Quirky Date Ideas In London
Whether it's a long-term thing or a 'just seeing how it goes' set-up, you never have an excuse for a boring date night in London. With a city that's crammed to the rafters with top-notch events such as bottomless brunches on canal boats through to adult ball pits, there's never a shortage of London quirky date ideas; we've done the wooing and swooning to bring you the best alternative date night ideas in London.
Last updated on 18th April 2018
Dinner is great, but dinner with entertainment is better. Perfect for that unique London date night, take your favourite person to Proud Cabaret for a night of three course dining, stunning cabaret and some of the finest burlesque in the business.
London's oldest cabaret den is still pulling out all the stops when it comes to a London night out or quirky date night. Grab your other half and prepare to be titillated with burlesque, cabaret and three-course dinners.
Ready to add a little razzle dazzle to your date night in London? Looking for somewhere to get dressed up to the vintage nines? Join Candlelight Club for all that and more as you rustle up feathers, beads and fedoras for a romantic night of candles, live music and debauchery.
Put your brains together and join KERB’s hilarious quiz night, where you’ll enjoy 6 rounds of questions, cocktails, beers and street food – including free poppadum nachos – as their spectacular drag queen host guides you through it all.
When was the last time you took a date out on a speedboat? We're banking on never. Change all that with a high-octane trip aboard Thames Lates as you and your date get familiar with London's riverways at high speed, all before a cocktail on the boat.
From Jack the Ripper through to Sweeny Todd, London Dungeons is being overrun by figures of history. Head there this evening for a terrifying and brilliant immersive experience that includes cocktails and fun.
Roll pub and hilarious comedy club into one date night as The Colonel Fawcett in Camden host their regular stand-up nights. Grab a pint and sit down to some of the funniest names in the business.
You've made the decision to go to dinner, and that's great news, but how about trying something a little different this date night? Infamous for their interactive tables, head on down to Inamo for gaming and touch-screen menus alongside some of the best Japanese bites in the business.
Handmade Mysteries create twisted escape rooms for people looking for a pulse-racing, brain-teasing, immersive experience. Based in London's finest drinking establishments, your game host will introduce your team to a series of bizarre contraptions and mysterious misfits. Will you win and cry for joy? Or lose, and just cry?
With great acts and half price on drinks the Comedy Carnival is perfect for a fun and quirky date night. Just a stone's throw from Leicester Square there's plenty to entertain you before and after the show.
Put on your dancing shoes and show off your moves at this quirky London date idea. Fiddle Paradiddle provide a roaring soundtrack of live fiddles and will lead you through the traditional Scottish ceilidh for a hilarious night out.
Enjoy a wonderful film experience at Block Party Cinema, where they will host a series of classic and thought-provoking films and documentaries, which you’ll watch from big red bean bags, and you can even enjoy a pre-film DJ beforehand.
Learn something new and enjoy yourself at this fun quirky date idea in London: it’ll just be the two of you with the instructor, who will guide you through creating a masterpiece, run some fun competitions, and you’ll even get to take a piece home.
Try something a bit different for date night and join Nicole Line for one of her creative workshops. While you mix with other creative types – whether they’re beginners or experts – you’ll learn how to use professional equipment, where to source materials and how to set up a studio space at home.
Ever wanted to see the sights and eat delicious food all in one day? Head onto the Thames Rocket for an amazing 15 minutes speed boat ride down the river before settling into Ping Pong for a delicious set menu.
Go for a quirky adventure on your next date with dim sum from Courtesan and a burlesque and cabaret experience. See some of London's best talent take the stage as you lounge and enjoy the night ahead.
Instead of going to a bar, how about you sample two hours worth of unlimited margaritas made by some of the most amazing bars in the capital, all while listening to live music?
A perfect London date night for music fans, this series of live concerts pay tribute to some of history's most influential musicians, eras and genres at venues across the capital.
Do you and your date have what it takes to be the Last Man Standing? Get your ridiculous on at this hilarious quiz that pits smarts against silliness.
You might be twiddling your thumbs on this alternative date idea in London, but it will be a whole heap of fun. Four Quarters have opened a second pub in East London complete with all the retro games and craft beer to ensure you snag a second date.
Hailed as one of the best ways to play in London, it's ping pong that's sure to keep your date night on high. Join one of the best ping pong venues in London as you make your way around their neon tables, all before plenty of grub and cocktails.
Who needs a traditional sit down dinner when you could enjoy this burger making class in BOBO Society. Located in Fitzrovia, the spot will be feeding you plenty of delicious meat, all paired with wine and letting you loose in the burger laboratory.
Grab a drink and sink back on a sofa as this monthly night shows you the best new independent cinema from around the world. Taking place in Shoreditch, head to Cafe 1001 for new films, talks from industry experts and drinks at the bar.
For a quirky date with a great pay off, head to the Sky Bar in London for cocktails with one hell of a view. Cast an eye over the city at sunset and sip cocktails. It's the closest you'll get to paradise in this lifetime.
Ever had a romantic meal on a canal? Head to Darcie and May Green for just that, with quirky interiors, delicious Australian cuisine, and one of the best sites of the Grand Union Canal around.
