Quirky Date Ideas In London

Whether it's a long-term thing or a 'just seeing how it goes', you never have an excuse for a boring date night. With a city that's crammed to the rafters with top-notch events from quirky bottomless brunches or immersive experiences through to adult ball pits, there's never a shortage of London quirky date ideas; that's why we've done the wooing and swooning to bring you the most unusual of them all. Find 'em below.

Make even more plans with our complete couples guide to London.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 14th March 2024




Bounce, Old Street

Bounce on Old Street is an absolute classic for competitive dates, boasting table tennis, both physical and virtual, as well as shuffleboard and beer pong. Make your way around their neon tables with your boo, all before plenty of pizzas, loaded fries and cocktails at the bar. Prices start from just £6 per person too, making this an affordable choice for where to take your partner.

Ballie Ballerson London

For a date with a difference, Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch is a sure fire winner. A quirky cocktail bar featuring their signature glowing ball pit, it makes the perfect place to sip retro-inspired cocktails like pornstar martinis and picantes. You can even dig into a bottomless brunch here, complete with pink cowgirl hats, cheesy pizzas and 90 minutes of unlimited booze.

Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Tuesday 19th March 2024

If you're on the hunt for fun immersive experiences with your sweetie, head to Alcotraz. Sneak past the warden with bottles of booze as you interact with the theatrical actors while sipping on four bespoke cocktails of your choice in a prison cell, whipped up by the talented inmate bartenders. Oh, you'll both get to don orange jumpsuits too.

The London Cabaret Club

Debauchery and sultry moments all happen at The London Cabaret Club in Holborn, so why not take your date along? Make your way inside this glamorous venue to enjoy fine dining and bubbles, all while catching some Copacabana or Gatsby-themed immersive entertainment. The menus are inspired by the entertainment too, ranging from Brazilian to Mexican or European cuisines. Oh, yes.

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Sherlock: The Official Live Game

Sherlock: The Official Live Game is one of our top picks for a quirky date night in London, offering a wide selection of immersive activities for you and your beau including the The Mind of Moriarty, a live escape experience. You can expect original content from the stars of the show too, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman and Andrew Scott. Whether it's taking part in a thrilling adventure, sipping cocktails in the Mind Palace or even enjoying an afternoon tea, this place is a must.

Neon Naked Life Drawing

It's all going down at this class, as iconic bars host a unique life drawing class. Ditch the dinner and movie and go for this quirky life drawing class, for a truly fun night out using neon-coloured models as your muse. You can get stuck into this fantastic experience wherever you are as well, as it takes place at venues in Hackney, Aldgate, Angel Peckham and beyond.

Hidden Jazz Club

Searching for fun things to do with your other half? Head to one of the secretive Hidden Jazz Club events across London and you'll be in for a treat. You'll get to relax with a cocktail and snap your fingers to cracking jazz as you hear from the likes of Binker Golding, Jas Kayser, and many more, at venues in Soho, Hoxton or Marylebone.

Sandbox VR London

If you're looking to wow on a date then take your beau to Sandbox VR London, just off Tottenham Court Road, for a virtual reality experience like no other. Immerse yourself in eight different alternate realities, from Squid Game to alien invasions, and then refresh at the bar after with a cocktail whipped up by the UK's first ever robot bartender.

StreetHunt Games

Looking for outdoor date ideas in London? StreetHunt Games offers a unique, self-guided adventure that blends scavenger hunt, escape room and murder mystery themes. Using an interactive map, you'll step into the shoes of a private investigator to solve clues as you explore the city and (virtually) meet some questionable characters along the way.

Gravity Wandsworth

For couples that like to add a little extra edge to their date night, make your way over to Gravity Wandsworth. This next-level entertainment venue offers VR headsets and immersive experiences from e-karting and AR bowling to a modern twist on retro arcade games and shuffleboard, to name a few. You can enjoy some tasty street food while you're at it too, including classic hotdogs, burgers and dirty fires, with a whole plant-based menu to choose from as well.

