A great London evening looks effortless and almost never is. The secret is not spending more; it is choosing well and leaving room for the night to breathe. Start with a drink somewhere with a sense of occasion, build the evening around one good table, and let the hours after take care of themselves.
For the table, we would point you to our pick of the most romantic restaurants in London, or somewhere with a little more energy from the best restaurants in Soho. Open with a drink at one of the best cocktail bars in London, and if the night is a special one, consider making it a stay at one of the best luxury hotels in London.
Book the table first and plan around it, allowing time for that first drink and a walk in between. Keep one thing fixed and one thing loose. And when the meal is done, do not rush home; the best London evenings tend to drift somewhere better than the plan. For ideas on where, our guide to things to do in London is a good place to start.
