One of the best summer date ideas in London has to be booking a waterside bar or restaurant and soaking up the rays with your other half. Often, haunts by the Thames can feel like a gentle escape from the bustle of the city so we've handpicked the best of the best for you to choose from. Check out the likes of Kingston gems sporting fabulous cocktails to beauties in Grade II-listed buildings.

A beautifully romantic spot to take your other half to this summer, The Chesterfield Mayfair are opening up Dartmouth House's Terrace on specific dates throughout the season. The stunning courtyard is filled with gorgeous greenery, simple white tables and ornate stone sculpting along the walls, and you can dine on breakfast right through to dinner here. Think Wye Valley asparagus, aged beef fillet steaks, Cornish spring lamb and so much more, with a fantastic wine list to boot.

Located in Battersea, Aspen and Meursault is a trendy drinking spot where calm, neutral tones meet leafy plants and racks of wine bottles along the walls. Ideal for date nights, it offers a stylish setting for delving into the world of biodynamic and organic wines, which you can also take on the outside terrace. You can also join them for brunch (the Catalan breakfast with truffled eggs is a highlight), although there are also tasty small plates – think anchovies with crumbled blue cheese, rillette of the week and alcohol-soaked cheeses.

If you're on the hunt for things to do for couples this summer in London, Wing Fest is a bit of a no-brainer. The event will take you from day to night, complete with over 80 different types of cheap chicken wings, axe throwing, eating competitions and bourbon. You'll even get the chance to vote for your favourite dishes, and everyone who attends gets a free signature trucker hat.

It doesn't get much better than Fulham Beach Club at Neverland. A unique summer escape, this riverside space comes complete with sand, swaying palms and deck chairs where you can fill your boots with tasty food, like pizzas and burgers, as well as cool off with cocktails, from pina coladas to jugs of Pimm's. Plus, you'll never be short of entertainment, as this place also packs interactive darts, shuffleboard and live DJs.

Looking for quirky date ideas in London? The Prince is the place for you. The gorgeous West London pub is famed for its stunning flower-entwined pergoda, which emits a warm glow come nightfall due to the strewn fairy lights. Snap up a table to woo your beau, digging into beautiful brunch dishes (including chicken and waffles), classic pub grub and fluffy Neapolitan pizzas from Crust Bros. Plus, if you happen to make it down on a Sunday, they have a bunch of BBQ specials up for grabs, including a BBQ pulled pork burger and fried corn ribs. The only thing left to do now is choose your topple – the chilli mango margarita sounds like the perfect accompaniment.

Searching for fun things to do in London? Midnight Apothecary are hosting some seriously fun date night activities. You can join them on their stunning roof garden, complete with firepits, candlelight and toasted s'mores, not to mention botanical cocktails made using ingredients foraged from the very garden that surrounds you. And, adding a unique spin to the evening, you can also enjoy an underground tour.

Found on Northcote Road, Vagabond is an intimate wine bar where lovebirds can get to know the extensive drinks list while on the secret garden, which is especially atmospheric on a summer's evening, thanks to the glowing fairy lights strewn above. Cuddle up with your date, taking advantage of the 100-strong collection of self-pour wine, then stay a little longer by chowing down on Mediterranean small plates, like grilled Galician octopus with pickled red onions or Iberico ham croquetas.

Summer date night just got extra special with The BBQ Club. This Southbank haunt is showcasing London's top local artisan suppliers and fresh ingredients in the form of a scrumptious six-course tasting menu for £60 per person. Come for lunch or dinner to cook your own dishes over a tableside Big Green Egg, then feast on the likes of a British Caesar 2.0, made with Brixton honey-glazed chicken, a Caesar emulsion and tempus pancetta crumb alongside wine pairings, cocktails and more. 