Neverland London

Neverland London is the quirky hangout in Fulham that's an urban beach in the summer and an alpine paradise during winter. Make your way over for mouthwatering street food, delicious drinks, shuffleboard, darts and cracking DJ sets. They've got plenty of themed events on the cards here too, from Ibiza white parties to a Mean Girls-inspired bottomless brunch.

Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience

@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Tuesday 19th March 2024

Perfect for a quirky date night, channel your inner cowboy at this cool pop up bar in East London. Interactive actors will immerse you into a world of the Wild West, where you'll have to sneak past the sheriff to smuggle in your own booze, before the talented mixologists will create a bespoke cocktail for you. Step into the Moonshine Saloon for an immersive evening of tasty cocktails and cowboy hats, with tickets starting from £36.50.

Biscuiteers: Various Sites

Learn the art of icing or indulge in a tasty afternoon tea at Biscuiteers' cafés in Notting Hill or Belgravia. Thanks to pretty interiors, quirky themes and an all-round welcoming feel, this experience is set to make for one quirky date - complete with treats to take home. Prices start from £90, and you're bound to learn something new while you're there as well. 

Immersive Gamebox

Test your crush's Squid Game survival skills at Immersive Gamebox. Step into a world of hyper-interactive rooms featuring motion sensors and surround sound, with five different experiences to choose from. Embark together on an array of themed challenges such as the Alien Aptitude Test and Ticket To Mars across Wandsworth and Southbank.

Theo Randall at The Intercontinental Park Lane

A list of unique date night ideas in London wouldn't be complete without Theo Randall at The Intercontinental Park Lane. Here, you can expect everything from fine wine tastings with top producers to cooking masterclasses alongside the award-winning chef himself - either way, they're accompanied by an amazing meal and plenty of top tips from his 20 years of cooking experience. 

Thames Lates

@ London Eye Millenium Pier on Various dates from Thursday 21st March 2024

Impress your beau by getting them to hop aboard Thames Lates' speedboat, which will jet you both down London's famous river. Admire the stunning views of the city's landmarks at dusk, with a stellar soundtrack of the biggest hits to add to the vibes. After all the high-speed thrills on this 50-minute ride, you can relax with a refreshing G&T on the way back.

Paint a Pic London

A talented artist as your guide, all your kit already provided, a bar on-site to help you loosen that inner creativity... Paint a Pic is a brilliant event and one of the best quirky date ideas in London. Guaranteed to gain you brownie points for originality, this artsy session will see you both taking home your own masterpieces.

Substation Brixton

Searching for unique date ideas in London? Head to Substation Brixton and enjoy over 100 different climbing routes as well as events and instructed tutorials for beginners. There's also a treatment room and cafe if you and your sweetie want to relax after your workout, with hand-stretched pizzas up for grabs too.

Inamo Covent Garden

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? Famous 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. You can even play sudoku while you're waiting for your order, and you're only ever a few taps away from soft shell crab tempura, yuzu pork belly, bang bang cauliflower and more.

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

Need plans? Be sure to check out the Sounds Familiar Music Quiz in venues across the West End, Brixton, Angel, Battersea and more. Not only will guests get to enjoy 100 wall-to-wall bangers from a massive range of genres, but there will also be prizes and a boot-load of bevvies to enjoy. They even host lively bottomless brunches too.

German Kraft

Searching for the perfect first date spot? Check out Kraft Dalston's brewery tours and tastings. You'll each get 3 half pints and a detailed explanation of how it's made through their fermentation cellar and operations room, lead by an in-house sommelier and expert in German brewing tradition. Tickets are just £35 each, and you can even enjoy a delicious meal in their restaurant afterwards.

Mr Fogg's Victorian Murder Mystery

@ Mr Fogg's Residence on Sunday 24th March 2024 and 14 other Sundays

In need of something quirky for date night? Here's where Mr Fogg's Victorian Murder Mystery comes in. At this immersive experience in Mayfair, you'll both have to uncover clues and interrogate five suspects in order to find out what happened to John Sullivan - costing £60 per person which includes two cocktails made with Belvedere and Moët & Chandon.

