Best First Date Spots In London

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




Vagabond - Various Sites

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.

The Escapologist

Happy Hour and 4 other offers

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.

Fairgame Canary Wharf

🌟 Last Spaces Remaining! 🌟 Complimentary Fizz for last minute Christmas Bookings

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. 

Il Maremmano

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.

The Big Bakes

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. 

Skylarking

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.

Steak & Lobster - Various Sites

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.

The White Horse

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.

Map Maison

Cocktails & Tapas and 1 other offer

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.

Boom Battle Bar Aldgate East

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.

The Cocktail Club - Various Sites

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.

Humble Grape - Wine Bars in London

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.

Found

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.

Amazing Grace

Happy Hour Tues - Fri 4pm - 7pm

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.

Wildflowers Restaurant

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.

The Natural Philosopher

Two for £16 on selected classics 6-8pm and 1 other offer

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.