Calling all love-birds. As if first dates weren't stressful enough, the last thing you want to do is end up spoiling that big day by going to the wrong place at the wrong time. Whether you're looking for a snug speakeasy or something a bit different to get the conversation flowing, use this list as inspo for the best first date ideas in London.
Last edited by Jasmine Lee Kennedy
Last updated on 13th September 2024
Imagine rocking up to a first date and whisking your love interest 180 metres into the sky for cocktails atop one of London's most famous skyscrapers. You can make this happen. At Searcys at The Gherkin, indulge in fancy culinary delights and a glass of bubbles (or two) as you enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Stylish, relaxed and bursting with excellent bottles of wine, Vagabond is a top spot for making that first date a good one. With venues sprinkled across South West and Central London, you're sure to find one that makes the perfect meeting spot for grabbing Italian and Spanish small plates.
First date? No problem with Swingers on your side. Combining a bar, eatery and activity in one go, the City spot provides two 9-hole crazy golf courses, three street food vendors and five cocktail bars to get stuck into, alongside a chic club house for that all important post-match debrief.
A sister site to Chai Ki, Toddy Shop Bar takes its inspiration from the spirit of coastal drinking dens, serving a selection of quality drinks and enticing small plates. Open from dawn to dusk, this innovative Indian joint is a firm choice for a first date.
The Parisian chic of this dark and intimate Soho haunt is certainly fit for impressing on a first date. Head on down to Basement Sate for indulgent, silky cocktails and handmade dessert pairings that are quite literally a piece of melt-in-the-mouth deliciousness.
Tracking down Opium is by no means an easy task, but stumble upon this nondescript green door and make your way inside to find a winner of a bolthole. Known for its fire-cracker cocktails and delicious baskets of dim sum, this Soho haunt has a lovely atmosphere to match.
A go-to for a first date in London, Found is hidden away down Ravey Street. Just look for the unobtrusive door and head inside to a swanky speakeasy. Although it may be a bit cramped, the beautiful interiors and delicious cocktails make it well worth a visit.
Cool, casual and perfect for impressing that special someone, KIBOU is the Battersea restaurant with a passion for fresh sushi and steaming ramen. Their menu offers a range of bites for all budgets, but we'd recommend the bao if you're looking for something super tasty.
Impress your date with the effortlessly cool look at Hackney Coterie. Whether you pop in to show off your knowledge across the massive selection of wine or want to go for a full meal with European and Asian influences, this is just the place.
Slick, sexy and a little bit secretive, Callooh Callay is renowned for its date night credentials. With a menu of signature concoctions, the drinks alone should add a little extra spark to conversation, but if you're really looking to impress, show your date their even more secret members bar, JubJub.
There's an unmistakable party spirit to The Cocktail Club's venues, which comes out to play no matter what time of the week you're visiting; perfect for impressing a date that doesn't take themselves too seriously. Better yet, the drinks are spot on too.
Finding the ideal first date spot can be pretty tricky... but that's where The Rosy Hue comes in. Whether you're looking to sit in its gorgeous indoor space or on its swoon-worthy alfresco terrace, there are plenty of good vibes and hearty grub to enjoy. Need we say more?
Have a hot date on the cards? Then make sure to impress them by showing off your knowledge of London's best bars. Diogenes the Dog is the atmospheric spot that's decked out with romantic lighting and indoor foliage, boasting a fabulous selection of wines, meat and cheeses.
Keep that first meet-up cool and casual with a few drinks at King's Cross's Drake and Morgan. With a pretty alfresco terrace for soaking up some spring and summer sunshine, it's the perfect place to split a bottle of wine or sink some tasty cocktails until late into the evening.
A very slinky spot down on Kingsland Road, MAP Maison is the perfect choice if you've got a date with a cocktail lover. Home to some of the area's slickest concoctions, the expert bartenders are on hand to whip up almost anything your heart desires, including a selection of speciality Japanese cocktails made with spirits from their extensive bottle list.
