\n \n | Morning<\/td>\n | Columbia Road + breakfast, Maltby St Market, Hampstead Heath<\/td>\n | East \/ Bermondsey \/ North<\/td>\n | Markets peak 10\u201311am \u2014 arrive before noon<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
\n | Afternoon<\/td>\n | Tate Modern, Kyoto Garden, canal walk, Barbican Conservatory<\/td>\n | Various<\/td>\n | Low pressure \u2014 easy to extend or wrap up naturally<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
\n | Evening<\/td>\n | Dishoom, Junkyard Golf, Flight Club, Sky Garden<\/td>\n | Various<\/td>\n | Sky Garden: book 3 weeks ahead for evening slots<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n |
\n | Late night<\/td>\n | Ronnie Scott’s late show (11pm), Nobu rooftop<\/td>\n | Soho \/ Shoreditch<\/td>\n | The late show at Ronnie’s is cheaper and better than the early sitting<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Before You Go<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n Not every date idea that sounds good works in practice. These are the formats and mistakes worth avoiding before you plan anything.<\/p>\n \n \n \n | Avoid<\/th>\n | Why<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n | \n \n | Dinner only on a first date<\/td>\n | Two hours opposite a stranger with nothing to do but talk is the hardest possible format. Add an activity before or after \u2014 even just a walk.<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n | \n | Overspending to impress<\/td>\n | It shows, and it creates pressure on both sides. The best dates in London are not the most expensive ones \u2014 they are the most considered ones.<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n | \n | Sunday evenings<\/td>\n | Most good restaurants run reduced menus or take their day off on Sundays. Energy across the city drops noticeably. Friday evenings or weeknights are almost always the better call.<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n | \n | Busy markets on weekends<\/td>\n | Crowds make conversation nearly impossible. You spend the whole time apologising for bumping into people. Go early or visit on a weekday instead.<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n | \n | Overhyped tourist attractions<\/td>\n | Expensive entry, poor atmosphere, and you will feel like a tourist rather than a local. London’s best date spots are almost never the ones on the postcards.<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n | \n | No backup plan for rain<\/td>\n | Any outdoor date needs an indoor alternative ready. London weather is unpredictable and arriving soaked before you’ve even said hello is not a good start.<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Editor’s Picks: 12 Best Date Ideas in London<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe spent time across London testing, visiting, and talking to locals to put this list together. Every pick on here earned its place; we only included places we would genuinely recommend to a friend planning a date in the city. Twelve entries, every budget covered, every part of London represented. Each card has a booking link and a Google Maps link so you can go straight from reading to planning. And yes, you’re welcome!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \n | |