Dating

Sober date ideas in London

By Swingers

We’ve put together some great date night ideas with a focus on fun activities, so you can get to know each other with zero hangovers the following day.

Sober date ideas in London

With almost 40% of Gen Z and 21% of Millennials choosing not to drink, the tides are turning on alcohol infused activities.

Date night is one of the main events to keep a clear head for – make sure you’re putting your best foot forward and will remember what you got up to afterwards!

We’ve put together some date night ideas with a focus on fun activities in London, so you can really get to know each other with zero hangovers the following day. 

 

Swingers

A young man helps position his date’s swing on an indoor crazy golf course with a wooden loop-de-loop.

Swingers have a great selection of non-alcoholic cocktails if you’re looking for a unique date idea, while staying your whole, sober self. 

Bring your a-game to the mini golf course – staying sober will mean you’re match-fit and ready to give it your all. Get competitive and challenge each other to a game of mini golf on one of Swingers’ scenic courses.

With lots of delicious mocktails infused with CleanCo, you can make your evening all about fun and connection.

This Valentine’s we’re teaming up with CleanCo and Sober & Social for a unique Valentine’s event that brings all the fun of date night without the hangover. With over 62% of the population believing they form better connections when dating sober, this is an evening you don’t want to miss.

Just remember, you won’t be able to blame the drinks for losing this time!

 

Alcohol free comedy club/other comedy club options

comedy

It can be hard to loosen up on a date, with nerves taking over and making you self-conscious about your every move. Take the pressure off and guarantee some laughs by taking your date to a comedy show.

While there are many locations around London to enjoy, there’s also a London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club, if you’d rather not surround yourself with drinkers.

 

Go for brunch

brunch

No one said dates were restricted to evenings! If you’re a breakfast person, why not schedule your date for midday – the perfect time if you’re not sure how successful it’s going to go. If you get on well, you can extend your date into the evening. If not, you can rush off to “other plans”.

Perhaps you’re fussy eaters, and can never agree on what to eat. Alternatively, maybe you’re both foodies and can’t get enough of trying new foods. Either way, take a trip to a food market, where you can sample street food from different cuisines from around the world.

There are lots to choose from in London, so there’s bound to be a spot near you. Choose from one of the Mercato locations (Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle, Mayfair, Wood Wharf in Canary Wharf), or visit Seven Dials Market in Covent Garden.

 

Go rock climbing

bouldering date

Chances are, if you’re looking to cut down your alcohol consumption, one of the main reasons is due to its impact on your health. Why not make your date about fitness too?

Whether you’re new to rock climbing or a regular, it’s a great chance to up your fitness. Lifting your bodyweight off the ground is a skill in itself, but bouldering also involves problem solving – trying to find the best route and best way to lean your bodyweight to make it to the top of the wall.

It’s a great opportunity to show off some skills, see how your date copes with problem solving, and strengthen your relationship by working together to get to the top of the wall.

Some climbing gyms across London:

 

Visit a gallery or museum

Natural History Museum London

Inject some culture into your date by visiting one of London’s many museums or galleries.

Every month, the Tate Modern hosts evening events, usually on Fridays, featuring a diverse blend of art, conversations, and food. On Fridays, the British Museum extends its hours until 8.15 pm, providing a leisurely opportunity to explore exhibitions. Chinatown, just a little over ten minutes away, is an ideal spot for post-visit dining. Admission to both the Tate Modern and the British Museum is completely free.

And if you’re feeling hungry or thirsty there, do not worry as the Corner Bar at Tate Modern provides great food and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks on their menu!

For another option, the National Portrait Gallery, Barbican Art Gallery, and Whitechapel Gallery all welcome visitors for free late-night entry.

 

Thames Lates

Thames at night

Setting off from the London Eye Pier, get the wind in your hair and see the beautiful scenery of London at night on a speedboat “after hours” experience.

With an award-winning comedian as your guide, you’ll get a late night tour of London after dark. Get your hearts racing as the skipper opens the throttle and speeds down the Thames, twisting and turning towards Canary Wharf.

The tunes will be pumping, and there’ll be plenty to look at – it’ll be a night to remember – and you will, because you won’t have been drinking!

It won’t all be high speed and adrenaline, the tour will slow down towards Tower Bridge, where you’ll enjoy a drink and grab a chance to catch your breath.

 

Cooking classes

cooking class date

Get an insight into your date’s cooking skills – how well do they cope under pressure? How much attention do they pay to little details? How well can they follow instructions? All important factors to consider for the future of your relationship!

At Greenwich Pantry, there’s lots of cooking classes to choose from, including sushi, pastry and pie, and bread making. There’s even a date night special class, where you’ll learn how to cook a three course meal – one to have in your back pocket next time you want to treat each other to a home cooked meal.

Soft drinks will be provided throughout, and you’ll get to leave with the food you’ve made, as well as newly found skills in using knives, skills and techniques associated with the recipe you’ve made, and a new confidence with cooking.

 

London Cheese Crawl

cheese

While some might focus their date around alcohol, there’s nothing stopping you from making cheese the star of the show! Starting in Mayfair and working your way around the city to Covent Garden, sample a multitude of cheesy delights on the London Cheese Crawl.

Stopping on the way at Fortnum & Mason (official cheese suppliers for the royals) and Little Italy along the way, it’s the perfect date that’s cheesy in the right way. Avoid the drunk cheeses if you’re looking to keep it completely alcohol-free. 

It’s not just about the eating – the cheese crawl also involves cheese trivia! Test whether you know your gouda from your cheddar, and impress your date with all your cheese expertise.

 

 

Swingers ~ The crazy golf club

We believe that life is more fun when there is an element of competition, and that competition is best enjoyed with friends.

Swingers, the crazy golf club takes the holy trinity that is crazy golf, street food and amazing cocktails and combines them all into one incredible social experience