Planning a first date can be nerve-wracking – you want to make a great impression but without coming on too strong. Whether you met them on a dating app or you’ve been checking them out on Instagram and finally slid into their DMs, you can show them a good time thanks to the variety of activities and first-date restaurants London has to offer. From cosy drinks and meals to cultural activities, you can find something to do whatever your interests are. This is our guide to where to go on a first date in London.
Guide to where to go on a first date in London
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First date-friendly restaurants
Intimate tapas spot
With a cosy candlelit atmosphere and food made for sharing, The Port House is an ideal venue for a first date. Low lighting and wood panels give the place an intimate feel and the menu includes bites to satisfy every taste. Port and wine from Spain and Portugal are also available here.
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417 Strand, Covent Garden
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Website
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The Port House
020-783 677 64 - Read more on Thatsup
Hip seasonal menus
The minimalist candlelit Jolene is comfy and relaxed, and has quickly become a local favourite. The seasonal menu changes every day so there are always fresh tastes to discover. Order a few small plates to share between you like risotto or salad niçoise.
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21 Newington Grn, Stoke Newington 324 Hornsey RoadJolene Newington Green
21 Newington Grn, Stoke NewingtonJolene Hornsey Road
324 Hornsey Road -
jolenen16.comJolene Hornsey Road
bigjobakery.comJolene Newington Green
020-388 723 09Jolene Hornsey Road
020-391 567 60 -
Jolene Newington Green Jolene Hornsey Road
Social Italian pizza
Authentic pizzeria Berberè has locations in Italy as well as London. This is award-winning sourdough pizza served in comfortable restaurants. Each pizza is cut into eight slices to encourage sociable dining - grab a couple to share with your date. Toppings range from classic margherita to four cheese with mushrooms and truffle.
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67 Venn Street, Clapham 300 Kentish Town Road, Camden Town 2 St Giles SquareBerberè Clapham
67 Venn Street, ClaphamBerberè Kentish Town
300 Kentish Town Road, Camden TownBerberè Tottenham Court Road
2 St Giles Square -
berberepizzeria.co.ukBerberè Kentish Town
berberepizzeria.co.ukBerberè Tottenham Court Road
berberepizzeria.co.uk/tottenham-court-roadBerberè Clapham
020-762 738 81Berberè Kentish Town
020-341 771 30Berberè Tottenham Court Road
020-378 114 14 -
Berberè Clapham Berberè Kentish Town Berberè Tottenham Court Road
Rustic Italian cooking
The warm and rustic setting of Campania & Jones is ideal for a dinner date. This is a Southern Italian restaurant serving generous portions of authentic food. There’s an à la carte menu plus a monthly-changing set option. Antipasti, pasta, and meat and fish are served, as well as curated Southern Italian wines.
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23 Ezra Street, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
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Website
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Campania & Jones
020-761 300 15 - Read more on Thatsup
Explore nature together
London's own rainforest
Enjoy a peaceful walk together in any weather at the Barbican Conservatory. Open on selected days, you can explore 1,500 species of plants and trees from all over the world. Orchids and cacti are amongst the plants you’ll see here. There are also three pools with carp, koi, and terrapins.
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Barbican Centre, Silk Street, The City/City of London
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Website
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Barbican Conservatory
020-787 025 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Lush plants and fab views
Sky Garden offers plenty of options for a first date. Take in fabulous views of the city surrounded by plants at the city’s highest indoor garden. Sometimes there’s live music too. Bars and restaurants are on-site if things are going well and you want to settle down for a bit longer.
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The Fenchurch Building, 1 Sky Garden Walk, The City/City of London
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Website
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Sky Garden
033-377 200 20 - Read more on Thatsup
Acres to explore
Hampstead Heath is a great place for a long stroll whilst you get to know each other. Covering 800 acres of land in North London, there are spots with fab city views, ponds full of wildlife, and lots of open space. Stop on a bench along your walk to admire the sights.
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Hampstead Heath, Hampstead
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Cultural and creative dates
Charming modern art gallery
If your date is an art lover, take them to Estorick Collection in Islington. Set in an attractive townhouse, you’ll find three floors of 20th century Italian art, focusing on Futurism in particular. After you’ve seen the work you can stop at the café for Italian coffee and food.
