How2: Our Top 10 Tried & Tested Date Night Ideas In London
Now that we are finally allowed out, the cuddle sessions on the sofa are not sufficing for date night anymore. However, planning a date night can be the absolute worst thing sometimes. You find yourself heading to Google for the answers and that tells you to go for a boujee dinner or to kayak down the River Thames, no in-between. So we want to share our best date night ideas, that we have done, because sometimes Google just doesn’t pull through.
Crazy Golf -
Swingers/Putt Shack/Junkyard.
This
is probably everybody’s favourite thing to do at the moment. If you haven’t been to swingers, then you’ve definitely been to Junkyard Golf or Putt Shack. If you haven’t been to any, then I highly suggest for a date night. Personally, I preferred Putt Shack. There was no faffing around with pieces of paper to keep track of scores as it was all done electronically, so much more convenient. However, the courses at Junkyard were definitely a lot more creative and fun.
As a result of Miss Rona, Swingers will not be opening until the 22nd September, however Junkyard and Putt Shack are both open for bookings.
2. Namco - Who doesn’t love an arcade? Now this is my all time favourite, whether you’re on a date or out with your friends, it’s a must. Hidden along the South Bank it is perfect location for photo opportunities and a cute walk after you’ve smashed bae at all the arcade games. They even have a bowling alley, an escape room, ping-pong and bumper cars hidden in here. Whether you’re out for a date day or date night, it doesn’t matter, Namco opens at 12 and doesn’t close until midnight. A cheap, fun and competitive date.
3. All Star Lanes
I don’t know if you can tell, but there is definitely a theme going on here - we love a competition date. All Star Lanes is a great bowling alley, one of my very own favourites. Good food, nice drinks & another great way to smash your bae at a game. There are a couple of alleys around London - Brick Lane, Holborn and both Westfields.
All Star Lanes will be taking bookings from the 15th August and are offering some great deals to get people back there scoring some strikes.
£20 REUNITED PACKAGE - get together for a game of bowling, a selection of party food and an alcoholic beverage.
£25 BOWL, DRINK & DINE SPECIAL - game of bowling, 2 course American-foodie meal and an alcoholic beverage.
4. Drive-In Cinema
Now this has been something on my to do list for years (Grease definitely put us on), Miss Rona finally gave me the push I need to go.
You avoid the hassle of the “excuse me” to get to your seat, you don’t have to listen to the opening of somebody else’s sweet packet and you completely avoid the whispering of the friendship group behind you. Instead, you’re in the comfort of your own space with your own snacks.
Some of the vendors offer good food and drink services too! At the Luna Cinema, we had pizza and cheesy fries which was a great addition to our sugary treats.
Below are links to some drive-in cinemas located around London:
https://rooftopfilmclub.com/london/venue/alexandrapalace/
https://www.lunadriveincinema.com/
https://www.thedrivein.london/
Now for those of you that don’t have access to a car, here are some alternatives for you:
https://www.thedrivein.london/no-car-no-problem
https://www.backyardcinema.co.uk/
5. Golf Driving Range
Before I even start, let me just let you guys know that I was AWFUL at this. However, despite this, it’s such a fun date.
The views, the drinks, the games and the DJ playing all of my old school tunes - this has to be a must on your list because you’'ll be missing out otherwise.
If you do go, we recommend either bay 43 or 44 because of the views.
6. The Alchemist
Funnily enough, we have done this together and on dates as well. The Alchemist is a creative cocktail bar, but also serves some great food - their mac & cheese is divine.
The cocktails honestly remind me of a Harry Potter lesson, I was just waiting for Professor Trelawney to pop out from round the corner (if you know, you know). The theatrics are insane.
Although on the pricey side, this is something fun to do with your babes, get some pics for the gram, and a great way to catch a small wave whilst you’re at it.
7. Theatre
So for those that don’t know, we are the biggest Disney fans - the real Princess Jasmine & Princess Ariel, hence this suggestion.
The theatre isn’t boring like the cinema, its something different that both you and your babes will enjoy.
I have watched both Aladdin and Lion King in the theatre and would highly recommend to any Disney fans out there.
Although on the pricey side, a trip to the theatre and a nice meal in the west end is a cute date night.
8. Up At The o2 (and Emirates Cable Cars!)
This is one for the thrill seekers (and those of you who aren’t scared of heights). I can tell you for sure, this is definitely more up Sof’s street than mine.
For those of you who love a view, this one is for you. Get suited and booted to get those steps in and start climbing to see London’s skyline.
Then, once you’re done being mountain climbers you can head over to the Emirates Air Line and jump on a cable car. Get another amazing view of London for less than £5, or £8.60 return. You can also use your Oyster card!
Photo cried: A2M Safety
9. Bounce
Yet another competitive date night idea! Located in both Old Street and Farringdon and created by the same man who opened All Star Lanes and Flight Club, Bounce is a triple whammy: a bar, a restaurant and an entertainment venue. The “ping pong bar” is a crowd pleaser, with both standard and new interactive tables, it has something for everyone! You and bae can test your skills during a standard game of ping pong (£6 pp), or move over to the virtual world (£7 pp) and see which you prefer! The drinks menu is also pretty extensive, offering everything from cocktails, beer, wine and virgin cocktails! Food menu however is slightly more condense (guess it’s more about the game!), but you can get a lovely pizza and nachos - which I won’t complain about!
10. Box Park
Now who doesn’t love drinking some nice cocktails and catching a vibe with bae? If this sounds like something up your street then Box Park is definitely for you.
There are now three locations to visit: Shoreditch (the original, I’m sure everyone knows about this one!), Croydon and most recently, Wembley (definitely the best in my opinion).
As well as drinking some cute cocktails and eating some good food, Box Park in Wembley also has a couple more activities for you to take part in.
Box Park Wembley introduced a space “Play” which offers a range of activities for you to take part in - axe throwing, pool, glow in the dark ping pong, a screening room and virtual reality!
Don’t forget, BOXPARK are still offering 20% off food and drink Monday - Wednesday throughout September!
HONUORABLE MENTION!
Now, this wasn’t actually done as a date night but it would be so much fun doing this with your babes - you will leave this place drunk! What you see here is the Rum Making Experience at Laki Kane in Islington. It’s a 1.5/2 hour experience filled with cocktails, rum shots and you get to leave with your own personal bottle of rum! Highly recommended - they also do group bookings and food/drink down in the restaurant area.
There are 2 spots that we have to tick off our list next Clip n Climb and Electric Playbox. Let us know if you’ve been to either, we’d love to hear your views!