DNA VR Camden

To truly get to know someone? You should try battling zombies with them, adventuring underwater or escaping a high-security prison. Luckily, DNA VR are letting you do just that and more with their epic high-tech offering, promising 60-minute sessions across all of their experiences - from futuristic arcades to exhilarating escape rooms.

Hijingo

Bored of all the same ol' date ideas? Hijingo is ready to upgrade your idea of fun with your other half. Located in the heart of Shoreditch, this Tokyo Nights-inspired bingo club offers a ninety-minute immersive game, complete with with stadium-grade lighting, mind-blowing special effects effects and incredible graphics, alongside crackin' cocktails and street food plates like jalapeno poppers, buttermilk chicken burgers or deep-fried tiger prawns.

TANTRA SOUND CLUB

For quirky date plans with your beau, head to Tantra Sound Club on Warren Street to enjoy unique, meditative experiences. Get ready to unwind together while using Nepali chakra balancing techniques, healing rituals and vibration therapy in their unique sound baths for couples. You'll get a private session for just the two of you, coming in at £185.

Vinegar Yard

If your other half is a big foodie, we recommend bringing them to Vinegar Yard in London Bridge. They'll have a blast from start to finish as they tuck into scrumptious eats from various vendors including Nanny Bill's, Baba G's and Bad Boy pizza Society; plus there are multiple bars, pop-up shops and art installations just waiting to be explored. What's more, their open-air space is perfect for the summer months, while the covered seating is great for colder weather too.

The Murdér Express

@ Pedley Street Station on Various dates from Thursday 21st March 2024

Sometimes we don't fancy going to our local boozer for date night, so why not check out The Murdér Express at Pedley Street Station, an immersive experience that combines theatre and fine dining. Delve into the investigation, find the culprit, all the while you're tucking into a four-course feast from a Michelin star chef - expect tempura courgette, braised beef cheek and sumptuous chocolate desserts. 

Evans & Peel Detective Agency

For a cute date idea with your other half, Evans & Peel Detective Agency is hosting The Cantina By El Cabron, an immersive masterclass where you'll learn to whip up some tasty concoctions in a 1920s-style drinking den. Discover all the family secrets at this Mexican experience as you make cocktails and watch mixologists do their thing, with live performances of jazz, swing, and blues every night.

Monthly Immersive Chef's Table Supperclub

@ Kitchen Theory on Saturday 23rd March and Monday 29th April 2024

Looking to bring something unique to your next date night? Head over to High Barnet where Kitchen Theory have taken up residence in a warehouse loft space to bring you a eight-course tasting menu that will test your every sense, coming in at £240 per person. The menu switches up regularly, with all dishes inspired by Chef Jozef's experience in several Michelin Star restaurants and his travels across the world.

plonk

If you're searching for a unique date idea in London, Plonk Golf in Hackney, Camden, Shoreditch or Borough Market is sure to impress your sweetie. Enjoy playing golf on these challenging courses, complete with ramps, obstacles and colourful decor, alongside their retro arcade games and multiple pool tables too. And don't forget to check out the tiki cocktail bar as well.

London Dreamtime

Fancy a unique date with your sweetie? Boasting events such as Secret Storytelling with ghostly themes and mystical Werewolves of London walks, London Dreamtime has plenty to offer in the coming months. All this takes place at a super secret location, costing just £10 per person. Shhhh.

Vagabond Cheese + Wine

Gift your special someone with something a little different come the next date night, offering up tickets to cheese and wine masterclasses at Vagabond. Head to one of their locations across London to learn how to pair the two, with tickets starting from £35 per person and promising a selection of five indulgent cheeses and complementary vinos to match each one.

Laugh Train Home Events

Discounts available on certain events

Not sure what to do for your next night or looking to impress a new beau? Over at various venues in Battersea, Forrest Hill and more, Laugh Train Home is bringing you a top-quality comedic performance, so get ready for a bit of a giggle. They've had some big names performing there in the past, such as Joe Lycett, Seann Walsh and Sara Pascoe, so you never know who you might see.

