Date Night in London
If romance is on the cards then the capital is absolutely the place to be. Blessed with beautiful parks and gardens, breath-taking views and amazing nightlife entertainment, there’s no shortage of great places to take a date in London. We’ve narrowed our favourites down to the following recommended date-night bars, packed with interesting choices offering something for everybody when looking for fun date ideas in London.
Last updated on 26th June 2017
Summer is officially here and we can resume life outside again. Join Luna Cinema as they bring you one of summer's most sought after events; from a screening in a lido through to a flick under the stars at Kew Gardens, the cinema company have got those long evenings sorted.
Boasting a visionary design and an exceptional menu, the Restaurant at Sanderson is a true show-stopper for date night. A great choice if you’re toasting an anniversary or birthday, come by this swish pad inside this glamorous hotel for dinner and drinks featuring top-of-the-range seasonal fare and artisanal cocktails.
Taking date night to the next level comes the Juniper Manor, a unique pop up from the likes of Sipsmith and Gingerline. Head to the secret location for an amazing world of gin cocktails, nibbles, a black and white dress code and plenty of surprises.
King Kong is a classic tale of love, loss and man's disregard to nature, or so you thought. This retelling is brought to you from the people behind Potted Potter and will be putting a comedic spin on the famous story.
Head to May Fair Bar for a swanky experience which combines tasting, testing and learning. The swanky bar will be teaching you how to mix three cocktails, as well as a selection of canapes and the option of dinner.
Let those smokey aromas waft you into a romantic bubble in this Arabic haven of cosy cushioned booth seats and ornate lanterns. With fine food to choose from and the best in classy cocktails, play footsie under the tables and lean over the table tops in sultry surrounds.
A bit of a schmoozing playground where expert sommeliers are on hand serving fine bottles of wine and top rated mixologists blend top class cocktails behind the bar. 68 & Boston is the answer to all of your where to go for date night in London qualms. Check in for intimate drinks, a relaxing yet cosy atmosphere and bartending of every measure.
From a jazz duo to violinists, Proms on the Roof will be a beautiful evening of live music set in a gorgeous location. Head to The Roof Gardens in Kensington as the Royal College of Music plays live music among the sculptured garden.
Perched on a red leather stool in a stylish and intimate basement bar. Who could ask for a better date night location? And if things take a turn for the worse, never fear. These guys have got A LOT of gin. We mean A LOT. There are over 50 types of gin and a myriad of classic and more experimental cocktails to ensure the night goes smoothly.
Aquavit brings a classic slice of New York cool to London as it opens in St James. The uber cool restaurant is sure to blow any date away with Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine, extensive wine lists and swish interiors.
Calling all foodies, Craft in Greenwich is putting on a monthly night of FEASTS at their swanky spot. The space-like restaurant will create a one-off menu each month that focuses on a range of factors, from guest chefs through to seven course vegetarian meals.
It's teeny tiny, completely intimate and serves a lust-worthy menu, Encant is a seriously sexy little spot in Covent Garden that will hit all the right notes for a date night in London. Chef Victory Garvey has been inspired by his native Spain to create fresh and delectable dishes that focus on seafood, seasonal veg and meats - try the fried oysters and thank us later.
Hidden away above Bedroom Bar in amongst the bustle of Shoreditch, NOLA is a love note to the culture and history of New Orleans. Jazz and blues tunes fill the air as a divine list of cocktails are mixed with great skill and imagination, seek out NOLA for that intimate feel and keep your eyes peeled for the secret cigar terrace while you’re at it.
For a lavish date night in London that won't be forgotten anytime soon, the Three Wine Men (Oz Clarke, Tim Atkin MW and Olly Smith) are hosting a wine tasting in at South Africa House and will be educating guests all about the different making processes and flavours produced by 30 of South Africa's best wine makers. Suited for both beginners and self-proclaimed sommeliers, this drinks tasting will be full of great wine facts and will leave a huge crimson smile etched on your face.
Based in Hackney, Machine No. 3 is a charming cocktail bar and restaurant that's based in what was a dilapidated laundry shop. Serving a selection of cocktails, craft beers and delicious Yard Sale pizzas, it offers a cosy spot for London's young couple to swoon and unwind in.
