Want to woo the object of your affection, but lacking the budget? Never fear, we're serving up romantic nights to suit every pocket. From intimate drinking spots to live music events, comedy shows and quirky experiences, we've rounded up the best cheap date ideas in London so you can enjoy the town together without breaking the bank.
Last updated on 2nd March 2023
Whether you're here for their drinks deals, bottomless brunch or a late-night dance, one thing's for certain: The Piano Works will have you both smiling from ear to ear. Although, considering their resident band are on hand to play jazzy renditions requested by you, it's hard for them not to leave a lasting impression.
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 £6 until 6pm or come round a little later and show off your moves on their basement dancefloor.
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.
After a stroll around Hyde Park, exit the Paddington side and head for some slices with your boo. Pizza Pilgrims is whipping up classic 48-hour proved Neapolitan pizzas, Nutella rings, cold beers and cocktails for the two of you to munch through.
If you're on the hunt for cute date night spots on a budget, King's House offers a 3-course meal, complete with a glass of prosecco for just £19. Munch on everything from spiced crab on toast to chargrilled squid or a cheeseburger while washing it down with some bubbles.
@ The Rose and Crown on Every Sunday
Searching for fun events in London? Check out Sunday Shtick Comedy for an evening of belly laughs and a few drinks. The open mic night features rising stars - sure to keep you giggling all evening long. Plus, tickets are only £2 for a pre-booking.
@ La Pizzica Restaurant on Every Friday
Take your date to the basement of La Pizzica Restaurant every Friday, where your ticket price includes a drink on arrival and food from the restaurant. To top it off? There's live music and games to keep you entertained too.
While Bermondsey's The Last Talisman has to be one of the most gorgeous cocktail lounges around, offering intimate lighting and sultry interiors, it's also pretty affordable. Head on over for a date night dinner and drinks without splashing on the cash.
One way to a person's heart? Laughter. And the best thing about that is it doesn't have to be expensive either. Over at The Colonel Fawcett, Good Ship Comedy brings in top names and up-and-coming talent for a cracking show, with tickets costing just £7 a pop.
Craving pizza in Dalston on date night? Head to Voodoo Ray's on Kingland's High Street for a cracking good time. The venue not only knocks up doughy delights, but they also have frozen margaritas, craft lager and delicious cheesy garlic bread.
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.
Pizza Pilgrims are slinging up delicious and budget-friendly Neapolitan slices. Grab a table in the fun Shoreditch restaurant and take your pick from their mega menu of chomps, touting toppings such as truffle and mushroom bites and one with eight different types of cheese.
For affordable jazz events, Peckham Levels are pulling out all the stops on the first Thursday every month. Trouble In The Night features bassist Tagara, drummer Jaega, producer and multi-instrumentalist Leif Maine and saxophonist Caspar Sutton Jones.