Travel back in time to the 1920s for The Murder Express, an award-winning immersive experience that combines comedy, theatre, delicious food and cracking cocktails. The brilliant murder mystery is bound to keep you on your toes, complete with plenty of gripping twists, turns and surprises. While you enjoy the interactive performance, you'll also be treated to a stunning three-course feast designed by two Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating; entertainment and dinner? It's got your whole date night wrapped up.

Whether you grab a table on the charming converted Dutch barge, on its outdoor deck or in its luscious gardens and terrace, Barge East is the perfect plot for a summer date night. Enjoy mouthwatering, award-winning cuisine, including beef picanha with garden chimichurri and glazed aubergine paired with mushroom XO, while enjoying views of the rippling River Lee.

Departing from Victoria Station, Steam Dreams is one of the best experiences for a summer date. You'll get to enjoy a scrumptious three-course meal while seeing the gorgeous British countryside, including Surrey Hills, Dorking, Reigate and the Vale of Holmesdale.

For those of you looking to impress your other half this summer, make sure to bag a table at Jin Bo Law. A 14th-story rooftop bar, nestled atop the Dorsett City Hotel, it's a wow-worthy spot for date nights where you can enjoy unparalleled views of the Shard, the Gherkin, the Walkie-Talkie, Tower Bridge and so much more. As for the cocktails list? You can expect a whole host of signature sips, including the City Jingle, their twist on a classic sour, made with gin, pomegranate liquor, egg white and fresh lemon.

Searching for a summer date night? Head to London Bridge Rooftop for gorgeous views across London (including of The Shard) and some glorious sunshine. The relaxed space is a great place to spend some quality time with your better half under a canopy of fairy lights, complete with tasty burgers and halloumi fries, not to mention draught beers, cocktails and bottled cider.

Located on Tulse Hill, just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of central Brixton, Il Maremmano is a buzzy restaurant boasting interiors that blend traditional Italian style with a London twist. Decked out in terracotta and sage walls as well as local gig posters, this vibrant joint serves all sorts of small plates, like crostoni, pizzette, and boards of Maremman formaggi and salumi, perfect for a pre-dinner aperitivo, post-dinner digestivo, or the whole apericena shebang. What's more, it has a stunning outdoor terrace to catch the breeze on a hot summer with a cocktail (or two) in hand.

Make your way to Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden for a fabulous date under the sun. Fronting astroturf flooring, wooden crate seating and colourful shipping containers, it's as trendy as can be, offering an urban oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plus, with a fantastic array of street food stalls, whipping up everything from Chinese and Greek to burgers and Mexican, not to mention two bars and three huge screens, it's got every want and whim covered.

A gorgeous bar and restaurant from Darwin and Wallace, 601 Queen's Road is a gorgeous place to ignite romance in Wimbledon. Not only does it offer a pretty dining area, with a dome-shaped skylight window above, but it also has a leafy terrace where you can soak up the sunshine and the lovely views of the neighbourhood. Settle into the stylish alfresco space and dig into brunches, lunches or dinners, delighting in options like pappardelle with porcini mushroom ragu and truffle, as well as a lip-smacking range of burgers. Or if you just fancy a date night drink? Guzzle twists on classic cocktails, such as the cherry negroni.

For those of you who fancy taking your summer date night up a notch, The Hari Hotel Bar & Terrace awaits in Knightsbridge. Connoisseurs of all things luxury, this gorgeous space was simply made for a romantic rendezvous, featuring luscious walls of ivy illuminated by warm pendant lighting and the tall candles that start to flicker at each table as dusk begins to fall. In the same opulent vein, the drinks list showcases a seriously impressive (and extensive, might we add) list of wines and Champagnes, although you'll also find a strong selection of creative signature cocktails and upmarket spirits (not to mention cigars). And, if you fancy a bite to eat, there's truffle arancini and Maldon oysters waiting to be devoured.

To spend the third Wednesday of your summer months munching the finest food our British Isle has to offer? Check out The Soho Hotel's Taste of Britain Experience, which has a different four-course menu from executive chef Joe Fox each time - costing £55 per person. Dishes feature the best seasonal, native ingredients ranging from foraged to farmed vegetables and high welfare meat or fish, while you can add on drinks pairings for a further £35 each.

