Where to go and what to do on a first date in London this spring – according to Glamour editors who live there
In a rush (i.e. your date is in a few hours)? No worries, scroll to the bottom now for the best first date ideas in London – with our megalist of curated options for all manner of date.
Let's be honest, though, first dates can be daunting. No matter how bold we are on Bumble, how strong our Tinder game is or how many expert-approved Hinge hacks we've used, that first proper IRL meet-up is enough to reduce even the most experienced daters to a bag of nerves.
And particularly as the sunny spring weather is finally here (sort of…), you might regard getting that first date right as that tactical step to ensuring you're all cosied up come winter (aka. have someone to eat snacks, drink wine and cuddle with in front of Netflix). That's why it's good to have a solid plan; an idea of what you're doing and where exactly to go, to take the pressure off and impress your date with your excellent suggestions (we'll let you take the credit).
3 in 4 UK singles would still prefer an IRL meet-cute.
The problem is, the options for the first date in London are endless… do you go to a restaurant? A pub? A bar? Or do you suggest an M&S meal for two and an evening of Netflix?
Don't panic though, we've put together an eclectic selection of go-to spots and ideas for a first date in the capital, from seriously Instagrammable restaurants and pubs for those who want to keep it casual and budget-friendly, to boat picnics, ping-pong and pottery for those who want something a bit different. We've also put together some more niche suggestions for likeminded dates, for instance, if you're a pair of fitness fanatics, we've got a cracking suggestion for a high-intensity class (if that doesn't get the pulse racing, nothing will…!).
Plus, these are all brilliant ideas for friend dates too, whether you're meeting up with a pal you met online over the pandemic or just want to plan something a little bit special for a friend who is in need of a pick-me-up.
Right, get your notepad out, these are our top first date ideas in London for the spring months to make sure you have a genuinely great time... all you need to do now is choose your outfit.
Scroll down for GLAMOUR best first date picks…
Take a wander through the Barbican’s jungle together
Hidden inside the Brutalist concrete structure of the Barbican Centre is one of the city’s most beautiful conservatories, a leafy utopia for plant and gardening lovers. Do note that admission is free – but you’ll have to book a day ticket, released in advance online on Friday at 10am, with limited on-the-day tickets available at 9:30am on the morning of your visit. Once you’ve sorted that, take a wander around this giant botanical maze while comparing your favourite plants and flowers – providing an inspiring backdrop to get to know one another. If things go well, you can even return for your nuptials… the Barbican Conservatory is fully licensed for weddings. But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves…
Bond over your favourite tomes at London’s BookBar
Looking to seduce someone you can later read across the couch from? Then a date to Blackstock Road’s BookBar is the perfect spot. A north London literary hangout meets wine & coffee bar, you can visit day or evening to have a gander through the new releases before enjoying a drink or two together on-site.
Connect over a shared love of music at an ‘audiophile bar'
If you’ve been bonding over music ahead of your date, Brilliant Corners – a low-lit Japanese bar/restaurant known for its ‘audiophile’ sound system – is the spot to choose. Together you’ll enjoy Japanese-inspired cocktails (think a ‘white old fashioned’ containing shochu, a sake-infused spirit, and miso), a selection of wine andsakes, and a curated record selection from one of their circuit of visiting DJs. Then, if you fancy staying on for food, their set menu (compulsory for all diners, but reasonably-priced at £40 and a good way to take the guesswork out of things) can be adapted for carnivores, pescatarians or vegans.
Visit a famous architect’s former house
If you’re chatting to a design, architecture or history lover (or if you’re one yourself…!) then why not enjoy a fabulous cultural day out visiting the former home of one of the UK’s greatest architects. Built two centuries ago on the corner of Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the largest public square in London, the Sir John Soane’s Museum contains the late architect’s impressive personal collection of curiosities, from Greek and Roman bronzes to original paintings by Hogarth. They also offer regular candlelit ‘lates’ where you can visit after dark, so keep your eyes peeled.
Warrick PageWatch the sunset from Primrose Hill
You can't go wrong with picnic or tins of G&T at Primrose Hill - often dubbed London's best view - sitting 60 metres above sea level, Primrose Hill offers sublime views of London's sprawling skyline. Arrive just before sundown for a romantic view across the city, or grab a takeaway lunch from one of the nearby cafés and delis and enjoy a leisurely afternoon date on a sunny day. If all goes well, meander down to the canal that runs between the hill and neighbouring Regent's Park for an added dollop of charm. And you can ramp up the romance (and also remove the pressure) by picking up a Picnic on the Green hamper from Gail's, it includes a range of goodies from Beetroot Salad to Olive Sourdough and Wildpress juices. Ah, bliss.
Sweat through a boxing class together
Combining a date with high-intensity fitness? It’s not for everyone, but for those who enjoy the thrill of a buzzy class environment, combined with the pulse-racing effects of a workout – why not take a like-minded date along to enjoy the fun, while exchanging flirty glances between sets? KOBOX City, located in one of London’s central office districts, is the place to go for fun, 50-minute-long boxing classes for you and your date to enjoy in your finest workout gear. Afterwards, enjoy a healthy poké bowl at Island Poké down the road in Broadgate Circle, before (possibly!) moving on to a drink at one of the many nearby bars.