Wanting somewhere snug in the heart of the city for an after-work date night? Meet Old Tom’s; an elusive gem in Leadenhall Market with 19th century wall tiles and bundles of charm. Find yourself a cosy corner and settle in for an evening of cheese, meat and wine, or just prop up the bar where the first-rate choice of craft beer needs checking out.
This fancy joint is the perfect spot to get cosy with your sweetheart. With elegance and style, this joint will welcome those intimate conversations, those intertwined legs under the table and the candle lit hand holding of a romantic evening.
Nothing beats date night in London like a secret drinking hideaway unbeknown to the general population. If you're looking to impress, Found is the key to your success (no rhyme intended). Once you've discovered this coveted cocktail club in Shoreditch, you'll return for a piece of the top mixology over and over again.
Serving up a menu of Modern European dishes, Yoshiaki is your go-to for vibrant plates of fine seafood and prime cuts of meat with a section of small plates to encourage a shared dining concept, perfect for a glamorous and high end date. Impress with this West-End beauty and discover the oh so stylish split-level innards of Yoshiaki's subterranean kitchen.
Want to have a special date you know you won't forget? Then Cellar Door's High Tea & Tease night is for you. On every Saturday night, it's a racy affair that's full of surprises and thoroughly entertaining. Amaze your date with a truly unique night that includes live performances, gambling, cakes, tea and of course, an abundance of alcohol!
Inspired by the lavish lifestyle and illicit activities of the age of the Bright Young Things, this is one stunner of a spot for cocktails with a view in London. Make your way to the 12th floor of Mondrian where you’ll uncover a rooftop bar with bags of style, promising masterful drinks and a playlist that fuses jazz age favourites with a sweeping vantage point of the skyline.
Wringer & Mangle is a London Fields restaurant with bags of charisma. Showcasing plenty of kooky artworks and one of the best open-air terraces in east London, the casual neighbourhood dining concept offers the perfect vibe for a relaxed date night. Enjoy some wholesome (and, more importantly, absolutely delicious) plates, then go for some classic Collins cocktails at the bar before home time.
Surreptitiously tap in a secret code to gain entry to The Chelsea Prayer Room, then lead your wide-eyed date up to this most exclusive Chelsea cocktail bars. With George Moorland inspired mural fades on the walls and leather Chesterfield sofas beckoning you inside, who couldn't be impressed? Book via DMN for entry to this normally members-only haunt.
A charming space designed around the theme of 'Gangster Tequila Paradise', this one serves up spectacular cocktails in a sweet, urban setting. Plus, with the launch of their Flat Pack Cocktails offering, you can craft delicious cocktails at your table, Ikea style! Alternatively, book in at one of their cocktail masterclasses, and you two lovebirds can learn from the very best!
With one successful Islington bar already under their belts, Simon Bastable and Andrew Green have taken their Four Sisters name to the St Paul's area. The wood panelled floors, beautiful wall hangings and quaint antiques provide the new city-based venue with the small amount of edge that it needs to succeed. However, it's the cocktail list that really steals the limelight. Really making their drinks stand out, the team of bartenders make use of a range of homemade bitters and syrups.
Date night needs a great soundtrack, so head down to new music venue Through the Shutters for an evening of jazz, blues and swing. 9 Below Zero are kicking off their musical ventures with their only acoustic set of the year – meanwhile, you both can drink a hearty selection of local beers and gins and eat some dinner courtesy of street food connoisseurs American Green.
The award winning story of an American GI and a dancer is being brought to the stage in this sumptuous telling. Head to London's theatre land to be blown away by big musical numbers, amazing set design and a heart-warming story of friendship.
London’s famous Ice Bar is simply something you’ve got to experience. It’s the UK’s only permanently frozen cocktail bar, where everything in sight is carved from the purest of ice sourced from the Torne River in Northern Sweden. Wrap up warm and enjoy something unique next time out, there’s ice-cool cocktails followed by dinner and drinks to enjoy in the downstairs restaurant.
Try something a little different this date night with SEA Life After Dark, where you’ll be able to traverse the wonders of the London Aquarium after hours. Travel at your own pace, sip your complimentary prosecco and take in the wonderful conservation and all the nature it contains.