Based upon the HQ of the secret society that ran Victorian London, The Escapologist is a beautifully designed basement bar pegged as 'part modern-day Victorian men's club and part Masonic Lodge'. Ideal for a relaxed first date, this vintage-themed bar serves a fun yet refined list of cocktails and cheese-drenched pizzas in the heart of Covent Garden.
Looking to impress the new beau? Lantana Cafe (which you can find in Shoreditch, Fitzrovia and London Bridge) is making sure your first date goes to plan. Boasting trendy decor plus a load of cracking Aussie and world-fusion dishes, it also offers class vino and craft ales to pair.
If you're on the hunt for a first date spot in Peckham, Skylarking is just the place for you. Treat your date to wallet-friendly pours at the happy hour which runs from 4pm to 7pm, followed by an evening on the dancefloor with lives DJ sets or in the alfresco space.
Located down in the already picturesque Hackney Wick, just a stone's throw from the Olympic Park, Barge East is a bar and restaurant aboard a century-old Dutch boat. Offering tasty plates and an excellent selection of wine, cocktails and craft beers, it's a calm and quiet spot to get to know your date.
Looking to impress that special someone? Then show off your knowledge of London's coolest bars by taking 'em over to The White Horse. This jolly joint is a pub-cum-wine bar, boasting one of the best drinks lists around. Plus, it offers an intimate, candlelit atmosphere if you wanna do a little romancing.
For those ideal first date vibes, nab a table at Albufera Bar. Not only does this Fizrovia spot offer pretty interiors inspired by Valencia, but there's also a crackin' cocktail selection boasting a little theatre. As for food, there's also a snacks menu made by a Michelin-starred chef.
For the ultimate unusual date idea in London, you and your date should head over to Artillery Lane where, hidden behind a fridge in The Breakfast Club, you'll find a quirky speakeasy fronting some seriously bold cocktails. Packed full of vintage furniture and tasty bar snacks, it's the ultimate icebreaker for any first date.
Bounce's buzzing atmosphere and playful nature will quickly get rid of any first date nerves. Found just a little walk away from Old Street in the heart of Shoreditch, this quirky haunt boasts games like ping-pong as well as delicious pizzas and cocktails.
When it comes to finding a truly impressive location for a first date, rooftop bars are always an excellent shout. Head over to central where Jin Bo Law is offering panoramas across London, alongside some vibrant drinks to get stuck into, and plush interiors to really set the scene.
Searching for a luxe, fancy haunt for a first date? Look no further than Archer Street in Notting Hill. This stunning venue will not only set the tone with Insta-worthy interiors, but there is also a great selection of Indian small plates and bespoke concoctions to enjoy together.
A very active London date idea, Fairgame Canary Wharf will certainly keep you and your date entertained with its innovative twist on fairground games, such as Roll-A-Ball Derby and Skeeball. Their app logs your scores and tracks leaderboards, so your competitive side is bound to come out on this first date.
If you want to impress your date, then take them to Wildflowers restaurant in Belgravia, found inside a former timber yard. This classy eatery flaunts a huge open kitchen where the chefs are whipping up seasonal Mediterranean fare cooked over coal, or why not take them upstairs to their wine bar instead? As for the menu, think harissa lamb tartare, slow-roasted duck with grilled cherries, Cornish turbot and more - paired with an Amalfi spritz.
Keep things cool but casual at The Hawk's Nest in Shepherd's Bush, where a gorgeous covered and heated space, cocktails and pizza await. Topping it off? A lineup of events like live music and seasonal specials, alongside a pool table for getting competitive.
Fancy taking your lovely date to a gorgeous sky-high restaurant and terrace bar? We thought as much. Head on over to Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, located on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square, for some mouthwatering grub or lip-smacking bevvies.
NHow London is a wacky hotspot in Shoreditch that's ideal for those first-date antics. Located on Macclesfield Road, this vibrant venue is home to a plethora of quirky features that are sure to break the ice. Feeling thirsty? You can rely on the epic drinks list here.
So you're into the finer things in life? Show your date what you're about with a trip to one of Steak & Lobster's beautiful London venues. Treat them to a taste of luxury with classic cocktails ready for sipping, and a plate of juicy lobster and meaty steak.
