My ipod has been abandoned by my little sister in Colombia somewhere. She assures me it is making its way back (yeah right) so in the meantime I have been forced to get reacquainted with my CD collection. While dusting off some real gems from the 90s (Ace of Base, utter genius) I came across Federico Aubele, an Argentinean musician I discovered while backpacking around South America. It got me thinking about the impact music has on our mood and how the Argentines are possibly the most successful daters in the world. So, if you’re doing the whole ‘let me seduce you with my cooking skills’ routine then I’d highly recommend setting the scene properly with some good tunes. We might do a bit more research into this and get back to you with an ‘intimate dinner’ playlist. Let us know your recommendations and we’ll put the most popular ones on the list.
To kick things off here’s one of our favourites: La Esquina by Federico Aubele.
… Yes, we know he’s in a brothel! It’s still such a hot song.
Don’t spend another night in front of the telly! Get up-close and personal with your favourite TV stars by sitting in the audience instead. It’s fantastic fun and best of all it’s completely free! We can guarantee you’ll get a lot more action than your sofa!
Check out Lost in TV for tickets for shows like 2010 The Apprentice: Lost in TV Website
TV Recordings for shows like Harry Hill’s TV Burp, Russel Howard Warm Up and 8 out of 10 cats: TV Recording’s website
SRO audiences for Eurovison: Your Country needs you, Justin Lee Collins and Alan Carr: SRO Website
Hatrick Productions for the Armstrong and Miller Show and Have I Got News For You: Hatrick Productions website
For ticket’s to Johnathan Ross you have to send SAE to:
97 -99 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1R 5BXWhen: Friday March 5th – Wednesday March 10th
Tube:Farringdon
Hold the Phone!
It is known that I like to have the occasional rant about the ‘other woman’ in our relationship – the iPhone! The flirtatious text messages and endless telephone banter before bedtime worked a treat but the device that was a major tool in our first steps on the ladder of love is now officially the killer of my romantic fantasies! No longer! Finally my prayers have been answered – well for five days anyhow. Between 5 and 10 March I’ll be whisking my beau off to the fanciful world of the Parlour. Hosted by Mistress of Manners, Dana Gornitzki, the site of a historic Clerkenwell shop, will be transformed into a technology-free, old-world pop-up parlour so you can talk, express, play games, conspire, make whimsical plans and most importantly relax in each other’s company without the annoyances of modern day life.
A super-chic champagne bar and Michelin-starred restaurant positioned on level 42 of the former Nat West Tower gives us one of the most spectacular views of the city, you’ll feel like you’re on cloud 9! Book well in advance to bag the best seats in the house – looking west over St Pauls.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:30Tube: London BridgeOutdoor Area: A large beer garden.Disabled Facilities: Wheelchair Access, No Disabled ToiletsAvg Food Spend: £10-15
Located half way down trendy Bermondsey street, the Woolpack is the epitome of laid-back London sophistication. In winter the dark interior provides the perfect backdrop for a snug soirée in one of the booths and the summer months can be whiled away in the glorious garden at the back. We heard that the owners were redecorating when they accidentally stumbled upon the original Victorian tiles that give the place such a traditional feel today. The food is standard and well cooked; sausage and mash, fish pie, crispy hand-cut chips and lovely Sunday roast. We’ve been back many times as it’s always consistently good, a reliable casual date venue but you’ll be hard pressed to find a place to sit on Friday evenings or Saturdays.
Cost: £48 (members) £66 (non-members) for a 1 hour class.Where: Various Locations: EC1V 3QN , EC1R 4RP, EC2A, N16 9EY
Don’t get angry, get even by challenging your beloved to a private duel. Sword fencing can actually provide a therapeutic mix of physical, intellectual and emotional stimulation between you and your opponent – ahem, we mean partner. And we all know the best thing about a lover’s spat! Take an early class and spend the rest of the evening making up!
St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square London,WC2N 4JJTel: 020 7766 1158 Tube: Leicester Square/ Charing CrossCafé Opening Hours: Mon-Wed, 8.00-20.00, Thurs- Sat, 8.00-21.00, Sunday, 11.00-18.00 Wednesday Jazz starts at 20.00 Avg food spend: Less than £10Disabled Facilities: Wheelchair Access and Disabled Toilets
I just know we are going to regret this but London daters deserve to know about this gem; Wednesday Jazz Nights at the Café in the Crypt. Some of London’s best Jazz is served up in a beautiful 18th century brick-vaulted Crypt in Central London and all at a very decent price. The food is wholesome and freshly prepared and there is small selection of alcoholic drinks available. It’s also a prefect place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or a coffee and cake any day of the week. Trafalgar square is swamped by tourists at any given time but amazingly almost none of them notice the café inside this beautiful historic building! Let’s try to keep it that way.