Megaro is a basement bar in Kings Cross that's created a reputation for itself thanks to its stunning cocktail menu and quirky decor. The venue's expert mixologists have really let their creative side shine, curating a menu of signature creations and spirit infusion. Treat that someone special to a Borsh Mary, made using the venue's homemade hot sauce, or perhaps a sweet tea and tequila infused Lost Steps cocktail.
Looking for a few laughs on a date night in London? Held at the ever stunning Union Chapel, there's more than enough giggles to go around as this comedy night is churning out some of the finest stand-up names in the business for your funny bone pleasure.
Nothing quite says a date night in London like the theatre. Found at the heralded Shaftesbury Theatre, join Motown: The Musical for a stunning night of classics hits, romantic tunes, roaring production sets and some of the best acting in the business.
Step down from the hectic City streets into the cool calm of MBER for a perfect date night of nibbles and classy cocktails. The Pan-Asian-themed bar has leather booths, deep velvet chairs and low lighting, creating an intimate atmosphere which is perfect for sipping on their extensive cocktail menu.
From a first-date cocktail to an anniversary dinner Brooksby's Walk is the perfect spot for a date. Sit downstairs in the cute and cosy bar as old movies flicker on the wall, or head upstairs to their Bedouin-tent style restaurant which serves hearty dishes such as lamb ragu or beef cheek.
Putting all other trap bars and hidden liquor parlours to shame comes The Luggage Room. Somewhere behind an inconspicuous black door, you approach, knock, confirm your booking with a voice on the other side and in you go... who doesn't love a bit of tense mystery as you take your date night in London into the unknown?
Whoever thought of pairing the world's two most loved indulgences is an absolute hero. Leading the craze of dessert bars in London, Basement Sate plates up Parisian chic interiors to a backdrop of patisserie desserts that are quite literally melt-in-the-mouth moments. Get your fix of exquisitely crafted cocktails and divine desserts for your London date night.
You can’t go wrong with two tickets to one of the most respected comedy clubs in London, can you? The Covent Garden Comedy Club are all about bringing the biggest names to the stage in a friendly and chilled out setting, and you’ll take in a line-up of 3 utterly hilarious comedians and a compere while you’re here. As if that wasn’t already enough, you’ll get 15% off at the Lulivo restaurant for dinner and free entry to Opal Nightclub if you fancy heading out afterwards.
Yep - that's a wall filled with ornamental teapots right there. Opium is one of London's true hidden gems, discretely tucked away behind an otherwise unassuming green door in the heart of bustling Chinatown. Come for seasonal Oriental themed cocktails and dim sum plates in a quirky speakeasy styled bar - it's basically got the ideal set-up if you're really looking to impress someone with your nightlife knowledge.
Experts Vagabond Wines are putting on a series of masterclasses and tasting this summer to teach you more about your favourite tipple. Join them at one of their intimate venues as their experienced staff talk you through a variety of bottles, from Rieslings through to Natural wines.
Head to Chancery Lane for a taste of authentic French cuisine and clean cut lines as Cigalon present the perfect date night in London for you. Inspired by the finest Provençal dishes, Cigalon has suppliers in the South of France to keep their food offering classic, seasonal and fresh.
Looking for a date night in London that won't be forgotten anytime soon? Take that special someone to the Lautrec Jazz Club in South London and soak up all the fun-loving vibes on offer. Showcasing the best jazz and funk & soul performers that the capital has to offer, the bar and kitchen staff work as a team, pairing traditional French dishes with fine European wines.
For a long time, the Top Secret Comedy Club has steered clear of the radar. Delighting crowds in the know with their utterly hilarious - but very elusive - comedy nights, we felt it was time to bring this end of the week comedy extravaganza to the masses. Bring your date if they’ve got an awesome sense of humour, you’ll be laughing all night long and there’s wallet-friendly drinks flowing from the bar.
When it comes to date night in Shoreditch, there's plenty of pop-up and street food options, but what about something more bespoke for that all important evening? Join Tonic and Remedy for fine dining in style as they present stunning dishes alongside a roster of high-end cocktails.
You know, they say chocolate is the most romantic food in the world. So next day night, why don’t you and the one you love get down to a MyChocolate event, where they combine creative, charm and great service to create a truly unforgettable night. Did we mention the event is all about chocolate?
