Good Date Guide: London
You heard it here first: our expert panel of Date Guide Gurus (a world-leading dating expert, a journalist whose work has featured in the likes of Refinery29, VICE and The Independent and one of our trusty Inner Circle members) has drunk, dined and danced their way across London’s best date spots (hard work, but someone’s got to do it).
The result? A ranked list of the city’s favourites.
Each top date spot has been romantically-rated with the stimulation of senses in mind. Each sense has also been scored for an overall ‘Chemistry Calculation’.
So, whether you’re looking to flirt over fine dining or set sparks alight somewhere off the beaten path, we’ve got date spots that hit the spot. Ready to go on a good date?
1) Dans le Noir, Clerkenwell
CHEMISTRY CALCULATION - 100/100
Dans le Noir translates quite literally to ‘In the Dark’. And it does exactly that. Diners are plunged into darkness to enjoy a gourmet meal. Why in the dark? To heighten the senses and deliver a unique sensory experience.
Dating expert, Charly Lester, said: “Everything is heightened. I’ve never been more aware of everything going on. The lack of sight forces the other senses. You have to touch the person you’re on a date with a lot more than normal, but within this setting it really works and forces you to build a better rapport. It helps the barriers come down in an amazing shared experience.”
2) The Italian Gardens, Hyde Park
CHEMISTRY CALCULATION: 88/100
The Italian Gardens in Hyde Park will put all other park walk dates to shame. It boasts water fountains, greenery and a collection of statues dating back to the 1800’s. There’s also the stunning Italian Gardens’ Cafe, serving up classic Italian aperitivos.
Good Dating Guide panellist and dating journalist, Izzie Price, said: “You could just as easily be playing extras in Kenneth Branagh’s Tuscan, sun-drenched Much Ado About Nothing. Elegant fountains arc and twirl, Grecian-esque statues are strategically placed for maximum artistic impact and the eponymous cafe at the centre of it all offers decadent hot chocolate and freshly-squeezed orange juice among its other delectable Italian beverage offerings.”
3) The Crown and Shuttle, Shoreditch
CHEMISTRY CALCULATION - 88/100
The list wouldn’t be complete without a top notch pub. East-end, craft beer pub Crown and Shuttle is just that. It’s relaxed; it’s casual; it’s informal: it’s perfect for a date. You’ll have a tough choice here picking between the edgy interior or the beautiful sun-trap garden.
Dating journalist, Izzie Price, said: “As far as drinks go, you’re looking at a fairly standard wine menu (the Le Fou Pinot Noir is divinely drinkable), but what sets the menu apart is its lyrical descriptions of every single wine in question. Discussing these wines in depth, in such a relaxed space, is sure to chase any first-date nerves well away.”
4) Four Thieves, Battersea
CHEMISTRY CALCULATION - 80/100
A unique, gaming pub experience. Moonshine racing, VR booths and retro arcade games. Four Thieves is perfect for a first date with a competitive edge. The buzzy atmosphere makes for a high energy meetup - great for those just getting to know each other.
Good Date Guide panellist, Steve Hopper, said: “The setting was retro and abstract - an amazing and deliberate use of colour, which really added to the experience. There was a quiet enough area downstairs with dim, relaxed lighting for you to chill with your date. This contrasted with the electric, vibrant upstairs arcade. They nailed the aesthetic, so much to see and do. A perfect date spot.”
5) Cicchetti, Piccadilly
CHEMISTRY CALCULATION - 80/100
At the heart of the West End, Cicchetti delivers delectable Venetian small plates. The dishes have a discernibly Metropolitan air and olive oil is the name of the game here. The zucchini fries and bruschetta are must-tries for date sharers. To get to know your date better in this setting, opt for a quieter booth or corner table.
Dating journalist, Izzie Price, said: “Aesthetically, the restaurant is a real treat. A glossy marble bar with elegant bar stools elevates the atmosphere to one of regal glamour. The buzz, chatter and bustle make for an environment that is fun, with excitement and glittering decadence.”
