Rooftop bars with sensational views, romantic pubs with cosy settings, classy champagne bars and more: find the perfect venue for your next date with this guide to the most romantic, fun and cool drinking spots for a date in London.
Whatever your tipple of choice, from wine to champagne, cocktails or a good pint, discover the best date bars in London for all budgets and occasions, including first dates and special celebrations.
First date bars in London
- Get to know each other over cocktails and tapas at one of London's best rooftop bars: Treat your date to sunset drinks with a killer view at one of the city’s many scenic rooftop terraces, from ever-hip Queen of Hoxton to boutique hotel ME London's fancy Radio Rooftop bar.
- For a romantic setting and a chilled atmosphere, choose from London’s top riverside pubs: Soak up the sunshine while you sip a pint together by the water. The historic Mayflower is particularly romantic with its intimate setting by the Thames.
- For a guaranteed good time on your first date, pick one of London's best cocktail bars: Elegant or hipster, discreet or pulsing, discover London's top 16 cocktail bars, including award-winning Artesian in Soho and the elegant Eighteen Sky Bar on the 18th floor of the InterContinental London – The O2.
- Share stories over a drink in one of the city's most historic pubs: Make for a memorable first date at a venue steeped in history and literary connections, such as Charles Dickens' old favourites Lamb & Flag and The George Inn.
Fun date bars in London
- Spice things up with a game of shuffleboard or ping pong at one of London's top activity bars: From ball pits and old-school games to axe throwing and go-karting, check out thrilling ways to test your sporting skills on date night.
- For a date night with a twist, go off the beaten track with London's fun quirky bars: From themed boozers to secret basement bars, find the coolest date bar venues in the capital. If you love travelling back in time, don your best vintage outfits and head over to 1920s Chicago-themed Barts or 1940s London-inspired Cahoots.
- Upgrade date night to drinks and a live gig at one of the city's best live music bars: Perfect if you're both into music! See cool bands hone their craft at live gigs around the capital. Legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott's makes for a particularly romantic date setting.
Classy date bars in London
- Unwind with a glass of vino at one of London's excellent wine bars: From quirky bars to French bistros, find the perfect wine bar for your date.
- Treat your loved one to a memorable date night at one of London's most glam champagne bars: Whatever the occasion, soak up the high life together with a delicious glass of bubbly.
- More into gin? Discover the best gin bars in London: Perfect gin and tonics and cocktails await.
- London is also a great place for whisky lovers, with some fantastic whisky bars across the city: Sample the best of the amber liquor as you gaze into each other's eyes and uncover unique and rare whiskies together!
Want to explore beyond the best pubs and bars in London? Find more venues for your next date, from fancy restaurants to gastropubs, with the ultimate London food and drink guide.
Plus check out 101 romantic things to do in London, and discover plenty more date ideas in London, from thrilling activities and themed tours to immersive experiences and must-see shows.