Fitz’s

Located near Russell Square Station in the Grade II listed Kimpton Fitzroy London hotel, Fitz's is a luxury venue decked out with a jazz age mirrorball and stained glass windows. By sharing a few tipples from its 'Theory of Colour' interactive cocktail menu, which features 14 original drinks to suit every taste, you and your sweetie can really personalise your experience for a unique date night to remember.

London Bridge Rooftop

50% OFF SELECTED DRINKS

Need a cute date idea? We've got you covered. Check out London Bridge's rooftop for an epic evening of Latin tunes and refreshing drinks - from a sweet Raspberry Kiss to a mint-flavoured Hennessey On The Roof. In addition, there will be scrumptious street food-style eats up for grabs, such as plant-based burgers topped in green slaw, chicken tenders and halloumi fries. As well as the great views and tasty food, you can even expect entertainment like interactive darts and bottomless brunches too.

Four Quarters East

Value Package - and 6 other offers

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 got venues in Hackney, Peckham and Elephant and Castle, complete with all the retro games, themed cocktails and craft beer to ensure you snag a second date. We're talking Pac-Man, pinball, Guitar Hero and Donkey Kong, as well as original consoles for video gaming.

Haunted London Pub Tour

@ Temple Underground Station on Various dates from Wednesday 20th March 2024

If spooks and scares make your relationship thrive? You'd be silly to miss one of London's most talked about tours for just £17.50 each. For guys, gals and ghouls galore, this haunted pub tour takes you around city boozers with a sordid history, perfect for a date night to remember. You'll check out three pubs en route, complete with plenty of ghosts of course.

Silent Sounds Boat Party

@ The Silent Disco Boat on Saturday 20th April 2024 and 10 other Saturdays

At this Silent Sounds Boat Party, you and your beau will cruise past some of the city's most romantic landmarks, all while listening to banging tunes and enjoying top-quality sips. Hop on two-storey boat The Dutch Master for both daytime and evening events, starting from £25 per person. The best part? You can choose what you listen to - just change the channel on your earphones.

Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Tuesday 19th March 2024

Date night doesn't come any more quirky than stepping foot into an entirely different universe, surrounded by mythical forests and glowing foliage. We are of course talking about Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience, the immersive cocktail bar at Roscorp Laboratories in Hoxton. Here you both will don a purpose-built jumpsuit and embark on a mission through the planet's atmosphere, befriending local inhabitants and sipping bespoke concoctions along the way.

Dans Le Noir

Spruce up your dinner date with a trip to Dans Le Noir in Farringdon, which has you dining in the dark for the ultimate foodie experience. Heighten taste sensations and change perceptions at this alternative restaurant that's sure to be a feast for the senses. You'll be served surprise dishes and given the opportunity to guess what you've eaten afterwards, with a fully lit bar to mingle with other diners or just enjoy a drink at the end of your meal.

LONDON WING FEST 2024

@ London Stadium, on Friday 26th July 2024 and 2 other dates

Are you a couple of chicken lovers? Then London Wing Fest 2024 is bound to tickle your fancy for your next day date. Both of you will get a signature trucker hat with your tickets, alongside the chance to try the finest poultry traders and vote on your favourites. Topping it off is live music, axe throwing, amusements, DJs and chef demos too.

BENOIT VIELLEFON LIVE (Orchestra / Hot Club / Trio)

Be transported to the stylish, swinging cafes of Paris back in the 20s and 30s over at Ronnie Scotts in Soho or the Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club in Elephant and Castle when Benoit Viellefon rolls into to town. Taking inspiration from the famous gyspy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, these guys offer you a fabulous, atmospheric experience with tickets starting from as little as £17 each.

YO!

Whether it's a first date or you fancy a bit of quality time together, YO!'s sushi schools are a great shout. Together, you'll try your hand at making a range of different bites, from maki through to sashimi, with guidance on knife skills and how to roll the perfect bitesize eats. There will also be snacks like edamame and gyozas with a drink to keep you refreshed too, all for just £29.95 per person.

