The Best Places For A Memorable First Date

It’s one of the biggest decisions you can make. Something that either says that you’re a person of panache and imagination – or that you’re a clueless clot whose potential as a partner is severely limited. We’re talking about the first date scenario. Which should be all about good conversation, mild flirting and bonding. But the location for it can flip the scene from “we’re like two peas in a pod!” to “my friend’s just called. She’s sick. I have to leave” in a heartbeat.

Not to put too much pressure on, but it’s a make-or-break moment. So forget anxiety-inducing fancy restaurants where you have to pretend to know whether the wine is corked or not, and don’t even think about silence-filled hours in a cinema. What you need is something, cool, quirky and a little bit different. Just like you, in fact. Here are five great ideas to start things off properly.

01. An evening at Swingers

Where better to break the ice than an evening spent playing the craziest of crazy golf in one of Swingers’ swanky locations – either London’s City or the West End. It’s fun, flirty (one of you will surely have to get up close and personal to show the other how to putt) and combines a brilliant golf course that, frankly, anyone can play – with super cool bars and street food stands.

From Breddos Tacos to Made of Dough to Patty & Bun to Hackney Gelato, there’s something to suit all appetites, so you can eat, drink and get to know each other after spending a fun hour battling everything from a loop-the-loop shot to a ramp-based jump shot hole. There’s a real buzz about Swingers and plenty of people-watching opportunities, so even if your chat flags for a moment you’ll see lots to talk about. Because bonding over another group’s terrible golfing ability is surely the path to true love.

02. A boozy bottomless Prosecco brunch

Dinner is way too much of a commitment for a first date. Who wants to sign up for multiple courses when you’re not 100% sure about your potential partner? Add in the fact you’re meeting them at night, and potentially finishing late, which means they may expect an invite home for ‘coffee’.

Talking of which, a daytime date for coffee is incredibly dull. And barely time to get to know each other. Lunch is out too. Nothing interesting ever happens at lunchtime. But brunch has a quirky, special appeal. It’s not something you do every day and, if you throw in some alcohol, then it has a freewheeling world-of-possibilities feel that is the hallmark of every good first date. Plenty of places will do a boozy brunch deal but for something with a touch of class, we can recommend London’s Roka restaurant (Canary Wharf branch) for its weekend brunch.  

03. A morning rave

Some people have suggested that attending a yoga class or an exercise session together are viable first date options. Ignore these crazy people. Instead, consider a way that combines fitness, fun and banging tunes in one colourful package. We’re talking about morning raves, run by the likes of Morning Gloryville, which see hundreds of bright-eyed, sober, club-loving types gather together for an early party. And it’s all without a suspicious substance insight. This invigorating, transforming experience – often soundtracked by top DJs – will give both dates great bragging rights to their friends. And you can even go to work afterwards. 

04. Visit a street food market

The UK’s street food revolution shows no sign of abating and new places pop up all the time. It’s a great way to show off a little about your knowledge of global cuisine, plus the shared experience of trying food for the first time is a good way to build a connection with someone. The time spent queuing and eating together, with plenty going on around you to talk about, means you should quickly figure out whether date number two is a possibility.

And ignore all that ‘what you should NEVER eat on a first date’ advice. The greasier and messier it is, the more amusing it’ll be for your date. Because making someone laugh on a date is always a good idea. London’s Street Feast collective has several great spots in the capital, head here to check them out.

05. A secret gig

What better way to show you’re in touch with what’s going on than to arrange entry for both of you to a secret music gig. Don’t worry, you don’t need record company CEO-level connections to get on the guest list, as groups such as Sofar Sounds run small concerts in various cities globally, including over a dozen in the UK. Sofar transforms everyday spaces – like a living room or retail shop – and turns them into a captivating venue for secret, live shows, creating an immersive experience that brings guests and artists closer together. Each Sofar is small and typically features three diverse acts, with no headliner. Even better, texting and taking pics is actively discouraged, so you can concentrate on the music – and each other. Bring some drinks and an open mind.