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39A Canonbury Square, Islington
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Website
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Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
020-770 495 22 - Read more on Thatsup
Get creative with clay
If you fancy trying a creative activity together, head to a sought-after pottery class at Skandihus. Public and private sessions are available for adults. A taster day session is ideal for beginners as a first date. If you're more experienced you can join one of the drop-in sessions to work without guidance.
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Unit 4 Tilia Road 11 Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow/Waltham ForestSkandihus Clapton
Unit 4 Tilia RoadSkandihus Walthamstow
11 Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow/Waltham Forest -
skandihus.co.ukSkandihus Walthamstow
skandihus.co.ukSkandihus Clapton
077-078 573 41Skandihus Walthamstow
077-078 573 41 -
Skandihus Clapton Skandihus Walthamstow
Discover contemporary art
Whether you're a visual art expert or you don't have a clue, you can enjoy discovering contemporary art at Camden Art Centre. Housed in a historic building that was originally a library, the centre has exhibition spaces, a café, bookshop, and a secluded garden. There's a busy programme of exhibitions, events, and activities.
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Arkwright Road, Hampstead
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Website
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Camden Art Centre
020-747 255 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Energetic activities
Test your puzzle-solving skills
For an action-packed date, take on an escape room at ClueQuest. A variety of games are available and they’re suitable for two people, as well as groups of up to six. There are puzzles and challenges for every age and ability, as well as three different immersive VR games.
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169-171 Caledonian Rd, Islington
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Website
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ClueQuest
077-987 723 82 - Read more on Thatsup
Crazy golf games
Play nine holes of crazy golf at one of Plonk’s courses. These fun and tricky games are sure to break the ice. Afterwards you can head to the bar to get cosy with a drink and a board game, or you can check out the arcade games and carry on getting competitive.
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Arches B-E, Montague Close, Southwark Unit 63, The Stables Market, 842 Chalk Farm Road, Camden Town Arch 407 Mentmore Terrace, Hackney/Dalston 177 Hoxton Street, ShoreditchPlonk Borough Market
Arches B-E, Montague Close, SouthwarkPlonk Camden Market
Unit 63, The Stables Market, 842 Chalk Farm Road, Camden TownPlonk Hackney
Arch 407 Mentmore Terrace, Hackney/DalstonPlonk Shoreditch
177 Hoxton Street, Shoreditch -
Plonk Borough Market
plonkgolf.co.ukPlonk Camden Market
plonkgolf.co.ukPlonk Hackney
plonkgolf.co.ukPlonk Shoreditch
plonkgolf.co.uk -
Plonk Borough Market Plonk Camden Market Plonk Hackney Plonk Shoreditch
Discover the city from the water
Experience London in a new light with boat hire from GoBoat London. These little grey vessels are self-drive electric boats and you don't need any experience. There's a choice of three routes to explore, including seasonal options. Make it even more enjoyable by bringing a picnic along for the journey.
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Merchant Square, Paddington 22 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets Bishop's Palace House, Bishop's Hall, Kingston upon ThamesGoBoat Paddington
Merchant Square, PaddingtonGoBoat Canary Wharf
22 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf/Tower HamletsGoBoat Kingston
Bishop's Palace House, Bishop's Hall, Kingston upon Thames -
goboat.co.uk/paddingtonGoBoat Canary Wharf
goboat.co.uk/canary-wharfGoBoat Kingston
goboat.co.uk/kingstonGoBoat Paddington
020-388 769 55GoBoat Canary Wharf
020-388 769 55GoBoat Kingston
020-388 769 55 -
GoBoat Paddington GoBoat Canary Wharf GoBoat Kingston
Date-friendly drinks
Cosy up in a traditional pub
The Holly Bush in Hampstead dates back to the 18th century. The traditional wood-panelled venue gives the feel of a country pub. There are plenty of corners to nestle into with a drink. The choices at the bar include something for everyone and upscale pub food is served too.
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22 Holly Mount, Hampstead
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Website
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The Holly Bush
020-743 528 92 - Read more on Thatsup
Two top bars in one
At Swift Soho you’re not restricted to just one bar – you have the choice of two under one roof. Upstairs there’s an award-winning modern cocktail bar with a big selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixes. There are over 300 whiskies too. Downstairs there’s an intimate drinking den with live music performances.
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12 Old Compton Street, Soho
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
East London roof bar
If you want to impress with a stylish bar, PocketSquare is a great option. This Whitechapel sky bar offers panoramic views and has a vibrant and cool atmosphere. At this modern bar you can try well-presented food and drinks, including elaborate signature cocktails. Elevated nibbles like a sashimi mosaic are available too.
