Looking for the perfect first date spot in London? You’re not alone. Local Londoners recently took to Reddit to share their favourite first date ideas, and the responses are giving us some serious inspiration for romance in the Forest City.
1. Mini Golf with a Scenic Twist
The Spot: Tin Cup
The Perfect Add-On: Coffee and a stroll through Springbank Park
Mini golf emerged as a popular choice among locals, and for good reason. It’s the kind of activity that takes the pressure off conversation while still giving you plenty of opportunities to chat and laugh together. The combination of friendly competition and a beautiful park walk creates the perfect balance of structured activity and romantic ambiance.
2. Level Up Your Date Night
The Spot: Tilt Arcade Bar
Nothing says “let’s have fun” quite like challenging your date to a round of classic arcade games with drinks in hand. This spot got multiple mentions from Redditors who appreciate the nostalgic vibes and relaxed atmosphere that gaming provides.
3. The Classic Coffee Connection
The Spot: Kung Fu Tea (downtown)
Bonus Points: Bubble tea and claw machine skills
Coffee dates maintained their status as the reliable classic, with several Londoners vouching for the timeless appeal of getting to know someone over a good cup of joe. One local specifically recommended Kung Fu Tea downtown, especially if your date is into bubble tea and has skills with those notoriously tricky claw machines. Pro tip: Take a romantic walk to Victoria Park afterward.
4. Board Game Café Vibes
The Spots: Saga board game cafe, Anderson’s (if they still have their board game section upstairs)
For couples who enjoy a bit of friendly competition and strategic thinking, board game cafés offer the perfect blend of entertainment and conversation starters. These venues provide a cozy atmosphere where you can discover your date’s competitive side over coffee and games.
5. Trivia Night Champions
The Spot: Powerhouse
When to Go: Trivia and music bingo nights
If you and your date are trivia buffs or music lovers, Powerhouse offers the perfect opportunity to team up and show off your knowledge. It’s a great way to see how well you work together while enjoying some friendly competition with other couples.
6. The Culture Vulture’s Dream Date
The Winning Combo: Museum visit + Victoria Park walk + drinks at Barney’s
One Redditor shared their own successful first date experience with this winning formula. The combination of culture, nature, and casual drinks seems to hit all the right notes – intellectual stimulation, fresh air, and a relaxed environment to continue the conversation.
7. Roll with the Fun
The Activity: Roller skating
For the more active daters, roller skating made the list as an option that’s both fun and slightly terrifying in the best possible way. It’s perfect for couples who aren’t afraid to look a little silly while having a blast together.
8. The Mystery Adventure
The Challenge: “Taddy so Baddy scavenger hunt”
Perhaps the most unique suggestion was this local scavenger hunt, which sounds like it could be either the most fun date ever or a complete disaster – probably depending on how competitive you both are. It’s definitely for couples who like a bit of mystery and adventure.
9. Keep It Real
The Honest Take: “Step 1 get a girl” (followed by crying and laughing emojis)
Not everyone was focused on the actual date planning. One commenter kept it refreshingly honest, proving that London’s dating scene comes with its fair share of humour and relatability.
10. The Takeaway
The Bottom Line: London’s got options for every personality type
The variety of suggestions shows that London’s dating scene offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for something active, cultural, competitive, or just plain fun. From arcade games to art galleries, the city’s got options that go way beyond the typical dinner-and-a-movie routine.
The conversation started when one hopeful romantic asked fellow Londoners to “drop your favourite first date ideas below” on the city’s subreddit, and what followed was a treasure trove of creative suggestions that prove London has way more to offer than you might think.