - we mean gorgeous greenery, forest-themed interiors and a focus on Monkey 47 beverages.
Calm those first date nerves at Silverleaf, located in the Pan Pacific London hotel on Liverpool Street. Treat your date to a range of lip-smacking concoctions in the gorgeous main bar that's decked out in neutral colours. Feeling fancy? There's also a secret bar. Oh, yes.
Samba Entertainment & Live DJ Sessions at Ayllu and 11 other offers
If you're on the hunt for some top-notch grub, Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant Ayllu is a firm choice. Set the scene for date night beneath the grounds of Paddington Central, with swoon-worthy dark green interiors and plush seating, alongside a crackin' menu to boot.
There's an unmistakable party spirit to The Cocktail Club's venues, which comes out to play no matter what time of the week you're visiting; perfect for impressing a date that doesn't take themselves too seriously. Better yet, the drinks are spot on too.
Fancy taking your lovely date to a gorgeous sky-high restaurant and terrace bar? We thought as much. Head on over to Aviary located on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square for some mouthwatering grub or lip-smacking bevvies.
Keep things cool but casual at The Hawk's Nest in Shepherd's Bush, where a gorgeous covered and heated space, cocktails and pizza await. Topping it off? A lineup of events like live music and seasonal specials, alongside a pool table for getting competitive.
Amelie's Wine House is coming in hot with its rustic decor, intimate setting and chilled out atmosphere. Situated in Fitzrovia, the quaint venue slings out cheese boards, grazing platters and light nibbles, alongside a wide variety of quality vino.
One of the very best speakeasy-style cocktail bars in town, Nightjar is an elusive spot in Shoreditch and Carnaby where discerning drinkers gather to enjoy Prohibition-themed cocktails and a soothing programme of live jazz tunes. It goes without saying that a table for two here would knock the socks off that special someone you've always had a thing for.
So you're into the finer things in life? Show your date what you're about with a trip to one of Steak & Lobster's beautiful London venues. Treat them to a taste of luxury with classic cocktails ready for sipping, and a plate of juicy lobster and meaty steak.
Crazy golf has always been a go-to cheap first date idea in London, but Puttshack are doing things a little differently. One of the city's most high-tech golfing experiences, this Shepherd's Bush hotspot is keeping arguments to a minimum with interactive and detailed scoring - so let's just hope neither you or your date is a sore loser.
Imagine rocking up to a first date and whisking your love interest 180 metres into the sky for cocktails atop one of London's most famous skyscrapers. You can make this happen. At Searcys at The Gherkin, indulge in fancy culinary delights and a glass of bubbles (or two) as you enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Bounce's buzzing atmosphere and playful nature will quickly get rid of any first date nerves. Found just a little walk away from Old Street in the heart of Shoreditch, this quirky haunt boasts games like ping-pong as well as delicious pizzas and cocktails.
Perched just off the main Islington strip, Little Bat is a cosy and comfortable neighbourhood bar that's brought to us by the cocktail whizzes behind the award-winning Callooh Callay. With banging drinks, charming vibes, plenty of quirks by candlelight and friendly service, this Angel joint is an absolute must-try date night venue.
If you're on the hunt for a first date spot in Peckham, Skylarking is just the place for you. Treat your date to wallet-friendly pours at the happy hour which runs from 4pm to 7pm, followed by an evening on the dancefloor with lives DJ sets or in the alfresco space.
Looking to impress your crush with a fab first date? Head to The Lounge Bar and it won't disappoint. Enjoy signature cocktails and a wide range of gin, alongside a killer bar snacks menu filled with truffle fries, nachos and much more.
Finding the ideal first date spot can be pretty tricky... but that's where The Rosy Hue comes in. Whether you're looking to sit in its gorgeous indoor space or on its swoon-worthy alfresco terrace, there are plenty of good vibes and hearty grub to enjoy. Need we say more?
Keep that first meet-up cool and casual with a few drinks at King's Cross's Drake and Morgan. With a pretty alfresco terrace for soaking up some spring and summer sunshine, it's the perfect place to split a bottle of wine or sink some tasty cocktails until late into the evening.
Cool, casual and perfect for impressing that special someone, KIBOU is the Battersea restaurant with a passion for fresh sushi and steaming ramen. Their menu offers a range of bites for all budgets, but we'd recommend the bao if you're looking for something super tasty.
Fancy finding out whether your date is a top-notch chef in the making? Then be sure to check out The Big Bakes at various London locations for some non-stop fun. Not only will you have 90 minutes to whip up something tasty, but someone will also be crowned the winner.