6) The Little Orange Door, Clapham Common*
CHEMISTRY CALCULATION - 80/100
The Little Orange Door is an Inner Circle favourite. It’s been home to a number of our iconic singles parties. But it’s a perfect date spot too. It’s cosy and casual while still evoking an air of subtle glamour that makes the occasion feel ‘special’.
Dating journalist, Izzie Price, said: “The level of detail that’s gone into making it feel like someone’s living room is incredible. The dusky lighting is made for romance, and the mismatched, colourful furniture invites you to settle in for the evening — you can pretty much guarantee an abundance of deep, meaningful conversations all night long.”
*since publishing The Good Date Guide there has been a fire at The Little Orange Door and they've had to shut their doors for a short while. But, The Little Door & Co also has the yellow and blue door which both have great date vibes.
7) Draughts, Waterloo
CHEMISTRY CALCULATION - 80/100
Tucked away within the famous Leake Street Graffiti tunnel underneath Waterloo Station, Draughts is a unique spot. Board game fans can choose from over 800 games - practically any you could imagine. It invokes a warm sense of nostalgia, and is a sensory treat. It’s a perfect spot for an afternoon date, and offers a good selection of bites to eat.
Good Date Guide panellist, Steve Hopper, said: “Draughts marks another victory for gaming as a dating option. It allows plenty of opportunity for ice breaking, fun, positive memory recall, which evokes emotion and can leave a lasting impression on the date - as long as you’re the winner!”
8) The Nest, Fitzrovia
CHEMISTRY CALCULATION - 76/100
A short walk from bustling Oxford Circus, The Nest has incredible 360-degree skyline views of London. If it’s chilly outside, the cosy indoor lounge mimics a treehouse; or you and your date can venture outside to the terrace loungers to watch the sun go down.
Good Date Guide panellist, Steve Hopper, said: “If you were to take someone on a first date here, this would create high expectations for date number two. The views across London are some of the best I’ve ever seen. If you are a beverage connoisseur, this is a great venue for you. There’s such a wide range, especially scotch and gin.”
9) Feya Cafe, Bond Street
CHEMISTRY CALCULATION - 68/100
Feya Cafe is an Instagrammers playground. Every corner dishes up interior inspo, from plant covered walls to neon sights, making for a pretty date spot. Feya caters not only for coffee lovers - with every coffee or latte you could imagine - it’s also ideal for those with specific dietary requirements, even offering a Keto omelette.
Dating expert and panellist, Charly Lester, said: “This is the sort of place you could keep coming back to. It’s beautiful, but not pretentious. The whole venue looks like it’s had a lot of thought put into it and the cakes are delicious.”
10) The Courthouse Hotel, Soho
CHEMISTRY CALCULATION - 56/100
Set in a historic, listed building, the former courthouse (the clue’s in the name) was home to many famous trials back in its day. From Mick Jagger’s cannabis possession to literary legend Oscar Wilde’s ‘Queensbury’ case. Today, it has topped our list of the best date spots in London.
Dating journalist, Izzie Price, said: “The hotel has a rooftop bar with sweeping views over the rooftops of Soho and a buzzy atmosphere. If you’re after something a little more intimate, one of the individual ‘cells’ on the ground floor would be the spot for you. The cellular setting is a great talking point, and the champagne cocktails are a must.”
Meet our expert panel of Date Guide Gurus:
Charly Lester, dating expert
Charly Lester is Inner Circle’s resident dating expert and one of the world's leading voices on dating. She was profiled in Forbes in 2018, and is the former Dating Editor for the Guardian, and Global Head of Dating for Time Out. She has appeared on BBC NewsNight representing the online dating industry, and is a regular guest on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.
Izzie Price, dating journalist
Izzie is a freelance writer and journalist based in London. Her commentary on dating has featured across leading titles including Refinery29, The Independent, Vice and Metro.
Steve Hopper, Inner Circle member
Steve is an Inner Circle member, and by day, works as a presenter on TV and local radio. He has been a member for just under a year and is a regular on the London dating scene, where he coaches people to improve their dating experiences.
Love is in the air, location’s locked down and date night is all sorted. The only thing you need now? Someone to take on the date.
(Lucky for you, we’re experts on that, too.)