71 Marylebone High Street, London,W1u 5JNTel: 0207 486 7395 Tube: Baker StreetOpening Hours: Monday-Friday 12:00-23:00 / Sun 10:00-23:00Avg Food Spend: £10Disabled Facilities: Wheelchair Access, No Disabled Toilets
You’ll find Prince Regent near the end of Marylebone High Street towards Baker Street. The last refurb mixes up deep purple hues, crystal chandeliers, quirky lampshades and dark wooden furniture to bring this large but charming Victorian pub up-to-date. They offer a big selection of continental and traditional beers and they have a good wine list too. The food is pretty decent and there’s plenty of it and the service is always friendly and welcoming. Its nothing really special but overall it’s a great place for a casual date in a great central location – so thumbs up from us. Maybe just avoid Friday and Saturday evenings, as it gets really busy. The most romantic table is the one tucked away in far back corner on the on the right hand side of the pub.
For a real adventure by night, talk to rabbit at rabbit@irabbit.org. Definitely for those who have a sense of adventure and like a night out that has no set schedule. Their mysterious ‘happenings’ are organised through email communications only and they will send you clues to top secret locations. Dan Brown eat your heart out!
33 Portland Place,London, W1B 1QUTel: 07696 001659 Cost: £10 which includes the MilongaWhen:Every Sunday
Ditch the salsa class and try tango by candlelight!
The vertical of the horizontal, the tango is not simply a dance. It contains deep layers of drama and tangled complexities of desire making it seriously sensual, magical and now a form of relationship therapy for couples! The tango is winning scientifically backed repute for boosting vigour, busting stress and getting lovers back in love. A study published by Cynthia Quiroga Murcia, a psychologist at Goethe University in Frankfurt, reveals how the dance boosts men and women’s sex hormones and emotions. So if you’re having some communication issues, let your bodies do the talking instead, every Sunday with Tango at 33. If your amor has two left feet, however, just close your eyes and think of Antonia Banderas.
Mobile: 07866 430979 / Office: 0207 870 7700Skype: “Kitevibe” / Email:info@kitevibe.comCost: Private one to one coaching costs £40
Don’t spend the weekend strolling down the windy Southbank along with every other couple in London. Show off your athletic aptitude by power kiting in Richmond Park instead. Kitevibe run a wide range of kiting courses from taster sessions right through to every kite traction course available and we can guarantee it’ll be a date your beloved wont forget in a hurry.
37 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NE Tube: Sloane SquareOpening Hours:Mon-Thu 08:00-23:30, Fri-Sat 08:00-00:00, Sun 09:00-22:30Cuisine: Modern European and Sunday Roast Avg Food Spend:£15-20 per person
The Orange is SW1’s definition of a Public House. Visiting again on V day which also happens to be my boyfriend’s birthday was a real pleasure, I knew I’d score serious brownie points with this one.
It is a warm, welcoming and woody space but it isn’t your typical London boozer. It’s understated and very stylish; high ceilings, bare floorboards, soaring windows, and numerous fireplaces tucked away in the myriad of rooms are all nicely blended with laidback and slightly quirky music to create a thoroughly delightful gastropub experience.
The service is also charming, accommodating and efficient. Even though we were over an hour late they found us a cosy little table near the fireplace at the back – which is without doubt the best place for a cosy winter date. It’s a pretty big place so you’ll always find a table but book in advance if you want this space.
The menu is as equally delicious, seasonal, locally sourced, hearty and wholesome and can be described as modern European; mainly British and Italian. The kitchen makes full use of their wood-fired oven so we normally go for their winner pizzas but this time we decided to indulge in the Sunday Roast; perfectly cooked meat, crisp roast potatoes, honey and thyme parsnips and fluffy Yorkshire pudding.
We swiftly moved from our table to the sofa and whiled away a good hour sipping a full-bodied Rioja before we could muster up the room for dessert. We managed to share the cinnamon rice pudding with winter berry jam and ice-cream; spot on.
