I am a big fan of British dating. Whether it’s the dating shows or the tacitly established two pints rule in a first London pub date, I just find the whole thing fascinating. It’s not to say I don’t also find it confusing, exhausting and sometimes scary, but I see the joy and the silly nature of it all, and I smile.
One thing that remains a constant quest, however, is finding the right place for the first, second or even third date. I’m hoping karma serves me right and that the two-parts guide I’m gifting you with in my infinite wisdom, comes back to me twofold.
The Teenage Dream
Nostalgic of the good old first dates with a 5 p.m. pick up and a 9 p.m. curfew? Just want to live your American teenage dream and do we blame you? No, we don’t, and we’ll even facilitate it. To truly do the whole bowling, arcade and pool experience in style, it doesn’t get much better than Rowans Tenpin Bowls. This haven of ’90s arcade culture in Finsbury Park will cater to all your needs, yes even that slushies craving.
The Arty vibes
Seeing how someone reacts to good (or bad) and emotionally striking art is a great way into how their brain works and thus a good date idea with conversation topics on hand. My favourite free gallery is the Photographer’s Gallery in Soho. You could also go to the South London Gallery if the other side of the river is what you fancy.
If the weather is sunny, and after having walked around ideally beautiful images, why not set sails on an equally aesthetically pleasing setting and sit in the grandiose courtyard of the Sommerset House at the wisely titled WatchHouse Café?
The water rat
This date idea was met with cries of outrage by friends who said they would never want to engage in any kind of sporting activity on a date. I for one am a believer of finding a little something for everyone and as they go, kayaking can be quite a chill and fun experience. Head on to Chris’s Kayaks London in Islington and rent out kayaks for a fun trip down Regent’s canal. I guarantee the conversation starter will be sorted out in no time. For a well-deserved drink, head on to the Plaquemine Lock, a romantic Créole Canal pub like no other.
The traveller
We’ve entered the golden days of proper summer, where real Londoners will complain as soon as the thermostat rises above 25 C and secretly relish the occasion to feast on ice creams and wave cute wooden fans. It might well inspire us to do a bit of inner city travelling and in this occasion what better than thoughts of Ipanema beach or the Algarve?
One of London’s truly best kept secret, Little Portugal which is located just south of Lambeth and near Stockwell, awaits with its myriad restaurants, bars and specialty shops. Take your date to one of the cute restaurants down south Lambeth Road and if all goes well, visit Tia Maria bar for some Brazilian music and a cheeky dance.
It’s Meridian Time
The beauties of Greenwhich Park, its observatory and the possibility to get to it by boat always win points in my South London book. Travelling down the Thames on a summer day with your date, to then go for a lovely stroll and top it off with a visit to one of London’s most renowned jazz bars, Oliver’s, sounds like a solid plan with plenty of opportunities to get to know each other better.
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Read more about London here in Dispatches’ archives.
Zoé Manset
Zoe Manset is a French actress, writer and producer based in London, UK. After growing up in the Fragrant Harbour otherwise known as Hong Kong, Zoe moved to London in 2018 to pursue a BA in Art History at the Courtauld Institute of Arts. Missing the stage too much, she then completed a two year MFA in drama school and is now living the freelance actor life at full speed. Zoe is a fashion history lover, a great pub amateur, a dancer and a big foodie!
