The Definitive Guide to Dating in London
18 September, 2018
With
With
almost nine-million people living in
London, dating is a pretty tricky business. By the time you
actually find someone you want to spend time with, you’ve then got
to navigate the minefield that is picking a location that says cool
but not try hard, as well as not being too far from what you
usually like to do (pretending to love Star Wars and/or Love Island
is only going to land you in hot water further down the line).
Having gone on some of the worst dates ever (and we mean The
Worst), it’s become clear that it actually doesn’t really matter
where you go – dinner
at Sketch will never make up for borderline fascist views and
mouth-breathing. But a helping hand never goes amiss. With that in
mind, we’ve drawn up a list of places which won’t distract you from
your date, but will provide a pleasant backdrop. Think flattering
lighting, optimum noise levels and easy escape routes (joking… sort
of). Tried and tested, these are the ultimate date spots – all
you’ve got to do is find a worthy candidate.
restaurant
Suss if they’re good at sharing at Barrafina
Soho
thingstodo
Be perplexed by new art at the Newport Street Gallery
Lambeth
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Stroll through The Barbican Conservatory
Barbican
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Take a cooking class at Burro e Salvia
Shoreditch
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Watch a gig in someone’s sitting room
London, United Kingdom
restaurant
Charm with a candlelit dinner at Andrew Edmunds
Soho
This Soho classic serves up relaxed romance and a varied wine
list to boot. With oodles of old-school charm, even if your date’s
a no hoper you’ll struggle not to submit to your beguiling
surrounds. Lit almost entirely by candles wedged into wine bottles,
the food at Andrew Edmunds is simple, elegant – think crab and
fennel salad and roast pork chops. An intimate, though bustling,
bistro setting, this place tips more towards the casual side of
things rather than overly committed.
restaurant
Sample some sauvignon at Sager + Wilde
Hackney
If you’re looking for a chilled-out date vibes, this Hackney
wine bar is gold. The lighting is low, and the wine list is
extensive and changes daily. Grab a seat by the window (or at the
reclaimed cast-iron cellar door bar) and let the staff guide you.
Almost every wine is available by the glass – a gift and a curse.
If you do get peckish (or lightheaded) head next door to Morito for
some fuel.
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Munch on the move at Exmouth Market
Clerkenwell
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Take in a show at the Menier Chocolate Factory
Southwark
bar
Sip Singapore Slings at the King’s Head
Haggerston
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Feel “kneaded” at Bread Ahead
Chelsea
restaurant
Go for some low-key romance at Campania
Bethnal Green
restaurant
Book dinner and a show at Live at Zedel
Soho
restaurant
Hide out in Chinatown at Evelyn’s Table
Chinatown
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Feel 14 again at the Electric Cinema
Shoreditch
bar
Head Off Broadway for a drink and a dance
London Fields