Cheap Date Ideas In London

For a budget-friendly date that still feels like a treat, The Alchemist delivers on all fronts. Known for their theatrical cocktails and stylish, moody settings, it's a fun, playful place to impress without breaking the bank. And with locations across London, it's easy to find one that works for your evening plans.

Their Sunday Feast menu is ideal for two and packs serious value: for £25 per person, you'll get a fully loaded sharing board stacked with truffle tater tots, BBQ ribs, fried chicken, slaw, pickles, mac & cheese and more. Pair it with a couple of showstopping drinks (like their bloody mary with caramelised garlic vodka or a twist on the classic Aperol spritz) and you've got a low-cost date with high-impact vibes.

With venues in Victoria, Shoreditch, Bloomsbury and Islington, you're always close by to quirky activity bar Flight Club. The fairground-inspired bar is slinging out signature cocktails, pizza sharing paddles and small plates aplenty, but it's best known for its fun, interactive darts.

The electronic boards are equipped with multiplayer minigames that you and your partner can get competitive over, and they even add up your scores for you. What's more, prices start from only £11 per person for the hour, or £15 for 90 minutes.

Just minutes from London Bridge, Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen is perfect for a date night in the city. There's plenty to accompany your pints, from stacked burgers to baby back ribs.

Whether you're going Dutch or footing the bill, this place won't break your bank. Bag a burger, fries and drink from just £9.95 or tuck into pizza from just £14 a pop.

Whether you're heading to their Canary Wharf, King's Cross or London Bridge outposts, Electric Shuffle is always a top choice for date night. These cool and quirky bars have reimagined shuffleboard as we know it, with electronic tables that add up your scores automatically.

There are a number of fun minigames to choose from, with prices starting from just £11 per person for 60 minutes, or £15 for 90. While you're at it, munch on tasty pizza paddles, chicken tikka skewers and chilli squid, paired with creative cocktails.

Dates don't come better than dining at YO! And to top it off? This marvellous Japanese hotspot is home to its very own sushi school. So get ready to learn all the tricks in the book on how to whip up maki rolls and nigiri plates, before sharing your creations with some bubbly together.

If you're after a quirky date idea that won't break the bank, then head to Fabal Beerhall along the Bermondsey Beer Mile. The lively venue hosts everything from live music sessions (usually free) to pub quiz and karaoke nights (£2 entry).

Nab delicious Fabal lager, wine or cocktails while you're here, as well as food from the nearby Yard Sale Pizza.

Located in Soho, the Bavarian-themed Albert's Schloss is totally free to enter. This buzzing party bar has always got something fun going on, from live music most days to fantastic cabaret performances and DJ sets.

Whether you're up and dancing on the tables or just enjoying a stein or two with your other half, there's plenty to enjoy here. They also offer a tasty German food menu, featuring juicy burgers, schnitzel and bratwurst.

Whatever type of date you're in the mood for, you can find it at Seven Dials Market. This bustling spot is split into four distinct spaces: Bar Nana, Banana Warehouse, Cucumber Alley and the Warehouse bar, as well as a stage for live entertainment.

Check out their selection of independent street food vendors, from Pick & Cheese's unique cheese conveyor belt to Hot Rocket's Cuban sandwiches and pulled pork Dirty Bagels.

Sweep your date off their feet without busting your budget over at Mowgli. With small plates starting from just £6.50, you can tuck into the likes of treacle tamarind fries, Himalayan cheese toast and bhel puri. 

The house specials are kind on your bank account too. We're talking favourites like Aunty Geeta's prawn curry and mother butter chicken from just £10.30.

Whether you're here for their drinks deals, bottomless brunch or a late-night dance, one thing's for certain: The Piano Works in the West End and Farringdon will have you both smiling from ear to ear. With their resident band on hand to play your fave jazzy renditions, it's hard for them not to leave a lasting impression on you and your boo.

Level up your dating game at Platform, London's first-ever video game dedicated e-sports bar and eating spot. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas, refreshing cocktails and some healthy competition that's sure to make a lasting impression. 

Want a unique, cheap date idea in London? Dabbers Bingo offers a fun and quirky experience starting at just £17 per person. Choose from events like Bottomless Brunch Bingo or Comedy Bawlers Bingo for a fun and affordable date night.

The mix of bingo, music, food, and drinks creates a lively atmosphere that's perfect for making memories without blowing your budget. It's an unforgettable way to spend time with your date while enjoying laughs, competition, and a little friendly banter.

If you're looking for cheap first date ideas in London, make sure to check out Tequila Mockingbird. Not only are its slinky bars scattered around Shoreditch, Covent Garden, Putney and more, but it also offers a daily happy hour, where you can bag 2-4-1 on all cocktails (not to mention £15 bottles of wine).

Located in the popular Soho area, Thirst is a brilliant cocktail bar and late-night party spot on Greek Street. Check out their Stupid Hour and sip on cosmos and margaritas for only £7 until 6pm or come round a little later and show off your moves on their basement dancefloor.

Looking for a date night that's fun, relaxed and won't drain your wallet? Then check out The Star of Bethnal Green's Tequila Festival.

For under £10, you and your plus-one can sip margaritas, sample top-tier tequila and mezcal, and soak up the atmosphere of a Mexican celebration. There's live mariachi, great cocktails, and karaoke if you're brave (or tequila-confident) enough.

The Star by Liverpool Street is a welcoming pub that hosts all kinds of fun and affordable events which are ideal for a date night that won't break the bank. Their free open karaoke events take place three nights a week, giving you the chance to take the spotlight, or if you prefer to watch others perform then check out their drag bottomless brunch instead. Even better? Their quirky bingo sessions cost just £5 per person and give you the chance to win some fantastic prizes as well as taking part in games.

