Once upon a time, London first dates began with a pint and a prayer.
A quiet corner.
A shared look when the music wasn’t too loud.
At MyCheekyDate London, we see first dates happen every week —
and one thing has become clear:
The venue does half the work.
The right room makes conversation easier.
The wrong one makes everyone check their phone.
So if you’re planning a first date in London and wondering where to go,
here are a few Cheeky-approved spots — broken down by neighbourhood — that locals love and daters actually enjoy.
🍷 Soho: Lively, Intimate, Effortlessly Social
Soho is first-date gold. There’s energy without pressure, and you can always extend — or exit — gracefully.
Cheeky favourites:
Bar Termini — tiny, charming, and perfect for one cocktail and good eye contact
The Mulwray — warm, elegant, and ideal for conversation without shouting
Swift Soho — intimate lighting, thoughtful drinks, and a relaxed pace
Why it works:
Soho feels alive, but not chaotic. If the chemistry’s there, you’ll know quickly — in a good way.
🌸 Notting Hill: Romantic Without Trying Too Hard
Notting Hill dates tend to unfold gently — and that’s the magic.
Lovely first-date spots:
Daylesford Organic (Westbourne Grove) — coffee or wine with an easy, daytime-to-evening feel
The Pelican — relaxed neighbourhood energy, great for lingering conversation
Gold — casual, stylish, and perfect if food naturally becomes part of the date
Why it works:
It’s walkable, pretty, and gives you something to talk about besides yourselves.
🎨 Shoreditch: Creative, Playful, Slightly Unexpected
If you want your date to feel modern and curious, Shoreditch delivers.
Go-to choices:
Nightjar Shoreditch — speakeasy vibes, excellent cocktails, intimate booths
Callooh Callay — quirky, fun, and conversation-starting by design
Seed Library — relaxed, stylish, and quietly impressive without being loud
Why it works:
The atmosphere invites personality. No one feels overdressed or out of place.
🎭 Covent Garden: Classic London, Done Right
Yes, it’s popular — and yes, it still works beautifully.
Reliable first-date picks:
Frenchie Covent Garden — elegant, warm, and surprisingly intimate
Blame Gloria (Covent Garden) — playful without being chaotic
The Escapologist — tucked away, cosy, and full of character
Why it works:
It feels like a proper date — polished but approachable.
🌉 South Bank: Walks First, Drinks Second
Sometimes the best first dates don’t start seated.
Perfect pairings:
Southbank Centre riverside walk → Skylon Bar
Gabriel’s Wharf stroll → Founders Arms
Millennium Bridge crossing → Swan at the Globe
Why it works:
Movement breaks tension. Views create natural pauses. Conversation flows more easily when you’re not trapped at a table.
✨ A Cheeky First-Date Rule We Believe In
Choose venues where:
You can hear each other
You don’t feel rushed — or stuck
Staying longer feels optional, not expected
First dates aren’t performances.
They’re introductions.
And London has plenty of rooms that know how to hold one well.
💛 Why London Dates Feel Special to Us
Londoners are thoughtful.
Observant.
A little reserved — until they’re comfortable.
That’s why we love hosting events here.
Warm rooms.
Good energy.
Spaces that let people be human first.
Because in a city this layered,
dating works best when it feels easy.
And just a little cheeky. 💫