Set sail on a GoBoat
Sorry, but is there anything more romantic than sailing into the sunset on a yacht together? No, no there is not. Sadly, we haven't got a billionaire parent or a very kind, very rich friend to lend us one, so instead we'll plump for the next best thing: A trip through the waterways of London on a GoBoat. A short trip along the Thames can serve all the romantic Venice-style feels for a fun first date and you can choose between a couple of routes: Paddington route (via Little Venice, London Zoo and Camden Lock, or west via Ladbroke Grove), or Kingston (past Hampton Court Palace). So, pack a picnic - you can grab a sailor's hat when you rock up (seriously) - and set sail.
Ramp up at the happy at Dopamine Land
Newly opened and not a moment too soon, Dopamine Land in South Kensington is an immersive exhibition that basically does what it says on the tin: floods your body with happy chemicals. We can't think of a happier way to while away a few hours together, and the different experiences you'll be encountering along your journey are sure to be a conversation starter, ice breaker and a reason to ‘accidentally’ bump into each other (wink, wink). Plus, once you've finished, Hyde Park is just a short meander away if you want to continue the date with a relaxing picnic or pop into one of the area's upmarket bars.
Chat over a world-class coffee
If there's one thing London knows how to do, it's a bloody good cup of coffee, and having a chilled chat over a cup of Joe is a great relaxed option for a first date. Some of our favourites include Monmouth Coffee Company, Luminary Bakery, Algerian Coffee Stores and Ozone Coffee.
It's a brilliant option if you're not sure you want to dedicate an entire evening to meeting up (hello, Euphoria awaits us at home), or want to just take the pressure off and keep things a bit more casual.
Try your hand(s) at a pottery class
Now for something completely different. There's something of a pottery craze sweeping the capital this year – perhaps as a push to be more sustainable means we want more handmade, unique, less mass-produced items in our homes. As a result, tons of pottery classes for beginners have popped up everywhere from Peckham to Pinner, but we think the taster sessions at Skandihus would make an extra-special first date.
Snuggle in this cosy historic pub
Go for a walk on Hampstead Heath, take in the magnificent view across London at Parliament Hill, then stroll down to the gem that is The Holly Bush pub. This centuries-old, grade II listed building is full of wood-lined nooks and corners to cosy up in and get to know each other over a glass (bottle) of wine.
Hit up a secret art gallery
Sure, you could visit one of the capital's cultural institutions like The Tate Britain or The National Gallery. But you could also impress your date by introducing them to some of London's lesser-known, unique, beautifully curated galleries – the ideal way to spend a crowd-free day of art-viewing.
We love Banner Repeater on platform 1 of Hackney Downs train station with exhibitions on prints and text; Camden Arts Centre housed in a former public library and exhibiting international contemporary art; Lisson Gallery nestled between the high-end shops of Marylebone; and The Estorick Collection, the only gallery in Britain dedicated to modern Italian art.
Do a civilised afternoon tea at a fancy hotel
Looking to impress with a lavish afternoon tea? You've come to the right city. London is famed for its afternoon teas and while there's plenty of weird and wonderful themed options, we say no one does it quite like the capital's traditional hotels.
Stand-out options include Jean-Georges at The Connaught, where finger sandwiches are flecked with South Asian flavours and the cake stand is bursting with bright and beautifully decorated pâtisseries, and Claridge's, where their distinctive mint green and white china is full of the finest teas, and seasonal ingredients fill the pretty scones, sweet treats and sandwiches. Virgin Experience Days also offer lots of afternoon tea deals in London.
Head to a rooftop venue for all of the views
Nothing says 'romantic date' like a rooftop bar or restaurant with sprawling views over the city. Luckily for you, we've rounded up London's best rooftop bars, beer gardens and terraces, so all you have to do is take your pick.
Have some LOLs at a comedy night
Laughter is key for a good first date, so why not book into one of the capital's excellent comedy nights?
For example, Comedy Fridays at Boulevard Theatre alternate between female-led improv 'The Yes Queens' and 'unruly mixed bill comedy' in the Late Night Scene. The Comedy Store in central often has some big names, too. If you want to save some money, Virgin Experience Days are offering a comedy night for two for just £35 (currently discounted from £44).
Take a picnic boat ride along the Thames
A short trip along the Thames can serve all the romantic Venice-style feels for a fun first date. Try Go Boat, who offer either a Paddington route (via Little Venice, London Zoo and Camden Lock, or west via Ladbroke Grove), or Kingston (past Hampton Court Palace).
Sip cocktails in this secret basement bar
According to a survey conducted by FurnitureChoice.co.uk, going for a drink is the nation's top first date activity (37% said so). But in London, you need to know exactly which pub or bar you're heading to.
And we think Discount Suit Company is one of the city's best-kept secrets. Housed in an old tailors' stock room off Brick Lane, you'll have to spot the old sign hanging off the outside wall, head down the stairs, drawback a heavy curtain, and be greeted by this secret speakeasy's buzzing atmosphere and top-notch cocktail menu.