Brunch For 2

Are you a foodie that's after something a little out of the box? Then grab your beau and head to Clémence Bar, Amelies, Angelique's, Maltby Street or Cecelia's wine houses for a brunch worth remembering. Dig into a charcuterie board made up of cheese, caviar and jams, all while sipping Champers with the option to make it bottomless too - starting at £53 for two.

Bat & Ball

After first date ideas in London? Bat & Ball in Stratford boasts a range of games and activities to take the pressure off your chat. Think table tennis, pool, interactive darts and live DJs, or even a private karaoke booth to really break the ice. This can all be enjoyed alongside burgers, pizzas and a selection of craft beers, wines or cocktails from the bar.

The Candlelight Club

@ The Candlelight Club on Various dates from Saturday 23rd March 2024

Why head to an ordinary bar when you can whisk yourself away to The Candlelight Club? Located in the heart of Central London, this speakeasy-style joint is oozing 1920s glamour, alongside offering up a range of lip-smacking cocktails and three-course meals with dishes like beetroot carpaccio or pork medallions with a creamy mushroom sauce, alongside live jazz and other entertainment.

Platform Shoreditch

£5 Mondays! and 2 other offers

Platform in Shoreditch is London's first dedicated video game and e-sports restaurant and bar, making it the perfect spot for a quirky date night. Promising fun activities, a whole load of gaming consoles and an E-sports stage with 10 gaming PCs, it's a sure winner. You can even seclude yourselves in one of eight semi-private video games booths, all of which are equipped with a Nintendo Switch and a PlayStation 5. What's more, there are yummy pizzas, sweet desserts and themed cocktails like the Rainbow Road here too.

The Rosemary Branch Theatre

If you're looking for somewhere a little different to take a date in London, then The Rosemary Branch Theatre is a great bet. Treat the pair of you to a night of stellar performance from a choice of weekly acts or one-off shows - think music, cabaret, comedy and more, before heading downstairs to the charming pub for drinks and a bite to eat.

QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl

Mix up your date night with Queens Skate Dine Bowl, the quirky Notting Hill venue that's jam-packed with fun activities. Not only can you enjoy romantic cocktails from their bar, but you can also challenge bae to a game of bowling or run rings around them in central London's only year-round ice skating rink. You can even expect DJ sets as you skate, followed by a delicious meal of buffalo wings, bacon cheeseburgers and black bean chilli loaded fries from MEATliquor.

The Mayflower

A hidden treasure in Rotherhithe offering a slice of history, The Mayflower boasts a decked jetty and a candlelit restaurant perfect for enjoying stunning river vistas. For an extra-delicious date night, munch on classic British grub crafted from fresh, local ingredients, paired with a massive selection of traditional ales, craft beers, and fine wines.

Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace

A unique pick of couples activities in London, Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace is a cool destination for skating around the rink and bonding with your boo. This LA staple has made its way to our capital, bringing with it an American-inspired diner and bar where you can chow down on hot dogs, wagyu smash burgers and cheesy pizzas. They've even got skate and dine packages which are perfect for a date.

CityDays London

Explore all the nooks and crannies of London with CityDays, the escape room-style puzzle and tour round the capital that's guided entirely by you using just your phone. Pair up with other couples or go alone to get involved in this fun activity, where you'll solve riddles built into quirky statues, uncover cool facts and find quirky locations. Even better? Tickets starts from just £15 per person.

Flight Club

With a locations all over the place, including Victoria, Shoreditch and Bloomsbury, Flight Club will add the fun and games to your date night. The quirky destination offers a range of quirky darts games that put an exciting twist on the pub classic, with electronic scoring boards that do all the maths for you. The quirky cocktails and pizza paddles here are to die for too, with toppings like spicy nduja or four cheese, perfect for sharing or eating all to yourself - we won't judge.