A go-to for a first date in London, Found is hidden away down Ravey Street. Just look for the unobtrusive door and head inside to a swanky speakeasy. Although it may be a bit cramped, the beautiful interiors and delicious cocktails make it well worth a visit.
For the ultimate unusual date idea in London, you and your date should head over to Artillery Lane where, hidden behind a fridge in The Breakfast Club, you'll find a quirky speakeasy fronting some seriously bold cocktails. Packed full of vintage furniture and tasty bar snacks, it's the ultimate icebreaker for any first date.
NHow London is a wacky hotspot in Shoreditch that's ideal for those first-date antics. Located on Macclesfield Road, this vibrant venue is home to a plethora of quirky features that are sure to break the ice. Feeling thirsty? You can rely on the epic drinks list here.
Looking to impress your Hinge date? Mama Funki is one of the most lush places in South London. Boasting New York-style interiors and leather sofas, the venue also whips up delish cocktails. We recommend their top-notch tequila drinks such as Mamarita and South East Highball.
@ The Blue Posts on Various dates from Sunday 28th April 2024
What better way to break the ice with a first date than by treating them to a night of drinks and entertainment (where tickets are only £5)? Soho Comedy Factory is hitting up The Blue Posts, bringing some of the city's hottest comedians for an evening of hilarious fun.
@ Pedley Street Station on Various dates from Thursday 25th April 2024
Looking for fun date ideas in London? Break the ice with an experience like no other at Pedley Street Station. Head along to The Murdér Express, the immersive dining adventure where you'll solve the mystery and enjoy a menu designed by Michelin star chef Niall Keeting.
Cellar At Kindred is bound to bag you round two with its cosy interiors, European wine selection and fresh, seasonal small plates. For dessert, explore the cocktail menu, featuring the Matchmaker, made with cacao-infused rum.
When it comes to finding a truly impressive location for a first date, rooftop bars are always an excellent shout. Head over to central where Jin Bo Law is offering panoramas across London, alongside some vibrant drinks to get stuck into, and plush interiors to really set the scene.
Blink and you might miss it, but this secret little bar beneath Bishopsgate is well worth the hunt. The barebrick walls, low lighting and wooden finish give WM Barker & Co an intimate feeling. Try one of their beautifully crafted cocktails and get a bite to eat from the kitchen - the toasties are a real treat.
Sometimes it's good to inject a little adrenaline into a first date that goes beyond the nerves you get pre-meet-up. Take your beau axe throwing at Boom Battle Bar Aldgate East as a fun ice breaker, then try your hand at crazier golf to cool down. Fancy a game of shuffleboard? This atmospheric venue has got you covered. You can even stop for a bite to eat after and munch on an array of goodies such as juicy chicken burgers and loaded fries. The cocktails are not to be missed either, with signature concoctions such as the Boom Punch, made with passion fruit syrup, and a spiced mango margarita.
First date? No problem with Swingers on your side. Combining a bar, eatery and activity in one go, the City spot provides two 9-hole crazy golf courses, three street food vendors and five cocktail bars to get stuck into, alongside a chic club house for that all important post-match debrief.
Nervous for your first date? Not to worry, LOCKES has got you covered. Located in Holborn and with a sister site in Battersea, this top-notch haunt is perfect for delicious tipples and sumptuous pizza slices. You'll get to sip on everything from espresso martinis to mezcal margaritas and pina coladas galore.
Keep your first date fun with a trip to Salvador and Amanda Covent Garden. Here, you'll dig into classic tapas and wash it all down with cocktails or sangria, before catching banging music nights on Fridays or DJ-fuelled fiestas on the weekend.
Looking to impress the new beau? Lantana Cafe (which you can find in Shoreditch, Fitzrovia and London Bridge) is making sure your first date goes to plan. Boasting trendy decor plus a load of cracking Aussie and world-fusion dishes, it also offers class vino and craft ales to pair.
Boasting intimate, slinky interiors, with low lighting and a buzzing atmosphere, Miro is an ideal spot for a first date. Dive into the fine dining menu that takes inspiration from the four corners of the world, plus make sure to check out the unique cocktail list for something to pair.
A sister site to Chai Ki, Toddy Shop Bar takes its inspiration from the spirit of coastal drinking dens, serving a selection of quality drinks and enticing small plates. Open from dawn to dusk, this innovative Indian joint is a firm choice for a first date.
Based upon the HQ of the secret society that ran Victorian London, The Escapologist is a beautifully designed basement bar pegged as 'part modern-day Victorian men's club and part Masonic Lodge'. Ideal for a relaxed first date, this vintage-themed bar serves a fun yet refined list of cocktails and cheese-drenched pizzas in the heart of Covent Garden.