171-173 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3UWTel: 020 7357 6082 Tube: Borough / London BridgeCuisine: Modern EuropeanOpening Hours: Mon-Thu 12:00-23:30, Fri 12:00-01:30, Sat 11:00-01:30, Sun 11:00-23:00Booking: Essential at weekends Avg Food Spend:£20 – £30 per person
NYC meets Copenhagen. Serving Bermondsey’s hip locals, Village East is a well thought-out and stylish eatery combining an industrial feel with chic Scandinavian design. The frequently changing ‘modern eclectic’ menu is delicious and there is always something new and exciting to sample; great as we can guarantee you’ll be coming back again and again. The cocktail bar is worth a visit in itself. The agile bartenders will whip you a mouth-watering cocktail – Tom Cruise style and the blend of chilled beats creates a very easygoing drinking experience. For a date it’s best to visit during the week when it’s buzzing but not too crowded. It’s also great for a lazy Sunday brunch.
This flamboyant and fun opera-inspired restaurant in the heart of theatre land is named after a character in Mozart’s The Magic Flute. The eccentric decor is a feast for the eyes and will have you completely mesmerised. Unfortunately, the menu isn’t quite as remarkable, don’t get us wrong the food is well-executed but it’s just not as imaginative and quirky as the surroundings. It’s very busy at peak times so you must reserve, and make sure you ask for one of the opera boxes for a more magical experience. If you’re lucky you might even catch a live opera performance.
119 Kensington Church Street, Kensington, W8 7LNTel: 020 7727 4242 Tube: Nottinghill GateOpening Hours: Mon-Wed 11:00-23:00, Thu-Sat 11:00-00:00, Sun 12:00-22:30Cuisine:Thai and British
This eccentric pub is a welcome oddity in the midst of a sea of ultra-stylish and minimalist West London venues. With battered pots, pans and copper vessels hanging from the ceilings and a disordered scattering of pictures of famous political figures and royalty the Churchill Arms is bursting with charisma. Consistent with the unusual character of this place, they have a Thai restaurant towards the rear of the pub that serve a small but well executed menu at very reasonable prices. Actually, why am I holding back? The food is divine! You can very easily mooch away a cold afternoon by the fire.
208-209 High Holborn,WC1V 7BWTel: 020 7405 8816 Tube: HolbornOpening hours: Monday -Saturday 11:00-23:00Cuisine: British
This Victorian pub has a stunning interior and very relaxed atmosphere in the heart of central London – we could hardly believe it ourselves. With its new refurbishment in 2007 Samuel Smiths has done a great job bringing it back to it previous glory. The maze of wooden doors will lead you to different enclaves where you can enjoy some privacy by the bar or snuggle up by the fireplace, which is tucked away at the rear of the pub. With real ales at low prices and the opportunity to line your stomach with some hearty British food in the restaurant upstairs there really isn’t much more you could ask for. Get there early to snag the best seats in the house.
The Hollybush is a historic watering hole full of character and charm. If you happen to be in Hampstead on a blustery afternoon, it’s an absolute must. Nestled away in a picturesque mews it’s a little tricky to find but you’ll be rewarded on all fronts if you make the effort. Although the restaurant is busy this pub is really about getting cosy by the fire with a nice pint and one of their specialty pies.
19 Upper Mall, LondonW6 9TATel: 020 8748 9474 Tube:Ravenscourt Park / HammersmithCuisine: BritishHighlights: Terrace on the river and open fireplace
The Dove is one of London’s most famous pubs and dates as far back as the 17th Century. It has everything; great beer, good food, anopen fire and a terrace with stunning views across the river. It’s always been popular boasting a long list of celebrity customers including Ernest Hemmingway and James Thomson (he wrote Rule, Britannia). The low ceilings, cosy saloon bar and dark oak beams makes the Dove a perfect romantic but laid-back date. Be warned the pub gets really busy at the weekend so if you want a Sunday roast you’ll need to get there early.
Nicely located between Notting Hill and Queensway tube stations the Champion is a well thought out pub in an area full of overpriced Bistros. We like it best in winter when the dark wood décor, mismatched furniture and open fireplace all create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In the summer you can make use of the small terrace at the back. The Champion definitely tries hard to offer its punters a well-rounded experience. Entertainment wise they have a wine club, quiz night and regular jam sessions. If you just want to have a quiet drink and some decent pub food at reasonable prices Monday, Tuesdays or Sundays are best. The service can be hit and miss but overall the atmosphere is inviting the food is decent and they offer a wide selection of beers and wines. We highly recommend it for a casual date option.
Tube: Westbourne Park/Ladbroke GroveOpening hours: Monday – Sunday 8.30- 23:00. Last orders at 22:15Cuisine: Mediterranean
Located a stone’s throw away from Portobello market Raoul’s has a true European café culture vibe and a menu to match, we were considering keeping it a secret! Serving fresh fruit smoothies, all day English breakfast, brunch and a lovely dinner menu, it’s not difficult to see why there are queues spilling out onto the streets. Even though it gets busy it’s not noisy, definitely worth the wait.