Searching for summer date night ideas in London? Rivoli Pop up Cinema should be firmly on your radar. Nestled in Crofton Park, just across from the station, this 1950s ballroom is famed for its original interiors, which feature a grand domed ceiling and scarlet walls with gold detailing. The retro space is perfect for a unique evening out with your other half, as they host pop-up movie nights throughout the week, screening cult favourites like The Big Lebowski and Pulp Fiction.

Fancy discovering a new favourite song on your next date night? Paper Garden Presents are hosting some of the best musical events around, taking place at Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond. Their Friday night vinyl DJ sessions are the perfect place to unwind with your date, promising cocktails and great tunes in a beautiful venue, while their Tuesday night house parties showcase alternative artists across London.

Take your date night sky-high with a trip to Union Social at The Gantry Hotel. The Stratford spot proudly boasts a terrace where you can enjoy gorgeous views of the sun setting over London (or top up your tan in the daytime). If you fancy heading over after dusk, there are atmospheric campfires, perfect for cuddling up around. Get to know the range of unique, signature cocktails (the Doughnut Colada is not to be missed) and international wines which go all too well with the menu of tasty fare; sink your teeth into beef ragu paccheri, juicy burgers and lamb shank with mash.

We can't think of a more perfect way to spend a summer evening than on a date at this pretty, waterside bar, overlooking the London skyscrapers in Canary Wharf. Located on an eco-friendly floating pavilion, Hawksmoor Bar Wood Wharf is home to a 120-seat venue where you can enjoy bespoke cocktails and ethically reared beef. Begin your meal with roasted scallops or fillet carpaccio, before devouring a whole native lobster if you're feeling fancy, and washing it down with a Shaky Pete's Ginger Brew, made with gin and London pride. 

Diogenes the Dog is the ultimate wingman, offering you a gorgeous setting for your date night. Grab a table on the alfresco terrace or inside, where the décor echoes the natural style of the wine list. Surrounded by bottle upon bottle of the good stuff, lined up along the trendy roughed-up walls, and verdant plants dotted around, make your through the dynamic wine list or even go for a tasting flight. Plus, if you fancy pairing your tipples with something to eat, you can tuck into brunch bites (such as a Reuben toastie or truffled eggs on toast with cured salmon) or check out the European small plates. From grilled spicy chorizo to cheeseboards and cured meats, it's the perfect accompaniment to a night of great wine and even better company.

For those of you after fun first date ideas in London, Two More Years is the perfect place for romance to bloom, boasting a waterside terrace overlooking the River Lea. The Hackney Wick hotspot doesn't just boast a cracking natural wine selection with sips by the bottle or on tap – it's also home to Lucky Chip, which slings out some of the capital's best burgers. Our favourite? The J Lopez, featuring a beef patty, chile con queso, onions, pickles and habanero honey mustard mayo.

Flight Club Victoria is the perfect place for a quirky date night, thanks to its fairground-themed interiors (we're talking carousel-style bars, cabochon bulbs and rubber ducks dangling from the ceiling) and revolutionised version of social darts. But that's not all - it's also a great spot to soak up the sunshine on a summer's eve, with a huge rooftop terrace overlooking Central London. Head here to dig into paddles of pizza paired with prosecco in charming surrounds.

For those looking to push the boat out, look no further than Aviary, one of the most luxurious date ideas in London. Found on the top of Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square, it offers jaw-dropping views of the City. Settle into one of the plush sofas surrounded, by pretty plants and London's landmarks, and tuck into fancy fare, like roast Atlantic cod with crushed potatoes, samphire and creamed leeks. Plus, with a fantastic lineup of Champagne, cocktails and beers, your thirst will certainly be well-quenched.