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Black Lion House, 45 Whitechapel Road, Tower Hamlets
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Website
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PocketSquare Skyline Bar & Terrace
020-815 912 34 - Read more on Thatsup
Drinks and games
Get comfy with a drink and a board game at Draughts. These bars are reinventing board games for modern times, with a lively and competitive atmosphere. Take your pick from the thousands of games on offer. You can enjoy drinks from beer to cocktails, plus burgers and tacos if you’re hungry.
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41 Kingsland High Street, Dalston Arch 16, Leake Street, South Bank/Lambeth/SouthwarkDraughts Hackney
41 Kingsland High Street, DalstonDraughts Waterloo
Arch 16, Leake Street, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark -
draughtslondon.comDraughts Waterloo
draughtslondon.comDraughts Hackney
0793-093 62 37Draughts Waterloo
0790-344 19 76 -
Draughts Hackney Draughts Waterloo
It's wine time
There are several branches of stylish contemporary wine bar Humble Grape dotted around town. These relaxed and friendly bars are ideal places to get to know your date over a few drinks. Food, including cheese selections and various small plates, is also served here, plus you can buy your favourite bottle of wine to take home with you.
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4 Topsfield Parade, Haringey 8 Devonshire Row, The City/City of London 1 St. Bride's Passage, The City/City of London 18-20 Mackenzie Walk, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets 2 Battersea Rise, Battersea 11-13 Theberton Street, IslingtonHumble Grape Crouch End
4 Topsfield Parade, HaringeyHumble Grape Liverpool Street
8 Devonshire Row, The City/City of LondonHumble Grape Fleet Street
1 St. Bride's Passage, The City/City of LondonHumble Grape Canary Wharf
18-20 Mackenzie Walk, Canary Wharf/Tower HamletsHumble Grape Battersea
2 Battersea Rise, BatterseaHumble Grape Islington
11-13 Theberton Street, Islington -
humblegrape.co.uk/crouch-endHumble Grape Liverpool Street
humblegrape.co.uk/liverpool-streetHumble Grape Fleet Street
humblegrape.co.uk/fleet-streetHumble Grape Canary Wharf
humblegrape.co.uk/canary-wharfHumble Grape Battersea
humblegrape.co.uk/batterseaHumble Grape Islington
humblegrape.co.uk/islingtonHumble Grape Crouch End
020-834 117 81Humble Grape Liverpool Street
020-388 792 87Humble Grape Fleet Street
020-758 306 88Humble Grape Canary Wharf
020-398 513 30Humble Grape Battersea
020-362 022 02Humble Grape Islington
020-390 444 80 -
Humble Grape Crouch End Humble Grape Liverpool Street Humble Grape Fleet Street Humble Grape Canary Wharf Humble Grape Battersea Humble Grape Islington
Hidden basement cocktail bar
To let your date in on a well-kept secret, take them to Discount Suit Company. Disguised as an old warehouse, this is a cosy secret basement bar serving inspiring cocktails. There’s a soundtrack of northern soul and vintage rock ‘n’ roll in this low-ceilinged space with smart wood panelling.
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29A Wentworth St, Tower Hamlets/City of London
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Website
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Discount Suit Company
020-724 787 55 - Read more on Thatsup
Coffee shop dates
Indulge in artisan coffee
If you love nothing more than a hot and fresh cup of coffee, check out Allpress. This roastery supplies a great number of cafés but also has its own sites in East London. These modern spots serve espresso drinks and filter coffee, with understated outdoor seating available. Light food is served too.
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56 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch 55 Dalston Lane, Dalston 58 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch/Tower HamletsAllpress Espresso Tea Building
56 Shoreditch High Street, ShoreditchAllpress Espresso London Roastery and Café
55 Dalston Lane, DalstonAllpress Espresso Redchurch St Espresso Bar
58 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets -
allpressespresso.com/find/allpress-tea-buildingAllpress Espresso London Roastery and Café
allpressespresso.com/find/allpress-london-roastery-and-cafeAllpress Espresso Redchurch St Espresso Bar
allpressespresso.com/find/redchurch-espresso-barAllpress Espresso Tea Building
020-378 170 19Allpress Espresso London Roastery and Café
020-774 917 80Allpress Espresso Redchurch St Espresso Bar
020-774 917 80 -
Allpress Espresso Tea Building Allpress Espresso London Roastery and Café Allpress Espresso Redchurch St Espresso Bar
Top coffee shop in Holloway
Holloway Road's Vagabond N7 is a popular local café. Making use of reclaimed materials and secondhand items, the venue has a homey and eclectic feel. There are indoor seats plus a peaceful walled garden where you can easily chat with your date over a drink. There's a changing food menu too.
