Dating Ideas in London

The capital of United Kingdom is truly a global city. Apart from being a major commercial, political and education center in this part of the world, London offers world-class opportunities in recreation, entertainment as well as cultural attractions. London is thus a lover’s paradise where a date can mean anything from a friendly outing at a pub to a romantic night on the Thames.  Here are some dating ideas in London to suit your requirements and pocket.

Traditional British Pub

If you are planning an early date, a good idea would be to head for a traditional British pub which is part cozy and romantic, part friendly local. In the Old Town you can find pubs like The Bobbin, with a decent choice of beers as well as fresh seasonal grub. These places are not too fancy like specialty bars which is why they are relatively easy on the pocket. At the same time they clean and comfy and thus put you in a good mood, especially with their traditional fare like scotch eggs, and bread and butter pudding. Indeed pubs like these are the perfect venue when you are still getting to know your partner and wish to have some friendly chit-chat at a casual but decent place.

Fancy dinner

If however you are celebrating a special occasion on your date, you will want to make the evening memorable for your partner. And what better way to do it than by indulging in some hotel glamour as for example in the Gilt and The Rib Room in the Jumeriah Hotel, Belgravia. A night of fine dining with the best crystal and silverware and the finest of wines and cuisines is enough to make it an evening to remember. But don’t forget to dress for the occasion – after all you can’t very well sip glittering champagne cocktails in torn jeans now, can you? Such places are never cheap, but you can depend on the quality being exceptional and like everything else, delivered with absolutely impeccable service.

Sing out your heart

If it was a love of music that brought you and your partner together, then head to a karaoke bar in London like the Lucky Voice which is a posh little joint your date won’t be disappointed in. These bars usually offer a couple their own private booth equipped with a screen, a digital selection mode and two extremely rocking microphones. There may even be a box of hats to get you and your partner in the mood, should you fancy yourselves as another Beyonce or Jon Bon Jovi. And when feeling thirsty after your sensational singing lessons, you can head for the swanky bar which is usually equipped with a wide variety of spirits and snacks to keep you going.

Do the culture circuit

For history buffs, one of the best ways to spend a romantic afternoon is London is to browse through a museum. London is home to many museums, galleries, and other institutions, many of which are free of admission charges and are major tourist attractions besides playing a research role. If you don’t want to jostle with the crowds at British Museum or the National Gallery, head to the "Albertopolis", a cultural and scientific quarter. In the locality of South Kensington. Three major national museums are located there: the Victoria and Albert Museum for the applied arts, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.

Boat Ride

If you are getting tired of stilted conversations over one too many dinner date, why not head for the river for some fun. For the best boat ride in London, you need to get yourselves to the London Eye Millenium Pier, situated on the south of the river by Westminster Bridge. London Rib Voyages run hourly trips from here all day, every day, even though it is recommended that you make advance bookings. A comfortable but fast twelve-seater 400 horse power rib takes you from the London Eye pier  east along the Thames towards Canary Wharf.  Among the aspects that makes this ride memorable are the guides who apart from being genuinely funny are also very knowledgeable and at the end of the ride you are not only sure to have had a romantic time but also to learn some incredible facts about this wonderful city as you pass its many historic sites.

Catch a show at the West End

No tour of London is considered complete without catching a West End show; but if you and your partner are fond of theater, then it could make for a nice date idea as well. West end refers to London's main theatre district, now officially known as Theatreland, which contains approximately forty venues in the area. The works staged are predominantly musicals, classic or middle-brow plays, and comedy performances. You can catch one of the longest running shows like The Mousetrap, Les Miserables  or The Lion King or book tickets for one of the newer productions.

A romantic time at the movies

On the other hand if you are looking for something more private and yet performance-oriented, take your date to the Aubin Cinema on Redchurch Street in Shoreditch. This is a small and cozy place and once inside you will be struck by the intimate charm  the cinema as well as by the overwhelming comfort and romance of the velvet seats. This could make for an ideal romantic date when you want to take in a performance but minus the crowds and the noise. If you still have some time before the show, you can check out the stylish retro bar in the basement or after the show head for The Beigel Bake on Brick Lane, a legendary 24 hour bakery which is famous for its salt beef bagels in all of London.

Hand in hand in the park

London is known for its parks and garden where lovers can romance in the midst of wide open spaces, acres of green areas, glittering water-bodies and delightful arbors. The largest parks in the central area of London are the Royal Parks of Hyde Park, its neighbor Kensington Gardens at the western edge of central London and Regent's Park on the northern edge. Other than these there are smaller Royal Parks of Green Park and St. James's Park. However if you are looking for more informal and natural, head for the 320-hectare Hampstead Heath of North London which also offers one of the best views of the city.

London thus offers its couples incredible variety of recreational ideas, whether for a casual lunch date or a more intimate dinner night to celebrate a special occasion.