Where to Go on A Date in London

Recently, a friend of mine asked if I could recommend a good place for a third date in London. I didn’t think there was a such thing as dating in London –apparently I missed the memo—but I figured I could probably help anyhow. I immediately asked what sort of vibe she wanted to give off, and romance was the key. So I threw out some suggestions, relying heavily on the presence of candlelight:

The Bleeding Heart in Clerkenwell, particularly the formal restaurant downstairs, where the service and atmosphere are very French, it’s all quite dark, and it’s all very candlelit. (Candlelight, by the way, is the most flattering light for a woman to be seen in.  Dims those fine lines and wrinkles. If you have any.)

I threw the question out to Twitter and Simon Majumdar of Dos Hermanos fame (and, well, Iron Chef fame) suggested Andrew Edmonds in Soho, which I immediately agreed with and forwarded on. I’ve always wanted to go to Andrew Edmonds, being as it’s across the street from one of my most favourite London spots, Fernandez & Wells. My only challenge with Andrew Edmunds is that the seating is quite tight so if you really want privacy, this might not be the place. Apparently, when I think third date, I think candles.

As I was delivering my 3^rd date advice, my girlfriends and I started talking about first date advice and recommendations. I’m of two minds about this. For some first dates, you want a place that’s super crowded with lots of people watching, just in case conversation becomes awkward at points. For other first dates, a quiet and intimate restaurant is not a bad thing. It just depends on the person, doesn’t it?

I thought about what I’d want to do on a first date in London and I couldn’t really reach beyond my old standbys, with a bit of an East London bias. Here’s where I’d want someone to take ME.

Broadway Market in Hackney for lunch (I like the Ghanese stand with the peanut chicken) and a beer or three at The Dove, and then a walk down the tow path to Angel, at which point we say goodbye at the tube.

A quick spin through Camden before the hordes descend, and then the water taxi through the Regent’s Canal from Camden Lock to Little Venice and then a drink at The Waterway in Maida Vale. If it made sense, I might even suggest walking from Little Venice to Camden, with a stop at The Engineer in Primrose Hill before we reach our final destination.

A walk down Brick Lane on a Sunday afternoon with a stop for drinks and people-watching. Maybe some food from the Sunday Up Market.

A late-night at the Tate Modern for drinks and modern art.

Bowling at All Star Lanes

Experience live jazz at Ronnie Scotts

Press for Champagne at Bob Bob Ricard

Visit the American Bar at The Savoy

What about you? If it was your first date in London, where would you want to go? (Or where would you take that special someone?) And how about that all important third date? Any suggestions?

While you’re here, check out my Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in London!