A fancy date night doesn't have to cost a fortune. Introducing Ayllu; a swanky restaurant with lots of affordable food options that are sure to impress. The Japanese-Peruvian fusion menu features £7 bao buns, £9 tacos, ceviche dishes for under £10 and much more.  

There's no better place for an affordably fun-filled date than Ballie Ballerson. Boasting two giant ball pits, theatrical cocktails like the Dibbie Dabberson and Skittle Sour, plenty of Insta-worthy photo ops, plus tickets starting at only £5, it's the perfect way to relive your childhood days with a boozy twist.

Love cocktails, but don't like spending too much on your drinks? Then head to The Chocolate Cocktail Club London, a unique bar in Farringdon that specialises in all things sweet and sugary.

Their creative concoctions include chocolate espresso martinis, the Shamazing Strawberry and so much more. Tickets cost just 310.50 per person, including your first drink.

Looking for a dreamy first date spot? The Rosy Hue has got you covered with a gorgeous indoor space and swoon-worthy outdoor terrace. There's no shortage of good vibes and delicious food at this place, offering sweet deals that'll make your heart and wallet happy.

Pizza Pilgrims are slinging out delicious and budget-friendly Neapolitan slices. Grab a table in the fun Shoreditch or Hyde Park restaurant and take your pick from their mega menu of chomps, touting toppings such as truffle, mushroom and one with eight different types of cheese.

One way to a person's heart? Laughter. And the best thing about that is it doesn't have to be expensive either. London's friendliest laugh house, Good Ship Comedy brings in top names and up-and-coming talent for a cracking show, with tickets starting at £12 a pop.

One of the most gorgeous cocktail lounges around, Bermondsey's The Last Talisman boasts intimate lighting, sultry interiors and budget-friendly bites. Head on over for a date night dinner and drinks featuring goodies like tuna tataki and smoky cherry negroni without splashing out the cash.

You don't have to fork out a whole lot of cash to get some of the best views of London at night, as Music Nights at Sky Garden start from just £15.50 per person. These standing tickets include a beer or mocktail on arrival, as well as all-night access to this stunning venue. Look out over the city as you boogie to great tunes, played by their resident DJs.

Add some Italian charm to your next date night at Bellillo. With falling foliage and oh-so-cute table decorations, you'll feel like you've been whisked off to Southern Italy.

Inside, you can tuck into delicious traditional pizzas, from the quattro formaggi to the Napoletana. With main dishes starting from just £10.90, this place won't bust your date night budget either.

If you and your partner love to get competitive, then there's nowhere better to e than Swingers in the West End. This popular activity bar features nine original holes of indoor crazy golf, with a design that's inspired by old seaside holidays on the English coastline - costing £15 per person.

Once you've made your way around the unique course, head to one of four different bars for drinks and snacks. Think delicious cocktails, which you can also enjoy while playing, alongside scrumptious street food from vendors like Patty&Bun, Pizza Pilgrims and Breddos Tacos.

Every single Wednesday, The Natural Philosopher in Bethnal green hosts a whisky tasting that's perfect for date night. They welcome a new producer each week, working with some of their favourite brands.

Your £12 ticket includes a welcome cocktail, followed by a guided tasting of the spirits.

Looking to impress on your next date night? Book a table among the classic architecture and plush elegance of Marylebone's Richoux. 

Settle in for lunch or dinner Monday to Friday or after 4pm on Saturdays to tuck into its set menu for just £19.95 each. There's all sorts to choose from - think tuna or beef tartare, steak frites, gnocchi à la tomate and chocolate truffle.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, head to the Comedy Carnival in Covent Garden. This takes place at Seven Dials Club, bringing you a selection of international stand-up comedians every week, carefully curated to create an evening full of laughs.

Expect to see performances from British TV comedians, Edinburgh Comedy Festival headliners, rising stars and global acts - all from as little as £10 per person.

With two-course menus from £13.95, Covent Garden's Wildwood makes amour affordable. Much like its sister restaurant, Wildwood Seven Dials, stylish banquette seating and muted tones get date night ambience just right, while wine by the glass gives you a tasty tipple without overworking your wallet.

For a truly dreamy trip for two, pop in for a pizza and a cocktail before making your way to Theatreland for a show. Classic pizzas are all just £7.95, so there's no danger of eating into your ticket budget. 

Everyone knows that couples who play together, stay together... so get down to The Four Quarters and battle it out on your favourite retro arcade games. Grab a couple of craft beers at the Peckham den or enjoy two for £10 cocktails at this fun location for cheap date nights in London.

While tickets will only cost you close to the price of a pint, Need To Know Comedy's Joke Thieves Live Podcast Recording promises a bucket of laughs. Swing by Backyard Comedy Club for this unique night featuring Will Mars alongside a panel of top-notch comedians.

Head to Peckham for a brilliant night of live music, brought to you by Jam Sandwich. This costs just £11 per person to attend, for an evening filled with live entertainment.

Expect a lineup of talented artists performing their original music, promising soulful tones, warm grooves and a welcoming atmosphere.

In the lively heart of Shoreditch, UBA's Pan-Asian Express Lunch is the perfect midday treat with your partner. Priced at just £19, this four-course feast features your choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian options.

Relish dishes like watercress and Fuji apple salad, udon noodles with onsen egg, dim sum, and the irresistible Korean crispy chicken. Available Monday to Friday from 12pm to 3pm, it's a quick escape into Pan-Asian perfection.