Date Night
How to Plan the Perfect Date Night in London
A considered guide to planning a date night in London that feels effortless, from the first drink to the last.
In short: our top picks are Clos Maggiore, The Connaught Bar and Sky Garden. 4 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
A great date night looks effortless and almost never is. The secret is not spending more; it is choosing well and leaving room for the evening to breathe. This is how we would plan a London date night worth remembering, whether it is a first or a fiftieth.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Clos Maggiore | Covent Garden | ££££ |
| The Connaught Bar | Mayfair | ££££ |
| Sky Garden | The City | £££ |
| Electric Cinema Portobello | Notting Hill | £££ |
-
Editor’s choice
Clos Maggiore
Why we pick itOften called the most romantic restaurant in London; book the candlelit conservatory months ahead.
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The Connaught Bar
Why we pick itWorld-ranked cocktails to open the evening; the martini trolley is the rite of passage.
Worth knowingSkip it if you want a quiet local, or you are not in the mood to dress for a room
-
Sky Garden
Why we pick itA free rooftop garden for a drink at golden hour; an effortless, memorable first move.
-
Electric Cinema Portobello
Why we pick itTwo-seat sofas and a bar; cinema as a proper date rather than an afterthought.
Before you book
Book the table first and build the evening around it, allowing time for a drink before and a walk after. Keep one thing planned and one thing loose. Dress a notch up; it changes how the night feels. And put the phones away once it starts.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Clos Maggiore is our editor's choice: Often called the most romantic restaurant in London; book the candlelit conservatory months ahead. Clos Maggiore, The Connaught Bar and Sky Garden lead the guide, with 4 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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