Tiny, cute and very intimate, Scout in East London is perfect for a date night. The bar serves an ever-changing mix of cocktails that use seasonal British produce, while downstairs there's a laboratory where you can see how the magic happens.
Looking to impress that special someone? Take them to Madison for amazing London views, Champagne and fresh seafood as this swanky city spot pulls out all the stops on a London date night.
Sometimes, there’s so much hype surrounding a bar that the experience fails to match your expectations. With Nightjar that is absolutely not the case. Constantly celebrated as one of the best drinking dens in the world, it’s the irresistible set-up combining beautifully mixed drinks with soothing, serenading live music that makes this prized bar so good if you’re pulling out all the stops for date night.
As well as a collection of more than 200 types of rum, Burlock serves up a menu of authentic Cuban and Caribbean food to complement its cocktails. This is a cavernous cocktail bar promising a great atmosphere in Marylebone, with a unique happy hour offering deals from open until close and a Grasshopper Challenge donating £1 from each sale to human rights organisations.
Le Bar is the latest addition to Farringdon's diverse bar scene, pairing fresh cocktails and fine glasses of wine with seasonal small plates of French food. Created by the same masterminds behind the Michelin-starred Club Gascon, the team of expert mixologists and sommeliers will serve drinks that perfectly complement and balance out the flavours of the small plates.
Treat your partner to something spectacular this date night, as Cirque de Ville brings together the best circus, burlesque and cabaret the city has to offer. One moment you could be watching jaw-dropping contortion, the next you’ll be spell-bound by the best magicians, jugglers or spectacular gymnasts in town, all while you tuck into a delicious three course meal.
Based in Castle Tooting in South London, The Big London Bake is a fun summer event that's perfect for the city's many foodies. Taking inspiration from one of Britain's most iconic tv shows, the event will see guests take part in a number of testing challenges in order to find out who London's true star bakers are. Do you have what it takes to choux away the competition and rise to the top?
In a nutshell; Ruby’s is one of our favourite subterranean spots in the whole of London town. Offering something completely different in Dalston, this is a positively charming cocktail bar serving delightful drinks with table service in an atmosphere that just oozes with intimacy. A must-try if you’re looking for a cosy date night destination in east London.
Get yourself down to Ben’s Canteen for date night if you love delicious food in a relaxed environment. Their burgers are paired with the wines, and they are known across London for their seriously indulgent brunch and free-flowing Bloody Marys. Also check out their Earlsfield location.
Date night in London doesn’t get more romantic than Restaurant Ours. Channelling a relaxed yet modern chic approach to interiors, there’s exposed brickwork matched against greenery and simple wooden furnishings. Once you’re won over by the inside, prepare for your taste buds to be wooed by a wonderful list of delicious European food.
When it comes to a date night dinner in London, it's important to find somewhere cool, somewhere charming and somewhere downright delicious, and that's where Coin Laundry come in. Join them for Shoreditch-esque interiors, international plates, classic 70s inspired chicken kievs and plenty more.
Want to impress your date with one of London's best restaurants? This steakhouse and bar by Marco Pierre White is located within the sophisticated DoubleTree by Hilton Islington hotel, and promises a mouth-watering menu of delicious cuisine, plus a massive range of wines, cocktails and spirits.
Set in what was a former public conveniences, The Bermondsey Arts Club is as stylish and suave as cocktail bars come. Designed with art deco gumption and a contemporary persuasion, you'll find a bespoke space of unique furniture pieces where you can experience their hand crafted liquid extravagances in the form of their cocktail list.
Bored of the usual dinner-date night? Fancy pushing the boat out a little? The Boat Show Comedy Club is made for you! Climb abroad two of London's most prestigious vessels - the Tattershall Castle or the Hispaniola boats - and watch as Britain's brightest comedy stars show off their many talented on stage.
Kitty Hawk fuses New York style with the coolness of London set over two floors. With wooden furnishings setting a homely tone juxtaposed against industrial flourishes creates one of the coolest places to drink in the city. Their wine list is extensive and even features selections from the Rothschild Estate, and there’s a wonderful list of craft beers and cocktails as well.