For a stunning couple's night out, this quirky date idea in London promises cool cocktails, delicious street food and a crackling campfire. Snuggle down in the rooftop garden of the Brunel Museum for an extra special date night experience.
Take your date to new and exciting places with this super fun life-drawing class in Kennington. Grab some drinks and have a go at sketching some real life cabaret and burlesque stars.
Try something new with the Japanese Sake Festival, as you sample over 20 different kinds of the underappreciated drink, as well as enjoy traditional and delicious food and handcrafted art stands.
Date night will never be this epic again as Predator Adventures bring huge amounts of adrenaline to London. Join the company as they speed you along the Thames in their crafts at speeds of up to 60mph.
Get lost in the world of books together as Manor House Library guides you through a world of sound installations, papercut sets, pop-up books and live theatre performances to make you feel like you are lost in a book.
The King's Head is a little different from your average London date night venue with rooms filled with taxidermy and a sexy 1920s setting. Join them as they invite in the outrageous Gin House Burlesque for a raunchy and intimate show that includes all sorts of surprises.
One of the most eclectic bars in London, no two nights are ever the same at Drink, Shop & Do. Whether you're tucking in to a Beyonce dance class, building lego robots, indulging in afternoon tea or creating a Lionel Richie biscuit, this is a date idea to remember.
Welcome to London's beset seaside-themed dining experience. Based in the heart of East London, you'll get a taste of the coast as the Sea Shanty Supper Club serves up everything from whelks and winkles to prawns and lobster.
What better way to woo someone or get that special someone weak at the knees than signing them a romantic ballad at Lucky Voice Islington. You won’t have to do it alone though, there’s a dressing up box, lots of tasty cocktails and tonnes of songs for you to choose from.
Inspired by the likes of Dans Le Noir, this night will help you to experience cocktails in a completely new way as they throw you into complete darkness.
For a quirky date night idea, try out this London late at Madame Tussaud's. Enjoy after-hours access to one of London's most iconic exhibitions at this cool and quirky event in Central London.
One of the best ways to experience music in London, head on down to Jazz Cafe in Camden for a night to remember. Perfect for that alternative date, enjoy a selection of dishes from the balcony as you watch over some of the best jazz, soul and motown in the bizz.
Show your date something really special at this stunning evening of mulled wine and acoustic music. With exciting acts, gorgeous surroundings and delicious food and drink, it's one of the best London date ideas.
A perfect quirky London date idea, this stellar evening of fun and fabulous burlesque from Triomphe de Femme is a one of a kind spectacular that you won't want to miss.
Whether you're looking for a booze-free vegan supper club, bottomless brunching or a simple curry and a pint night, Deptford Esquire has a whole host of fabulous foodie events that make for a great quirky date idea in London.
Using 100% seasonal and local ingredients, matched with natural wines, this supper club from Jonas Lorentzen is a brilliant take on Nordic dining. Named Matr, the night is inspired by the Nordic Food Movement, which decrees ethical dining, all while keeping it utterly delicious.
One of the chilliest ways to date in London, this quirky bar is one of the coolest ways to get to know one another. From your snow capes down to ice sculptures and cocktails in ice cubes, try something different in the city and impress your date with hidden gem knowledge!
Now headed to Fitzrovia, Little Nan's is going bigger and better than ever. Join the motley crew for a dressing up room, neon interiors and teapot cocktails, all set alongside lunch and dinner.
London's first artisan gin cruise takes you on the boat tour and date night of your dreams, through the beautiful city with a gin in your hand. Enjoy perfect serves and a gin masterclass while aboard this quirky adventure with that someone special.
This foodie festival in Hoxton offers a great quirky London date idea. With three days of cheese tastings, talks, live music and cocktails, it makes for a fun day out with your date.
You and your significant other will have a great laugh swing dancing at Cahoots, whether you're seasoned professionals or total newbies. Sign yourself up for one of their unique dance lessons before the floor opens for the night, where you can show off your skills later on to impress your partner.
With a location in Shoreditch and now a second spot in Bloomsbury, Flight Club will add the fun and games to your date night. The quirky destination combines darts, an electronic scoring system, pizza and delicious cocktails for a fun date in central London.
While some would say that cocktails in London is a predictable date night, they're not when found at The Gibson. Not only does this golden bar glisten with tales of the vintage, their cocktails are some of the most smoking and theatrical in the city.
Mix up your date night with Queens. Not only can you have a romantic meal of MEATliquor food and cocktails from their bar, but you can also challenge bae to a game of bowling or run rings around them in the ice skating ring.
For a completely unique London date night idea, Trapped in a Room with a Zombie should tick all the boxes. Players are locked in a room with a hungry zombie whose chain is getting longer by the minute, use your brain power to stand a chance of escaping.
Shake up your date game with this cute and quirky South London bar. With a medical theme running through out you can expect to find plenty of talking points, from the drinks served in IV drips, to the delicious and healthy food on their menu.
Hester’s Hideout is a notorious den in Exmouth Market, full of salacious secrets and a proper naughty past. Come here for wonderful cocktails, great musicians, burlesque dancers and all manner of other entertainers.
