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 Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 18th September 2024




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.

Club Curling

@ Coal Drops Yard on Various dates from Thursday 7th November 2024

The cool cousin of bowling, Club Curling is the perfect winter activity to break the ice on a first date. Head to Coal Drops Yard and try your hand at curling on one of their six sustainable lanes. Grab a spot and give it a whirl; at just £8 per person, it's the perfect way to have fun without breaking the bank.

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. 

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.

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.

Bushy Comedy

Inject some laughter into date night without blowing your budget with tickets to Bushy Comedy. Taking place at bougie city hotel The Hoxton on Sundays, the evening promises performances from some of the hottest talent the circuit has to offer for a fraction of the price. What's more, if you're a local resident then you can secure your spot for less.

Hiver Taproom

If you're searching for cheap London date ideas, Hiver Taproom has exactly what you need. Whether you and your beau are after a fun-packed sea shanty night, beer-fest or whisky-fuelled ceilidh events, this Bermondsey hub is bound to impress.

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.

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).

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.

Vapiano Great Portland Street

You don't have to break the bank when going out for a meal on date night, not at Vapiano Great Portland Street, Tottenham Court Road and Paddington at least anyway. This laid-back restaurant is the ideal spot to take your other half or potential squeeze for a bite to eat as the main event or before hitting the down. You can look forward to customising your own pasta dishes, light sourdough pizzas and more. 

BENOIT VIELLEFON LIVE (Orchestra / Hot Club / Trio)

There's not much more romantic than a night out in town listening to some live jazz - even better when tickets don't cost you more than £18 a pop. Head to either Ronnie Scott's or Toulouse Lautrec to see Benoit Viellefon, a brilliant swinging jazz group, perform some of the most iconic tunes from the 1920s-40s that'll transport you to vintage Parisian nightclubs.

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.

AperiDInner

@ Obicà Mozzarella Bar - St Paul's on Every Friday

Found just a stone's throw from St Paul's Cathedral, Obicà Mozzarella Bar is a gorgeous spot for date night, with sultry dark interiors and elegant lighting. But it's also somewhere you can take your other half without breaking the bank, thanks to their Friday night AperiDinner that offers all-you-can-eat Italian food for just £15 per person - including a drink of your choice. Expect fresh, seasonal produce, used to make some of the finest dishes around.