Bumpkin located in Notting Hill offers homely British cooking in a laid-back country farmhouse style setting. The restaurant is divided into three floors, the ground floor resembles a country tavern, the second floor is a fine dining space and the third floor is perfect for relaxing with after dinner drinks. The menu features a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal produce, from market garden salads to hearty pies. We highly recommend the traditional lunch with all the trimmings on Sunday, it’s absolutely delicious.
Cuisine:JapaneseTube: Old Street/ Liverpool StreetOpening times: Mon–Thurs & Sun 18.00-00:00, Fri 17.30- 1.00, Sat 18.00-1.00Booking:Essential
If you’re out to impress, read on! Lounge Lover is dating paradise; elegant low-lit lighting, vintage Rococo armchairs, opulent chandeliers, and tea lights set on beautiful glass tables all oozing a decadent but offbeat glamour. If you thought it couldn’t get any better the Chinese-printed menus will guide you through a list of cocktails by dating genre (Hot Lover, Old Flame, First Love, Sweeties) and light and well-executed Japanese dishes. To top it all off they host regular soulful live music sessions. Check out their website for further details.
252 High Holborn, London,WC1V 7ENTel: 0207 829 7000 Tube:HolbornOpening hours:Mon-Fri 12:00-14:30, 18:00-10:00; Sat 18:00-10:00Cuisine:FrenchAverage food spend: £40+
Pearl is a fine dining restaurant specialising in classic French food mastered by famous chef Jun Tanaka. It is described as a “sensual dining experience” and thats exactly what it is! As soon as you enter you will notice the hanging pearls separating each intimate seating area in the bar, this leads to the main restaurant which hosts neutral walls decorated by grande pearl chandeliers. You can dine and drink from an award winning wine list whilst listening to the pianist playing soulful melodies. We think the splendor of Pearl is an ultimate treat for a date.
This sophisticated and stylish restaurant is quietly hidden away in Hanover Place. The giant chandeliers, dark walls, soft lighting create the ideal ambiance for a date. It can get busy but the tables are spread out nicely and the tranquil music balances the sound from the other diners. Cafe Des Amis has been around for 25 years and still continues to be very popular. It’s in the heart of theatreland so perfect before or after a show.
This famous establishment has been around for years and is loved by theatre goers, performers and screen stars. Its an old, shabby but chic french restaurant in a unique building which has maintained its original structure which is rare for a central London spot. Downstairs is an intimate dining space with candlelit alcoves, these use to be pavement coal holes in the 18th century. The intimate warm surroundings create an ideal place for the winter where you can cuddle up and enjoy the friendly informal setting. They also host wine and cheese tasting evenings, which you can book in advance and try the classic wines and tasty cheeses.
Whisk your date off to this enchanting mini Morocco. As soon as you walk through the tunnel you are welcomed by the warmth and the aroma of North Africa. You can sit on either of the 3 floors which are all beautifully decorated with colourful lanterns, but we recommend you book one of the ground floor alcoves so you can get close on the low cushioned seating. Try the platters of authentic middle eastern delights and share more than just a kiss!
Sitaaray is a mini tribute to bollywood; the walls are covered in classic film posters, photo’s of famous hero’s and heroines and charms you with the mesmerising sounds of Hindi songs. There are a few booths on the mezzanine floor where you can dine in private and also be entertained by memorable film clips showing on the screens. It captures the romance of Indian cinema and ensures you fall in love with the tasty north Indian cuisine too. If you are looking for a quirky authentic Indian in the West End with a little glitz and glamour this is the place for you. Sitaaray is romantic, magical and a bit of fun.
This traditional fish and chips establishment is well positioned in the West End. It’s a casual and relaxed diner where you can get your teeth into some good English food. There is seating outside which is ideal for summer and indoor seating too for those colder days. Great for a quick lunch date if you are in the area or ideal for a casual bite in the evening after the pub.
The Poetry cafe is an unconventional date place which will get your creative juices flowing. It’s a regular cafe in the day which serves fresh, hearty, vegetarian food and in the evening it’s transformed into a venue where people come and share their poetry as part of the regular readings or in open mic session. It’s not the most romantic setting but if you need a bit of inspiration for that love poem you’ve been meaning to write each other, you definitely check it out.