Challenge each other to a game of ping pong
Head to Bounce in Old Street or Farringdon for a few rounds of bat and ball. If things get too competitive, there's a bar with booze, burgers, pizzas, tacos and more.
Go bowling (no, seriously)
This may divide opinion, but we say bowling is guaranteed first date fun, and thanks to its popularity in London, you don't have to worry about the sticky-floored, slightly grim bowling alleys reminiscent of childhood. Try All Star Lanes, Rowan's or Hollywood Bowl for retro vibes, good grub and a right laugh.
Munch your way around Borough Market
Londoners swear by Borough Market as a top first date spot, and we can see why. If you both love good food, have a mosey around this Southwark staple and unanimously drool over buttery pastries, street food from all corners of the world, fine chocolates and huge wheels of cheese. You can even grab a bite to eat after hours, as Borough Market institution Roast will soon be serving top-quality burgers (with vegan options) from 8.30 pm 'till late.
Get a sugar rush at this candy kingdom
If you and your date have a sweet tooth, get yourselves to Camden Market's North Yard because Hans and Gretel have just answered all your sugary first-date dreams.
It's a magical fairytale dessert parlour serving serious childhood nostalgia, as well candy floss-topped ice cream, chimney cakes, bubble waffles, pick n' mix and endless gelato flavours. Take a pew at one of the fairytale-style tree trunks, snap a pic of the lollipop-lined decor, and enjoy a sugar rush while getting to know bae-to-be.
Hunker down in this flower-covered pub
London is home to some wonderful, characterful, truly British pubs, so choosing which one for your first date can seem like a minefield.
So, here's one of our all-time favourites. Located a short walk from Notting Hill tube, The Churchill Arms is decked out with Churchill memorabilia (his grandparents used to drink there) and the outside is completely covered in flowers, making it one of the city's most recognisable and memorable watering holes.
Jump on the Portuguese cuisine hype
Forget Nando's, the latest food trend sweeping the capital is all about serious, quality, top-notch Portuguese fare, and nowhere does it better (or serves it up in a prettier setting) than Bar Douro in London Bridge or the City.
Snap photos of the pretty walls, a wash of blue and white Portuguese tiles, before feasting on dishes inspired by the cervejarias and tascas of Lisbon and Porto. Make sure you try the bacalhau à brás (salt cod hash), octopus with sweet potato, garlic prawns, and of course, a creamy pastel de nata.
Go for a stroll in one of the capital's parks
London isn't just a concrete jungle. As well as Hampstead Heath, head to Primrose Hill for viewpoints, neighbouring Regent's Park for pretty gardens and the London Zoo, tourist-filled but still beautiful St. James's Park for a picnic and views of Buckingham Palace, Greenwich Park for blossom-lined lanes in the spring, and London Fields for a proper fun east End atmosphere.
Have dinner deep in the jungle
Okay, only figuratively, but we've been seeing this restaurant all over our social media feeds lately and would be very impressed if our first date took us here.
Amazónico in Mayfair is decked out like a lush indoor jungle, with model peacocks, an aquarium-style sushi counter, a huge fire and much more. You may think it sounds gimmicky (and really, what's a first date without a few gimmicks?), but there's nothing ridiculous about the food, except how good it is. The Latin-themed menu features skewers of charred rump steak, plenty of zesty ceviche and sushi, and sticky rotisserie pineapple for dessert.
Grab lunch in a treehouse
The Dominique Ansel Treehouse is a great original spot to grab a drink or bite to eat on a first date. The decor is reminiscent of treetop canopies surrounded by twinkling lights, plus Dominique Ansel is regarded as one of the best pastry chefs out there, so don't forget to grab dessert from the bakery counter on your way out.
Soak up some jazzy vibes with a three-course dinner
Quaglino’s is the perfect mixture of sexiness and distraction, so no matter how the date goes, you’re onto a winner either way. The food is exquisite and on Mondays, they have fantastic live music. Over the years Quaglino’s (Quags for short) has hosted Prince Harry, Angelina Jolie, Elton John and Judy Garland – that’s a great talking point.
Sample some fantastic wines
As far as first dates go, you’re stuck for choice! It’s either a cocktail bar which can be really loud or committing to a full three-course dinner which can be a little awkward.
Vagabond offers a happy medium, with their warmly lit atmosphere and extensive choice of wines (160 to choose from in some sites) you’ll be able to get rid of all the nerves and sink into wines of your choice whilst you get chatting over Vagabond’s selection of small plates. Vagabond’s self-pour technology allows you to experience the perfect wine just for you without committing to a bottle.
Tee off at mini golf
A little bit of competition never hurt anyone! Puttshack is the only mini-golf place for you to go if you want to put your partner through their paces.
With their Trackable technology, there is no need for a scorecard as the ball does all the work for you, this is a no cheaters zone! You can make a night of it with their delicious food menus which include everything from vegan pizzas to sweet churros and you can wash that down with their extensive cocktail list made up of over 100 rums. With their new site located in Bank’s Underground Station, it’s the perfect location for those after-work London dates.