For an evening stocked with gasps of awe, roars of laughter and whoops of excitement, it’s got to be Cabaret Des Distractions. This is a spectacular fusion of cabaret, musical theatre and circus acts that draws inspiration from the Féeries of 19th century Paris. Held at Café De Paris’ opulent 1920s ballroom, mezzanine level tickets are a steal at £15.
Date night in London just got more sociable with Matr. Seven courses which have all been locally and ethically sourced will be the perfect ice-breaker and source of conversation. With 12 people around the table, you’ll be able to meet lots more people together, and if you really want to make the dining experience better, you can pair each course with a wine specifically chosen by an expert sommelier.
Leather sofas, warm lighting, interesting artworks lining the walls; The Den certainly ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to creating a romantic ambience. Bring your loved one to this hidden hotel bar and take in the relaxed yet sophisticated vibe; they serve up a divine Afternoon Tea experience or there’s a bespoke G&T menu to sample if you’re just coming for drinks.
They say going to dinner for a date is a bit cliché now, so why not treat that special someone to a three course liquid lunch. Hidden beneath Voodoo Ray’s is a secret hideaway made to look like a back-street Tokyo bar, and filled with delicious mixed drinks. They offer up three courses of cocktails – starters, mains and dessert – all made from handcrafted spirits, fresh fruits and bespoke bitters.
Angel’s neighbourhood cocktail bar is a sure-fire way to impress on date night. To start with, it’s from the same guys as Callooh Callay, so you can expect a banging list of cocktails made with great skill and imagination. The place offers a super chilled out vibe with cosy seating and attentive staff, and with Alice in Wonderland themed quirks never too far away, this is a must-try for date night close to Islington’s buzzing Upper Street.
The search for a solid date night in London can sometimes prove to be quite long and arduous. Put an end to the headache, and settle in for a drink or two with your beau at Soho's The Arts Theatre Club--a Prohibition-style speakeasy complete with dazzling vintage touches such as private tables and a constant flow of classic crooners coming from the DJ booth.
Try something new for date night in London as The Gibson bar is a venue dedicated to the creation of the Edwardian cocktail. Expert mixologists have been experimenting with the recipe to create a list perfect for the dark, intimate and extravagant East London bar.
You both want to watch a movie, but where do you go? Well, find out where the Nomad Cinema is – normally in one of the most beautiful places in London – and catch some of the most iconic films of all time.
Atlantic Soul Orchestra are taking over Jazz Cafe in Camden for a serious of Sunday night concerts. With delicious cocktails, hearty Southern American dishes and a buzzing atmosphere, this is the perfect place to spend a Sunday.
Nestled beneath an arched brick ceiling and a quiet gem in amongst the hustle and bustle of the city streets sits Copa de Cava, a still relatively unknown bar in Blackfriars, dedicated to the beauty of Cava. With 25 different variations on offer, you can treat your special someone to a glass or two of bubbly, a great way to impress on a date night in London. What's more, the glass-panelled floor is a sure-fire way to get heart beats racing, allowing guests a sneak peek of the ageing bottles of bubbly that lie below.
Cruise down the River Lea with the person you love and maybe have a few cocktails along the way with Sunday Drunch Cruise. The bar is packed with cocktails, wines, spirits, CRATE Brewery beers and cider while the kitchen will be serving up a variety of brunch options. With an up-beat mix of music on the background and wonderful views, this is a great way to spend Sunday with someone you care about.
There's a lot more to Shoreditch than first meets the eye, you know. Found somewhere amongst the countless trendy hangouts and quirky pop-ups is the Whistling Shop - a seductive cocktail venue featuring vintage seating, table service and all of the charm of a Victorian gin palace.
If you’re really out to impress, The Punch Room is a charming reservations only bar tucked away in the London Edition Hotel. Handsomely adorned with oak panelling and with a playlist of vintage soul, ragtime, doo-wop and blues filling the air, cosy up with one of their signature punch bowls for two and embrace an atmosphere evocative of a nineteenth century private club.
The Bloomsbury Hotel harbours secrets behind hotel rooms galore, but their bar also harbours a treat too. Twinkled in lights, propped up by comfortable seating and washed down with some of the finest cocktails in the business, this romantic date night in London will be hard to beat.