Is there anything more romantic than sharing some tapas-style plates? We thought not. Make your way to Berwick Street's Ember Yard for an extensive range of Spanish and Italian-inspired cuisine, cooked on a top-notch charcoal grill. Think smoked bream or pork belly. Yum.
Impress your date with the effortlessly cool look at Hackney Coterie. Whether you pop in to show off your knowledge across the massive selection of wine or want to go for a full meal with European and Asian influences, this is just the place.
Searching for a luxe, fancy haunt for a first date? Look no further than Archer Street in Notting Hill. This stunning venue will not only set the tone with Insta-worthy interiors, but there is also a great selection of Indian small plates and bespoke concoctions to enjoy together.
For those ideal first date vibes, nab a table at Albufera Bar. Not only does this Fizrovia spot offer pretty interiors inspired by Valencia, but there's also a crackin' cocktail selection boasting a little theatre. As for food, there's also a snacks menu made by a Michelin-starred chef.
Tracking down Opium is by no means an easy task, but stumble upon this nondescript green door and make your way inside to find a winner of a bolthole. Known for its fire-cracker cocktails and delicious baskets of dim sum, this Soho haunt has a lovely atmosphere to match.
Know your crush is a fan of whisky and Scottish grub? Then Spey Bar by Quaich at Browns Covent Garden is just the place for wooing them on a first date. Expect a choice of over 100 different bottles of spirit at the bar, amazing cocktails, and everything from oysters to duck in orange dressing on the food menu.
Slick, sexy and a little bit secretive, Callooh Callay is renowned for its date night credentials. With a menu of signature concoctions, the drinks alone should add a little extra spark to conversation, but if you're really looking to impress, show your date their even more secret members bar, JubJub.
The world famous Long Bar is ready to welcome you into their expert cocktail making arms for an unforgettable first date in London. Sit at the 80 foot bar as you work your way through the delicious cocktails and admire the unique artwork scattered around.
A very slinky spot down on Kingsland Road, MAP Maison is the perfect choice if you've got a date with a cocktail lover. Home to some of the area's slickest concoctions, the expert bartenders are on hand to whip up almost anything your heart desires, including a selection of speciality Japanese cocktails made with spirits from their extensive bottle list.
If you're looking to impress on a first date, then make a reservation at Jin Bar in Dorsett Shepherd's Bush Hotel. With more than 70 tequilas and mezcals, watch expert mixologists whip up bespoke drinks and know that round two is definitely in the bag.
Looking to impress that special someone? Then show off your knowledge of London's coolest bars by taking 'em over to The White Horse. This jolly joint is a pub-cum-wine bar, boasting one of the best drinks lists around. Plus, it offers an intimate, candlelit atmosphere if you wanna do a little romancing.
Fancy a sexy haunt for your next first date? Check out Belmeis. Along with a stylish space, the venue has a signature cocktail menu inspired by the seven deadly sins, as well as delicious cheese and charcuterie boards.
Renowned for its prowess on the London bar scene, The Bar at Hush is certainly one of the more esteemed first date bars in town. With a gorgeous 60s-inspired setting and a menu of globally inspired cocktails, your date will feel like you've taken them far further than Mayfair.
Impress your date with an evening full of cabaret, jazz and burlesque accompanied by exquisite dishes and delicious cocktail concoctions at Proud Cabaret City. With various shows on offer, choose the one that suits you the most and enjoy the amazing atmosphere - it's sure to get you a second date.
Located down in the already picturesque Hackney Wick, just a stone's throw from the Olympic Park, Barge East is a bar and restaurant aboard a century-old Dutch boat. Offering tasty plates and an excellent selection of wine, cocktails and craft beers, it's a calm and quiet spot to get to know your date.
DesignMyNight Exclusive Offer - Complimentary Cocktail and 1 other offer
Scouring the web for romantic date ideas in London? Then make your way to M Restaurant on Threadneedle Street. This stunning venue not only houses private dining spaces, but also a destination cocktail bar and wine-tasting room, perfect for romantic evenings.
Looking for a first date destination that's going to break the ice? Big Shots Golf has everything you need, from ranges fronting high-speed games that transform the sport to a choice of down-to-earth grub at the bar afterwards.
A cool pub in Wapping with a gorgeous outdoor area, The Turks Head is a great shout for first date ideas in London. Not only is it a hidden gem that'll earn you brownie points with your beau, but it's also handily located near the Thames in case you fancy a romantic post-drink stroll.