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105 Holloway Road
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Website
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Vagabond N7
020-358 137 38 - Read more on Thatsup
Coffee and brunch
Near Finsbury Park there's a stylish and friendly coffee shop that's an ideal date destination. Common Ground has a cool contemporary interior with exposed brick walls, as well as a peaceful garden at the back. Brunch dishes are served as well as quality coffee and a variety of pastries and treats.
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49 Stroud Green Rd
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Vibrant colours and flavours
For casual café bites, Apple Butter Café is a top choice. This vibrant eatery is packed with bursts of colour and an apple tree growing right inside the space. There are outdoor seats too. Pop in for a coffee or tea or try the Middle Eastern-inspired food options like sandwiches and salads.
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32-34 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden
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Website
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Apple Butter Café Seven Dials
020-301 974 74 - Read more on Thatsup
Coffee with personality
F. Mondays has loads of personality and not just in its cheeky name. You'll see lush green plants and laidback outdoor spaces. Come in for a coffee to soak up the atmosphere. You can also buy deli products here like bread, cheeses, meat, dairy, cupboard essentials, and of course, coffee and tea.
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112A Brixton Hill, Brixton 436 Coldharbour Lane, BrixtonF. Mondays Brixton Hill
112A Brixton Hill, BrixtonF. Mondays Coldharbour Lane
436 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton -
fmondayscoffee.comF. Mondays Coldharbour Lane
fmondayscoffee.comF. Mondays Brixton Hill
075-973 912 17 -
F. Mondays Brixton Hill F. Mondays Coldharbour Lane
Much-loved Tooting café
With weathered flooring and exposed brick, Juliets Quality Foods has a pretty typical coffee shop look. The focus is really on the menu, which has imaginative dishes that have made this place a favourite in Tooting. Chat with your date over a coffee or try snacks like house-made cornbread.
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110 Mitcham Road, Tooting
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Unique date experiences
A thrillseeker's ideal date
For a unique first date, climb up The O2 with Up at The O2. Daytime, sunset, and twilight climbs are available, and you can arrange a glass of champagne at the top to make it more memorable. You’ll get excellent views of Greenwich, Canary Wharf, and the Olympic Park with this thrilling activity.
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Peninsula Square, Greenwich
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Website
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Up at The O2
020-846 326 80 - Read more on Thatsup
Breathtaking views
View the sights of London in a unique and impressive way on the London Eye. Millions of visitors head to this observation wheel on the South Bank every year. The transparent pods give you uninterrupted views and the experience lasts about half an hour. Book a private pod to make it even more special.
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County Hall, Belvedere Road, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark
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Website
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London Eye
020-796 780 21 - Read more on Thatsup
See art in a new light
Experience art together in a whole new way at Frameless. This centrally-located museum lets you step inside the artwork, turning art by the likes of Monet, Dali, and Klimt into immersive experiences using projections and sound. After you've seen the exhibition, you can stop in the café and indulge in an art-themed afternoon tea.
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6 Marble Arch
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Not that kind of adult fun
A trip to Fairgame is sure to break the ice on a first date. This unique venue is an adults-only funfair where you can enjoy street food and drinks whilst you play classic fairground games like shooting ducks and whack-a-mole. Sweets like toffee apples and candy floss infused with prosecco are also available at this lighthearted spot.
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25-35 Fisherman's Walk, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets
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Website
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Fairgame
020-459 933 66 - Read more on Thatsup
One way to break the ice
If heading to a bog standard bar on a first date is getting a little bit boring for you, why not ramp it up with some added karaoke? Serenade your match with a romantic ballad, or sink a few cocktails at Hidden Bar before hitting the karaoke rooms to really break the ice. There are private karaoke rooms so you can keep things cosy without having to share with others, and you can order drinks straight from the bar so you don't even have to leave.
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5 Cavendish Pl, Marylebone
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Website
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Moyagi London
075-195 600 68 - Read more on Thatsup
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