Cheap Date Ideas In London

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 edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 20th June 2025




Draughts Hackney

With venues in both Hackney and Waterloo, Draughts is a top-notch date night idea that won't break the bank. Not only can you and your other half sip on two for £18 cocktails and beers on tap, but there are also hundreds of different board games to play while you're here - as well as a full-size shuffleboard table in their Dalston location. And if you're feeling peckish? Tuck into Korean fried chicken, grilled halloumi flatbreads, Cajun popcorn shrimp and more.

The London Taco Experience

@ Riverside East on Sat, 9th Aug 2025 @ multiple start times (see ticket info)

Looking to impress without the stress? The London Taco Experience is the perfect cheap and cheerful date idea in London this August. With entry from £5 and plenty of tasty taco options to share (or not), it's the kind of easygoing, vibey setting that sparks great conversation.

Stroll the rooftop, sample some mezcal, show off your spice tolerance at the hot sauce showcase, and let the DJs provide your soundtrack. It's budget-friendly romance - with a kick.

Flight Club Victoria

Afternoon Fizz and 1 other offer

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.

Electric Shuffle Canary Wharf

£15 Lunch Offer

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.

Dabbers Social Bingo

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.

Need To Know Comedy

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.

Fairgame Canary Wharf

Unleash your inner child at Fairgame in Canary Wharf or St Paul's, the colourful activity bar that's oh-so-Instagrammable. A literal carnival for adults, experience the thrill of their twisted fairground games like Roll-A-Ball Derby, Shoot the Clown and Skeeball, while sipping on a popcorn old fashioned or a boozy slushie.

You can nab tickets for as little as £15, giving you access to unlimited gaming. Your scores will be automatically logged on a virtual leaderboard thanks to their cutting-edge wristband technology, adding to the competitive fun. Hungry? They also sell street food from vendors like Rudy's Pizza, Taco Collective and Burger & Beyond.

YO!

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.

FABAL Beerhall

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 stand-up comedy to karaoke quiz nights and a monthly ceilidh, most of which are free to attend.

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

Albert's Schloss Soho

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.

Good Ship Comedy

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.

Music Nights at Sky Garden

@ Sky Garden Bars on Various dates from Wednesday 16th July 2025

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.

The Star by Liverpool Street

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.

The Chocolate Cocktail Club London

@ The Chocolate Cocktail Club on Various dates from Wednesday 16th July 2025

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.

Swingers West End

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.

GAMESHOW SPECTACULAR

Ready to star in your own game show? Head to Shoreditch Balls for Gameshow Spectacular, where quirky costumes and outrageous challenges await. Forget standard quizzes - this immersive experience is all about fun, excitement, and plenty of surprises.

Form your team, take on a series of wild games, and get everyone involved. Starting at just £13, your tickets are your gateway to an unforgettable night of laughs, trivia, and mayhem. Book now and prepare for the most fun you've had in ages.

Tequila Mockingbird - Various Sites

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).

Darcie & May Green

Sun, Sips & 25% Off Cocktails This Summer!

Darcie & May Green is the ultimate mid-week treat, offering £8 margaritas in a vibrant and unique setting. This much-loved barge on Regents Canal is the ideal place to enjoy a chilled drink with friends or host a laid-back dinner.

Whether you're inside surrounded by bright decor or outside on the spacious roof terrace, you'll experience an unforgettable atmosphere while sipping on delicious margaritas. Don't wait for the weekend - come by on any weekday for an evening of fun by the canal.

Ballie Ballerson London

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.

plonk

Are you ready to put your swinging skills to the test? Plonk is the ultimate Day-Glo crazy golf experience scattered all over London. Gather your golf-loving beau and head to your nearest course for a hole lot of fun, laughter, and maybe even a few drinks to keep the good times rolling. 

The Alchemist - Bars

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.

UBA

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.