Nervous for your first date? Not to worry, LOCKES has got you covered. Located in Holborn and with a sister site in Battersea, this top-notch haunt is perfect for delicious tipples and sumptuous pizza slices. You'll get to sip on everything from espresso martinis to mezcal margaritas and pina coladas galore.
Looking to impress your crush with a fab first date? Head to The Lounge Bar and it won't disappoint. Enjoy signature cocktails and a wide range of gin, alongside a killer bar snacks menu filled with truffle fries, nachos and much more.
Calm those first date nerves at Silverleaf, located in the Pan Pacific London hotel on Liverpool Street. Treat your date to a range of lip-smacking concoctions in the gorgeous main bar that's decked out in neutral colours. Feeling fancy? There's also a secret bar. Oh, yes.
Crazy golf has always been a go-to cheap first date idea in London, but Puttshack are doing things a little differently. One of the city's most high-tech golfing experiences, this Shepherd's Bush hotspot is keeping arguments to a minimum with interactive and detailed scoring - so let's just hope neither you or your date is a sore loser.
Amelie's Wine House is coming in hot with its rustic decor, intimate setting and chilled out atmosphere. Situated in Fitzrovia, the quaint venue slings out cheese boards, grazing platters and light nibbles, alongside a wide variety of quality vino.
Is there anything more romantic than sharing some tapas-style plates? We thought not. Make your way to Berwick Street's Ember Yard for an extensive range of Spanish and Italian-inspired cuisine, cooked on a top-notch charcoal grill. Think smoked bream or pork belly. Yum.
For a laidback first date in traditional Italian-inspired surrounds, Il Maremmano is an apericena bar which serves delicious Tuscan wines from an independent producer and delicacies from the beautiful Maremma region. Their dishes range from cheese or meat boards to mini pizzette topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella, and there's a cracking cocktail selection here too which includes refreshing spritzes and signature serves.
Perched just off the main Islington strip, Little Bat is a cosy and comfortable neighbourhood bar that's brought to us by the cocktail whizzes behind the award-winning Callooh Callay. With banging drinks, charming vibes, plenty of quirks by candlelight and friendly service, this Angel joint is an absolute must-try date night venue.
Situated in Covent Garden, The Wild Monkey is a great shout when it comes to cute first date spots. This haunt showcases the most delicious cocktails in a slinky space - we mean gorgeous greenery, forest-themed interiors and a focus on Monkey 47 beverages.
For those seeking a top-notch spot to cut the awkwardness with gorgeous decor and lip-smacking drinks, Supermax in King's Cross is a great choice. With interiors and cocktails inspired by Italian culture, this hotspot is perfect for first dates.
Break the ice on your first date at Peckham Rye's Funkidory. Inside this slick cocktail den, there are plenty of cosy corners to get to know one another, all while quaffing quirky pours. Think a Banaperol Spritz touting banana-infused Aperol and prosecco.
@ Pedley Street Station on Various dates from Friday 4th October 2024
Looking for fun date ideas in London? Break the ice with an experience like no other at Pedley Street Station. Head along to The Murdér Express, the immersive dining adventure where you'll solve the mystery and enjoy a menu designed by Michelin star chef Niall Keeting.
DesignMyNight Exclusive Offer - Complimentary Cocktail and 2 other offers
Scouring the web for romantic date ideas in London? Then make your way to M Restaurant on Threadneedle Street. This stunning venue not only houses private dining spaces, but also a destination cocktail bar and wine-tasting room, perfect for romantic evenings.
Sometimes it's good to inject a little adrenaline into a first date that goes beyond the nerves you get pre-meet-up. Take your beau axe throwing at Boom Battle Bar Aldgate East as a fun ice breaker, then try your hand at crazier golf to cool down. Fancy a game of shuffleboard? This atmospheric venue has got you covered. You can even stop for a bite to eat after and munch on an array of goodies such as juicy chicken burgers and loaded fries. The cocktails are not to be missed either, with signature concoctions such as the Boom Punch, made with passion fruit syrup, and a spiced mango margarita.
