Escape to Pop Up Ping Pong’s secret Elf Factory in Hackney for one last round of festivities on the Saturday before Christmas.
Date Ideas For: Drink
Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road Flower Market is one of my favourite markets in London, lined with boutique shops, tea rooms and art galleries, the sight, sounds and smells of Columbia Road Flower Market is fabulous experience. If the weather is fair then Columbia Road is definitely a must do Sunday date in London, you basically cannot go wrong.
A Date with the Lates
London’s museums and galleries are great for a date, most of them are free, there are loads of them so there is something to suit everyone and they have regularly changing exhibitions, but what could make the experience better… how about going at night, listening to live music, relaxing with a drink and wandering the halls of the exhibits without any screaming kids getting in your way. The museums and galleries of London open their doors late for special fun evenings which make great date nights. Read on for our list of when and where they are.
Popcorn Flip
Do you like popcorn? Do you like cocktails? Do you like bouncy castles? If the answer to any of these is YES then check out Monkey Shoulder’s final episode of its For One Night Only events
Reyka Remix
For two days this winter, on the 7th and 8th of November get ready for Reyka Remix, the official launch party for Reyka Vodka. Held in Arch 402 in Hoxton. The handcrafted vodka will be hosting a party the only way they know how, Icelandic style!
Beagle restaurant
Sitting within two of the railway arches by Hoxton Station, this bar/restaurant is causing a stir in East London with its unashamedly industrial feel and upmarket food and cocktails.
I came here on a date last week and loved the smart feel of it. Exposed brickwork, metal tables and chairs and a concrete floor doesn’t sound like much but it’s beautifully smart and softened by flowers and candlelight.
Dates Ideas for Halloween 2013
All Hallows’ Eve is approaching, time to get dressed up and spooked out. What better way to get close to someone than when you’re petrified or drinking a novelty Halloween cocktail. Trick or treat you date to London’s best original Halloween nights, and to save you the research we’ve got the list right here. Read on for our top Halloween 2013 date ideas in London.
Oblix at the Shard
I’ve been slightly cynical about the Shard since it’s been open. Believing it to be over-priced and over-hyped I’d resisted going up. This came to an end last weekend when my date insisted we go up to one of the bars for one drink to see the view.
South East Asia ArtsFeast
Spring-Roll up close to celebrity chef Luke Nguyen and Banh Mi11 founders at Edible Experiences’ South East Asia ArtsFeast in London
Want to meet celebrity chef and Vietnamese food ambassador Luke Nguyen? Or learn the secret technique of rolling those immensely popular Banh Mi 11 spring rolls? How do you tell the difference between Thai and Italian basil? Where can you eat chilli crab in London? And is Bicol Express from the Philippines a mode of transport, or a notoriously spicy pork stew?
Chocolate Week at Gaucho
Chocolate Week is upon us once again! You can discover chocolate as you’ve never tasted it before with Chocolate Week events at Gaucho restaurants across the UK from 14th – 20th October 2013.
Gaucho’s Chocolate Week events combine the British love of chocolate with Argentina’s renowned beef and Malbec to create a series of memorable and delectable dining experiences for guests. This includes complimentary Malbec chocolates for all diners, Malbec and Chocolate Masterclasses, Chocolate Cocktail Evenings and an innovative Chocolate Week Menu.
Carriage 34
Half way down Lower Marsh sits Carriage 34. As you walk in, immediately you are transported back to a different era, it’s moody low lighting, chandeliers and simple yet slick wooden design has a real elegance and charm of the 1940′s.
Giant Robot
I first came to Giant Robot a week or so ago when my date and I decided to stop off for a quick drink after work. I instantly liked the fun feel of it, it managed to pull off industrial and cosy at the same time with exposed brickwork, metal and tea lights creating a nice effect.
The National Theatre Propstore
I went here for the first time last week and I wish I’d been here sooner. Set right on the riverfront, the Propstore pops up every summer and is literally built of old props from National Theatre productions whilst also using them as decorations all over the bar. It’s open as a cafe bar, with seats indoors and then spilling right out onto the South Bank.
Image taken from National Theatre Website
Brixton for a Date
Brixton may not conjure up images of romance but it’s been developing fast over the past few years so it’s not one to overlook. The area around the classic Ritzy cinema has been completely redeveloped and now regularly plays host to small festivals and events. Brixton village, a once dilapidated shopping arcade is now a super trendy restaurant hotspot and Brixton’s bars and clubs are some of the most fun and vibrant in London.
So Brixton for a date? Sure, why not. Read on and we’ll tell you about all the best places to go.
The 9 Hour Date
In my humble opinion, the sign of a good first date is longevity and if you get a kiss at the end of it. Sure this may be a base way of looking at it but once you’ve grown bored of the box ticking and the social analysis, all that matters on a first date is two things: Do you get on? And, do you fancy them? The rest can wait till next time.
Zoo Lates
One of my favourite London dates, Zoo Lates takes place at ZSL London Zoo every Friday night throughout June and July. This event gives you the chance to visit the animals after hours, see animal feeds, hear talks and see live entertainment like comedy and cabaret and take part in a silent disco. There’s over 750 different species at London Zoo and while in the daytime it’s still a great date venue, Zoo Lates is just that little bit more special.
Best Bars in Waterloo for a Date
Waterloo is one of my favourite areas of London, sitting right by the river with a multitude of bars and restaurants and the occasional pop up market. Plus it’s within easy walking distance of the west end. Unfortunately a lot of other people think the same about Waterloo, especially those pesky tourists. As such this popular tourist area usually comes complete with steep tourist prices. However before you run screaming from Waterloo, please don’t panic – it still has loads of bars that aren’t extortionate and are perfect for a date. Here are some of our favourites that have never let us down.
Rooftop Bars for a Date in London
Having a panoramic view over London with a drink in hand is the perfect way to spend a summer’s day, evening or both. There’s no denying that London at a great height shows London at its most beautiful. But these views usually come with a premium price which is why LDG has got you covered. We’ve only included the bars that are well worth the price, and best of all, offer that little something extra…
Image taken from frankscafe.org.uk
Apres London
Set between St Christopher’s Place and Selfridge’s sits Apres, a slick cocktail bar that is the perfect place to escape the hordes on Oxford Street.
Meeting my date on a sunny day we ambled the short walk to Apres from Bond street. We were greeted by a friendly waitress who sat us outside under a heater and left us to get to know each other better.
Cubana
Nestled behind Waterloo station on the corner of Lower Marsh Street sits Cubana, a lively Cuban bar with delicious cocktails, live music and tasty food. I don’t think I’ve been to a another bar in London as many times as I’ve been to Cubana which shows how much I love it!
