First dates are always a bit daunting, no matter how confident you usually are. Often there’s a mix of excitement and nerves, with you wanting to ensure you make a good first impression. This is completely normal, after all, this could be the first time you meet the person who you’re going to spend the rest of your life with!

One of the main obstacles of a first date is often the logistics – where do you go? What makes a good first date activity? If you’re based in London, read on for 7 first date suggestions. Whether you feel more comfortable going for drinks, to a gallery or for a walk in the park there’s something for everyone. Living in London we’re lucky to have so many first date options at our fingertips!

Borough Market, Southwark

Borough Market is a great date spot and a food lovers paradise. Being able to walk around through different vendors, with a variety of street food stalls makes it a fabulous first date option. It’s a great opportunity for the two of you to really talk and get to know each other, whilst there being enough going on and enough stimulation to avoid any potential awkward silences. And who knows, maybe you might just find your new favourite food to share.

Crazy Golf

Want to try something a little different to the usual dinner or drinks? Crazy golf can be a great option. It’s the perfect activity for breaking the ice and allows for a little bit of competition. It’s great fun, low key, and possibly the best part is no one can really take themselves too seriously. You’ll be laughing, joking and starting to get to know each other in no time. In London there are a few options for Crazy golf, whether it’s Swingers, Puttshack or Junkyard.

Rooftop Bar

If you feel most comfortable going for drinks, a rooftop bar is a great option. Particularly in the summer, sitting having drinks overlooking the best views of London is a wonderful setting to really chat and get to know a date. 10o Sky Bar is a great option, however rooftop bars are something London does very well so you’re spoilt for choice!

Walk in the park

Sometimes the best first dates are the simplest. There’s something about going for a walk that really creates a sense of ease and openness, particularly when the weather’s nice. Often being side by side rather than face to face can be a bit less intimidating, and as a result, conversation can flow better and your date will likely open up more. My personal favourites are Regent’s Park or Battersea Park, however depending which part of London you’re in, there are plenty of parks to choose from. So, grab a coffee and start walking. Who knows, if the date goes well you may even give the paddle boats a go?

Gallery

A first date where you can observe your surroundings and have something to talk about that stimulates conversation will always be a win. Whether you’re particularly interested in art or not, there’s something particularly calming about walking around an art gallery and really immersing yourself in the experience. It will definitely create conversation, and you won’t be shy of things to talk about, and often the conversation will then flow into different areas of life and will allow you to really start to get to know someone. There are lots of galleries to choose from, from the Tate Modern or Tate Britain to the National Gallery. Choose what excites you the most and enjoy the conversation that it provides.

Darts – Fight Club

If you fancy a bit of friendly competition, but perhaps aren’t a fan of mini golf then darts may be for you! It’s not a go to first date idea, but that’s all part of its appeal – sometimes it’s nice to do something a bit different! Fight Club is a great place to do this; they offer games of darts, great cocktails, and good food. It’s a game that requires skill, concentration, and a bit of luck, making it perfect for breaking the ice and getting to know each other. Plus, even if one of you isn’t that great at darts, it’s all in good fun. So why not give it a shot (no pun intended) and see where the night takes you?

Drinks – The Vault

If you fancy a drinks date but with a twist then The Vault is a good option for you. Located behind the bookcase at Milroy’s in Soho, you enter a world of ambiance and cocktails. It’s a great environment for a first date – romantic but low key and definitely not over the top.

Remember, dating is meant to be fun, and first dates are meant to be enjoyable! It’s very easy to overthink what you do and where you go for your first date, but your date has chosen to meet you for you rather than the location or activity. Go into the date just being yourself and pick somewhere where you can do this.

 

Maclynn is a boutique, multi-award-winning introductions agency with offices in London, New York, New Jersey, and California. Our dating experts are world-renowned for bringing together highly compatible singles within our vast network of attractive, intelligent professionals, as well as help you plan the very best dates – whether it’s dinner in Soho or drinks in Shoreditch. Get in touch today and prepare for genuinely meaningful dating—just like you deserve