Experience the exclusive setting of the Victorian Bath House for a date night in London with a difference. Visits are made by appointment only so book your place and discover this decadent restaurant bar of Victorian excess and rich interiors inspired by period glamour. This one will be sure to turn heads if you're looking to make an impression.
If you're looking to impress a date then this luxurious cocktail bar is just the place to go. With unique cocktails and delicious pan Asian cuisine it has everything you need to enjoy a night of eating and drinking. The late night opening hours mean that you'll have no reason to leave before you're ready. With a sophisticated and fashionable clientele it is sure to impress anyone. Book your table online!
Brought to London by the team behind the multi-award winning Nightjar, this is a sumptuous bar of global influence. Designed to tease all of the senses and take you on a journey of discovery, settle in at the Oriole and enjoy cocktails mixed with the finest exotic ingredients going. There’s similarly delightful grazing plates, and live entertainment comes in the form of live jazz, swing and blues music throughout the week.
The masterminds behind the successful Nightjar bar have now their attention towards Covent Garden, offering London's many young couples a great date night in the form of Swift bar. Using an arsenal of international spirits, fruits and spices, and promising a quick turn around for each drink, the expert team of mixologists serve both classic and inventive cocktails to its guests.
One of Soho's more secret spots, The Light Lounge is a contemporary-cool cocktail treasure den featuring that members only bar feel for utmost exclusivity. Chuck together a few chums and shoot down to this glam go-to and peruse through the fruity, fun cocktail mix as you revel on the d-floor to the upbeat assortment of disco-funk tunes.
Whether you're after classy cocktails or a full-blown meal, Circus will put the dazzle back into date night. Head to Covent Garden as they stylish venue serves up sharing Pan-Asian dishes, all while an amazing roster of entertainment shines on with acrobats, burlesque and fire-eaters the least you can expect.
Fragrant cuisine and Indian delicacies define Cinnamon Kitchen. Plating up award-winning food, this Liverpool Street joint is a certified champion when it comes to innovative flavours, cooking and dining experience. If you're looking for somewhere to impress and engorge your taste buds then this is a home run in the dating field.
Standing out in the crowd thanks to its iconic black exterior and with a reputation for serving some of London's most refreshing cocktails, the Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings is a quirky bar based just a short stroll from Angel station. With a sleek bar serving all the signature cocktails that have made the B&H name famous over the years, the venue's idyllic greenhouse and airy cafe offer prime spots to unwind in with mates. Soak up all the vintage and carefree vibes at this quirky bar in London.
Alice's Adventures Underground are back for 2017 with another huge, jaw-dropping piece of immersive theatre. The Vaults at Waterloo are being transformed into Wonderland in Olivier nominated set design. With rave reviews and a history of selling out, this is one date night with a difference.
Oozing intimacy and serving a first-class choice of tiki cocktails, Trailer Happiness is a winner for romance on Portobello Road. Head underground to uncover this exotic wonderland of delectable dim sum, flamboyant rum cocktails and a quirky, off-beat vibe.
Draped in purple velvet curtains and filled with atmospheric tea lights and Venetian mirrors, Purple Bar is well known for being one of London's hottest and most intimate meeting points. Hidden just off the main reception in the Sanderson Hotel and with room for only 20 seats, the bar is self consciously intimate making it the ideal date destination.
Date nights are made for overlooking the most iconic spots in London from a the sanctuary of a stylish French inspired bar. The Icon Bar & Terrace is such a place with crimson clad sofas, vintage mirrors and fine mixology that will serve you up killer cocktails, classic and new. This is definitely one if you're trying to get an edge to impress...
Urban Coterie Sky Lounge is a intimate and relaxed bar in Shoreditch, found on the 16th floor of M by Montcalm. The bar serves an excellent variety of Champagne and wine, has sharing boards if you're peckish and some incredible views of London. Watch the sunset over the City, pop the bubbly and get ready for one cracking date.
Located on the 17th floor of the fashionable M by Montcalm Hotel, Urban Coterie brings sophisticated drinks and stunning views to your date night agenda in Shoreditch. It’s an open space with light colours and impressive views from nearly every table, and the expertly mixed drinks and Michelin-standard food makes it one of our favourite tips for romance in east London.
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