On the hunt for fun things to do this summer? Grab your sweetie and head to Vinegar Yard to enjoy all the sunshine while tucking into bites from Japanese Chicken Shop, Nanny Bill's, Bad Boy Pizza Society and more. But that's not all, as you can also guzzle all kinds of refreshing drinks, from cocktails to craft beers and wine.

Searching for swanky date night ideas this summer? Impress your other half with a visit to Sky Garden, the famous rooftop space over at the Walkie-Talkie in the City of London. Along with gorgeous foliage and beautiful views, you can check out their music nights for top-notch tunes and chic cocktails to match. Otherwise, there are yoga classes, sunrise sessions and breakfasts to get stuck into as well.

Wagtail is one of the capital's most talked-about rooftop terraces, found smack bang in the centre of the City, offering towering views of its most iconic landmarks, including The Shard. Grab yourself a cushy seat on the stylish alfresco space and top up your tan while you dig into charcuterie boards, wild venison tartare or roast celeriac. Just want to treat your beau to a few drinks? You'll find an array of unique cocktails, such as the Maracuja, which marries vodka, vanilla grass, stone fruit nectar and passion fruit kombucha.

Pergola On The Wharf is perfect for casual, summery date nights, thanks to it's pretty interiors, featuring hanging plants, woven lanterns and huge floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a lovely terrace with panoramic wharfside views. But it doesn't stop there; there's also an enticing menu showcasing dishes like steak frites, roasted miso aubergine and crispy Baja tacos – just pair that with a refreshing pint of craft beer or a smoked pineapple daiquiri and you're set for the night.

Upgrade your summer date night plans with Whitcomb's in Leicester Square. Inspired by the Italian and French rivieras, this elegant restaurant found in The Londoner serves fine dining fare on their sun-drenched outdoor terrace. Dig into calamari, yellowtail carpaccio or salad nicoise and feel transported right to the Mediterranean.

Your summer date night isn't complete without amazing views of the city, and you can find just that from the floating beer garden at The Tattershall Castle, who are hosting brilliant events by The Boat Show Comedy Club. Head on board the permanently moored steamer for brilliant stand-up shows, promising four talented comics and the occasional surprise guest - with tickets starting from £6 per person.

Make your summer date night an outdoor one with Devonshire Terrace, the stunning alfresco space near Liverpool Street. The chic spot from Drake & Morgan comes equipped with warming fires, streams of fairy lights and lots of pretty plants, making it the perfect place to woo your boo this summer. Dive into gorgeous small plates, like duck bao, burnt end pork bites and chorizo scotch eggs, or go big with a plate of fish and chips or Malaysian curry. You'll also find a selection of botanical cocktails that change with the seasons.

Upgrade those summer date night plans with a trip to Tequila Mockingbird in Putney. Located on the river, this fabulous drinking den offers an alfresco terrace space that's perfect for basking in the sunshine. You can also make gooey eyes over lip-smacking happy hour cocktails, such as the Berries N' Cream, made with tequila rose and blanco tequila, Malibu, pineapple juice and grenadine. 

What could be a better London summer date than packing up a picnic full of picky bits and heading to one of the city's cute green spaces? Though the weather may not always be playing ball, it certainly has its moments that are important to make the most of - as soon as the clouds break, head on over to the likes of Holland or Greenwich Park, Kew Gardens and more. 

Nothing beats a long, sunny stroll, and if you know of a few good watering holes along the way to stop off at? Even better. Check out our guide to the best summer walks ranging from 0.5 to 7.5 miles, through pretty woodland, along the river and up expansive hills. Our favourite? We're spoilt for choice, but the Thames path is a stunner. 

Short on London summer date ideas? How about keeping it cheap and most certainly cheerful by taking a trip to one of these picturesque parks? Perhaps you're in the mood for a quintessential picnic, or maybe you're keen to go for a stroll and slip a cheeky holding hands in there - whatever your needs, you'll find lush green spaces from Primrose Hill to Hamstead Heath here that are more than happy to accommodate.