Cellar At Kindred is bound to bag you round two with its cosy interiors, European wine selection and fresh, seasonal small plates. For dessert, explore the cocktail menu, featuring the Matchmaker, made with cacao-infused rum.
To keep your first date relaxed, and yet still impress them with authentic cuisine, look no further than yapix Coffee And Wine House. These guys are pairing glasses of vino with Italian fare, from fresh pasta to pinsa (the ancient Roman version of pizza).
Swift Soho is here to cure your first date nerves with its gorgeous interiors and fabulous cocktails. Located on Old Compton Street and in Borough, this much-loved haunt offers an elegant upstairs space for a quick bevvy, alongside a chilled downstairs area for those who fancy a few bespoke concoctions.
Looking to impress that someone special? We know just the place. A Borough watering hole with oodles of personality, Amazing Grace simply screams date night vibes. Head along and get to know each other over delicious pan-Asian food like Japanese fried chicken or tofu and charred broccoli bao buns, alongside top-quality cocktails and craft beer. This former church maintains its stained glassed windows and original woodwork, but now you'll find amazing audio-visual technology and 3D light projections as well - perfect for the regular lineup of live music on offer.
@ The Blue Posts on Various dates from Sunday 6th October 2024
What better way to break the ice with a first date than by treating them to a night of drinks and entertainment (where tickets are only £5)? Soho Comedy Factory is hitting up The Blue Posts, bringing some of the city's hottest comedians for an evening of hilarious fun.
One of the very best speakeasy-style cocktail bars in town, Nightjar is an elusive spot in Shoreditch and Carnaby where discerning drinkers gather to enjoy Prohibition-themed cocktails and a soothing programme of live jazz tunes. It goes without saying that a table for two here would knock the socks off that special someone you've always had a thing for.
The Racketeer has a long history of mischief, and it's that kind of character that'll keep the sparks flying on a first date. Relaxed, welcoming and boasting its own secret garden, this charming Essex Road pub is the type of spot you stop in for a few pints and end up staying until closing time.
Impress your date with an evening full of cabaret, jazz and burlesque accompanied by exquisite dishes and delicious cocktail concoctions at Proud Cabaret City. With various shows on offer, choose the one that suits you the most and enjoy the amazing atmosphere - it's sure to get you a second date.
Fancy finding out whether your date is a top-notch chef in the making? Then be sure to check out The Big Bakes at various London locations for some non-stop fun. Not only will you have 90 minutes to whip up something tasty, but someone will also be crowned the winner.
Samba Entertainment & Live DJ Sessions at Ayllu and 8 other offers
If you're on the hunt for some top-notch grub, Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant Ayllu is a firm choice. Set the scene for date night beneath the grounds of Paddington Central, with swoon-worthy dark green interiors and plush seating, alongside a crackin' menu to boot.
Blink and you might miss it, but this secret little bar beneath Bishopsgate is well worth the hunt. The barebrick walls, low lighting and wooden finish give WM Barker & Co an intimate feeling. Try one of their beautifully crafted cocktails and get a bite to eat from the kitchen - the toasties are a real treat.
What could be a better way to spend a first date than trying out new cocktails together? It's even better when they're out of the ordinary and that's exactly what you'll get at East London cocktail spot The Natural Philosopher. Get your lips around tipples made with locally foraged ingredients, like the Hackney Hellbound, featuring horseradish and lacto-fermented plum sake, or the Silk Route, made with white rum, yuzu, mint and lime.
Humble Grape's charming hangouts sprinkled all over London are sure to make your sweetheart swoon. Head down into multi-level, industrial-inspired haunts and snuggle up on a pew together. Spend your evening chatting, laughing and flirting as you sip on some premium vino in these charismatic caverns.
Renowned for its prowess on the London bar scene, The Bar at Hush is certainly one of the more esteemed first date bars in town. With a gorgeous 60s-inspired setting and a menu of globally inspired cocktails, your date will feel like you've taken them far further than Mayfair.
The world famous Long Bar is ready to welcome you into their expert cocktail making arms for an unforgettable first date in London. Sit at the 80 foot bar as you work your way through the delicious cocktails and admire the unique artwork scattered around.