Aspen and Meursault

Situated in Battersea is one of the most romantic wine bars, Aspen and Meursault, brought to you by the creators of the award-winning venue Diogenes the Dog. Take your sweetheart to this gorgeous spot, decked out with plants and alfresco seating. Plus, you can pair vino with nibbles such as chorizo bites and baked camembert. Looking for something a little earlier in the day? You can grab brunch here from Thursday 'til Sunday as well.

Breakin‘ Escape Rooms

Whether it's a double date or just the two of you, Breakin' Escape Rooms in Islington has got you covered. Choose between seven different scenarios in their themed rooms, ranging from taking up your wand against dark forces to pulling off a daring heist or solving a Sherlock-inspired puzzle, starting at £34 per person.

Barge East

Spice up the usual dinner and drinks with a trip to the stunning Barge East, voted London's number one restaurant by TripAdvisor in 2019 and best newcomer in 2021 by the Catey Awards. You'll want to head east to Hackney Wick, where the historic 114-year-old barge has been transformed into a drinking and dining destination, complete with a British fusion menu and dreamy views. Book a table at sunset for an extra special evening.

Music Nights at Sky Garden

@ Sky Garden Bars on Various dates from Tuesday 19th March 2024

Make your beau feel extra special with a trip to the music events at Sky Garden, one of London's most popular rooftop bars that makes an unbelievably Instagrammable night out. Combining enviable 360-degree views of the city with a DJ and live bands, these nights out will see you soaking up the view from this 35th floor haunt while you listen or dance. Tickets start from just £14.50 per person, which includes a complimentary drink on arrival.

Puttshack White City

Get your game on at this epic state-of-the-art mini golf bar in White City, perfect for competitive couples or breaking the ice on a first date. Alongside their tech-savvy set up, complete with automatic point scoring and electronic leaderboards, you'll find a fantastic array of food and drinks to bring out your best skills - think stone-baked pizzas or hearty burgers alongside quirky cocktails.

Diogenes The Dog

In desperate need of a date night idea with your sweetheart? Gorgeous South London wine bar Diogenes The Dog features a range of delicious food including boozy cheeses, toasties, cured meats and terrines, served in an intimate and cosy setting. Pair your food with delicious vino imported from all over the world, with sips produced everywhere from Poland to Texas. This spot has won multiple awards, including Hybrid Retailer of the Year from The Drinks Retailing Awards 2023 and Decanter's Best Newcomer in 2020, so you can be sure it's worth the visit.

Rouges 70's & 80's Disco and Funk

Looking for something a little different to do with your other half? Head over to Rivoli Ballroom and spend your evening dancing to 70s and 80s bangers at one of their Rouges disco and funk-themed bashes. If that's not your kind of music, then they've got 90s nights too, complete with tunes from DJ Kobayashi. It's fun, it's carefree and you'll both love every minute of it.

The Brig

@ Merchant House on Various dates from Tuesday 19th March 2024

Go for something a little different and book your own private bar to really impress your date. Hidden within Merchant House, you'll have a personal bartender, your own music choices and the chance to mix up some cocktails. Perfect for a group date night, this spot houses two to four guests at a time for £65 each per hour. There'll be no boring tunes either, as you can even play your own music here.

THE DOUBLE R CLUB

Enjoy an evening of mystery and nightmares with your beau at The Double R Club, a monthly cabaret event inspired by the dark and beautiful words of David Lynch. There's burlesque, comedy, live music and more, all with a sinister twist and different themes each time. These spooky shows take place at Bethnal Green Working Men's Club, with tickets starting from £10 per person.

DRINK & PLAY: The Hunt for The Smoking Caterpillar - Comedy escape room + immersive theatre experience

@ Ninth Life on Saturday 23rd March 2024 and 2 other Saturdays

Save 25% on ticket 6.10pm -Game SATURDAY with discount code MARCHHARE
Valid on the following dates: 23/03/2024.

Enjoy a theatrical and immersive night of escape rooms and murder mystery-themed entertainment at The Hunt for the Smoking Caterpillar. A brilliant activity for couples in London, this Catford-based event is inspired by Alice and Wonderland and includes a stellar cast of characters who you'll have to interrogate to win, with multiple different endings possible depending on the actions of your team.