Date Night
Date-Night Ideas in London
Date-night ideas in London that beat another nice meal, for a first date or a hundredth.
In short: our top picks are Sky Garden, Electric Cinema Portobello and Bounce Holborn. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Dinner is the easy part of a date. The idea, the thing you do instead of or before the table, is what people remember. These are date-night ideas in London that beat another nice meal, for a first date or a hundredth.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sky Garden | The City | £££ |
| Electric Cinema Portobello | Notting Hill | £££ |
| Bounce Holborn | Holborn | ££ |
| Frameless | £££ | |
| Gods Own Junkyard | Walthamstow | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
Sky Garden
Why we pick itFree if you book ahead: a tropical garden and bar near the top of the Walkie-Talkie, with some of the best views in the city.
A cheap, memorable opener.
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Electric Cinema Portobello
Why we pick itVelvet sofas, footstools and cocktails brought to your seat in one of the loveliest cinemas in Britain.
The most romantic way to watch a film.
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Bounce Holborn
Why we pick itPing pong, pizza and cocktails in a buzzy Holborn hall. Daft, competitive and a brilliant icebreaker.
The best first-date icebreaker.
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Frameless
Why we pick itAn immersive digital art experience near Marble Arch where the paintings move around you.
Impressive and easy to talk about.
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Gods Own Junkyard
Why we pick itA dazzling Walthamstow warehouse of neon signs with a little cafe and bar. Unusual and photogenic.
Unusual, photogenic and free.
Before you book
Book anything popular well ahead, especially at weekends. Pair an activity with a drink rather than a full dinner to keep it loose, and pick something with built-in conversation; a shared experience does more for a date than a quiet table.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Sky Garden is our editor's choice: Free if you book ahead: a tropical garden and bar near the top of the Walkie-Talkie, with some of the best views in the city. Sky Garden, Electric Cinema Portobello and Bounce Holborn lead the guide, with 5 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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