If there’s one things I know, it’s how to plan the perfect night with the other half. And as somebody who loves to a good drink, I’ve put together a guide to my favourite date night bars in London. Whether you’re on Hinge guy no 1 or out with your long time partner, these are all perfect for a romantic evening.
You’re welcome 😉
American Bar at the Savoy
Officially the best bar in the world, the American Bar is the ultimate spot if you’re looking to impress. I usually come here for a special occasion and make sure to grab a table by the pianist.
Must try: The bar snacks – I think I may love them more than the cocktails!
Nearest tube: Embankment/Covent Garden 🚆
Before: Go all out and hit up a show in theatreland.
After: Head to the Thames for a post-drink stroll.
Dandelyan
This swanky riverside bar is housed in the Mondrian hotel, giving it a classy feel. Ask for a seat by the window for a view of the Thames and sip on innovative cocktails designed by bartender-extraordinaire Mr Lyan.
Must try: A Koji Hardshake; if you have a sweet tooth, then the smokey marshmallow garnish is for you.
Nearest tube: Blackfriars/Southwark 🚆
Before: Check out Rumpus Room upstairs.
After: Catch a flick in the Curzon. You don’t even have to leave the hotel.
Eve
If you haven’t heard of Eve, you may have heard of the restaurant above, run by Masterchef contestant Adam Handling. This hidden cocktail den is the perfect place for a dreamy drink. While the restaurant if often busy, the bar is rarely full, giving you the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your date.
Must try: An Endeavour for tiki lovers, or an Adam’s Apple for a tipple with a twist.
Nearest tube: Covent Garden 🚆
Before: Dig in to an immersive feast at The Frog upstairs.
After: Nothing. You’ll want to stay here for way more than one round.
Merchant House of Fleet Street
Merchant House is home to the friendliest bar team and a great selection of whisky. Discover fine and rare bottles or simply come for a quiet drink in this bright and secluded city spot.
Must try: Ask the bartender for a recommendation.
Nearest tube: Blackfriars/St Paul’s 🚆
Before: Dinner at Humble Grape next door.
After: Work off those drinks with a riverside stroll.
Nightjar
Like it’s sister bar Oriole, Nightjar create beautifully crafted cocktails in speakeasy-style subterranean surroundings. The drinks here are definitely more impressive and have less of the frivolous theatricals. Choose from pre-prohibition, prohibition, post-war and signature drinks.
Must try: One from each section…or a sharing punch if you dare.
Nearest tube: Old Street/Liverpool Street 🚆
Before: Hit up Junkyard Golf for some unadulterated action.
After: If you’d rather not spend £8 to listen to live music here, head to Shoreditch to continue the party.
Sexy Fish
While the food here has mixed reviews, there’s no doubt that the drinks menu is on point. Nab a pair of seats at the bar and sip on a creative cocktail under a Frank Gehry’s giant fish and Damien Hirst’s mermaids.
Must try: The whisky – this is home to Europe’s largest collection.
Nearest tube: Green Park/Bond Street 🚆
Before: Go all out with a meal in Sketch’s infamous pink Gallery.
After: If you’ve had enough of whisky, head to Mr Fogg’s for some gin.
Swift
You have two options at Swift: the bright and airy art-deco bar that you enter on arrival, or the lesser known basement which is home to a speakeasy-style hideaway. I usually prefer the first option because the interior design is so dreamy, but if you are looking for a more intimate space then head downstairs.
Must try: An Irish coffee. It’s the home of London’s best.
Nearest tube: Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Road 🚆
Before: Grab a pre-Swift Negroni at Bar Termini across the road. It would be rude not to.
After: Get dessert to go, with a Custard Bun from Bun House.
Whitechapel Grind
I’ve been a long time fan of Grind. Their Espresso Martini’s are top notch and they serve Clover Clubs and Pisco Sours which are always on point. Having recently discovered their Whitechapel location, I had to add it to the guide. Think huge floor-to-ceiling windows, plush bar stools and comfy chairs spread out in the middle of a work space. It may not sound romantic but it’s an ideal bar to have great drinks in a lovely setting after work.
Must try: An Espresso Martini.
Nearest tube: Aldgate 🚆
Before: Finish work. Head here for a drink.
After: Head to Shoreditch – you won’t be short of activities here.
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