A view is lovely, and so is a cosy corner, and you definitely need a wet weather contingency plan.
Check out this sunny collection of outdoor ideas on either side of the pond to put a ray of romance into your dating plans.
LONDON
Dishoom
The veranda at Dishoom in Shoreditch is like the eclectic home of a stylish friend who’s back in town after a colonial posting in Asia. Lush plants and comfy rattan furniture are the perfect complement to a bacon naan and coffee brunch. Oh and a retractable roof, so no problem if there’s a few drops of rain.
Hyde Park
Take a stroll in Hyde Park with some bread to feed the ducks, and stop off at The Serpentine Bar and Kitchen to sample the gin bar and a wood-fired pizza. Take an umbrella for your park walk, it’s always a good excuse for linking arms and making a dash for shelter.
The Ham Yard Hotel
Check into The Ham Yard Hotel for a staycation getaway and experience exclusive access as an in-house guest to the gorgeous oasis that is their roof terrace. Stay Sunday night for a cheaper room rate.
Marylebone
Marylebone is one of those lovely London “villages” brimming with great places like Daunt Books and the wonderful La Fromagerie. Orrery Terrace at the top of the high street is a lovely quiet spot to plonk down and order a bottle of rosé.
London’s Best Bars
Gin is definitely on trend, and you can’t beat the incredible view of London across the Thames from The Bloom Gin Terrace at Oxo. If you both love a little live music, then head to Proud in Camden where the Secret Garden Bar has been transformed into an English country garden. Sussex beef burgers and cool cocktails go perfectly with a bit of British sunshine.
NEW YORK
Edi & the Wolf
In the A to Zee of brunching in Manhattan, a visit to Alphabet City’s Edi & the Wolf is a must. Wolfgang Ban (Wolf) has put a little dash of Austria into this restaurant where the schnitzel is to die for.
La Rina Pastificio & Vino
Everyone wishes they could own a brownstone with a lovely patio garden, which is why La Rina Pastificio & Vino is worth the Uber ride to Clinton Hill in Brooklyn. Quiet and peaceful with sensational pasta, you can dream up your own Lady and the Tramp scenario in this lovely setting.
Hudson Clearwater
Outside space in the West Village comes at a premium, hence it’s a rarity, so you’ll be thrilled with Hudson Clearwater for a little outdoors in your date. Matt Lambert from New Zealand has brought the spirit of adventure to his marvellous Musket Room which has a lovely garden room which is essentially inside but overlooking the wonderful herbs and vegetables. The perfect compromise to indoor/outdoor with a menu that is a date sensation.
Aurora
A short sharp subway ride will land you in Williamsburg where you will find Aurora literally covered in green ivy. A table in the garden for brunch, lunch or dinner is al fresco fabulous.