67 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5PGTel: 0207 831 9399 Tube: Covent GardenOpening hours: Dinner Mon-Sat 17:30-11:30; Late bar Mon-Thurs till 02:00, Fri-Sat till 03:00Cuisine: Asian FusionAverage food spend: £30-£40
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Tamarai effortlessly provides a complete 3d experience; dining, drinking and dancing! Great news for Covent Garden, as we’re sure you’ll agree it can be difficult finding somewhere to go after supper. The purple and dark blues with delicate lights create a sultry and stylish ambience – the perfect setting for any kind of date. The Asian fusion cuisine from India, China, Thailand and Vietnam is delicious along with the exotic array of cocktails. After 11pm the restaurant transforms into one of London’s popular late night spots with an in house Dj playing funky house and RnB, so you can dance the night away into the early hours.
33 King Street, Covent Garden, London,WC2E 8JDTel:0207 379 9696 Tube:Covent GardenOpening hours:Mon-Fri 12:00-14:15 & 17:00-23:45; Sun 12:00-14:15 & 17:00-22:00Cuisine:FrenchBooking:Essential to book well in advanceAverage food spend: £20-£30
One of London’s truly romantic restaurants right in the heart of Covent Garden. Intimate, warm and and very charming. It’s really one of a kind; the dining room has a fantasy feel with its blossom tree branches and open log fire which is coupled with impeccable service and excellent modern French cuisine. The best seating is in the conservatory near the fireplace, but you must book well in advance as this area is very popular. An idyllic date for that someone special, very highly recommended.
Good food, excellent beer, time to chat, entertainment and a fabulous view of the river. What more could you ask for? This laid-back but interesting date will give you everything you need for a perfect evening or Sunday afternoon rendezvous.
1.Start out at Ravenscourt Park or Hammersmith Tube Station
2.10 minute stroll to The Dove where you can enjoy a refreshing pint and some delicious food
3.Enjoy a theatre production or an art-house film at the Riverside Studios
The Dove19 Upper Mall, London W6 9TA020 8748 9474 The Dove is one of London’s most famous pubs and dates as far back as the 17th Century. It has everything; great beer, good food,anopen fireand a terrace withstunning views across the river. It’s always been popular boasting a long list of celebrity customers including Ernest Hemmingway and James Thomson (he wrote Rule, Britannia). The low ceilings, cosy saloon bar and dark oak beams makes the Dove a perfect romantic but laid-back date. Be warned the pub gets really busy at the weekend so if you want a Sunday roast you’ll need to get there early.Riverside Studios Crisp Road, London, W6 9RL
Is a great venue that is really underexposed in London. They have theatre space presenting internationally imported shows and occasionally homegrown new work. Music, dance and comedy productions as well as a fabulous cinema showcasing films that you’ll never see anywhere else. This is a cinema for genuine film lovers. The bar is trendy and has a good bar-food and brunch menu. We highly recommend Riverside Studios for an interesting date. Check out their website for what’s on.
One of the greatest things about London is that our museums are free which means you can pop in and out of numerous galleries all in one day – creating an interesting and memorable date. Why not impress your sweetheart with your artistic acumen at London’s best galleries; the two Tates. You can ponder over Rodin’s Le Baiser (The Kiss) at the Tate Britain and then whisk them off to the Tate Modern to deliberate the similarities between Saddam Hussein, Star Wars, Jules Verne and GI Joe! Travel between the two Tates by taking the state-of-the-art (no pun intended!) catamaran designed by none other than Damien Hirst. A very cool way to travel that will definitely score extra brownie points. It runs every day, including weekends, linking the Millbank Millennium Pier (designed by the pair responsible for the London Eye; David marks and Julia Barfield) and Bankside. For you culture junkies, the service also calls at Waterloo pier, near the London Eye and the Saatchi Gallery, a direct river link to 3 major art galleries in London.
Tickets
You can buy tickets from Tate Modern and Tate Britain. Tickets are valid all day and there’s full access for people with disabilities.
If you’re bored of going out for dinner dates we definitely recommend you give climbing a try as an adventurous alternative. Because most climbing activities are about working together you’ll soon know whether your other half is as trustworthy as they make out! There are quite a few climbing centres in London but we’ve only listed the ones we think are best- that suit beginners and advanced climbers. The Castlein Stoke Newington(Green Lanes, Stoke Newington, N4 2HA, 020 8211 7000) set inside a huge Victorian building has a huge range of climbs and lots of courses available. Another favourite is the Mile End Climbing Wallin the park.(Mile End, Haverfield Road, E3 5BE, 0208 980 0289) Even though the routes are a bit more challenging than the average climbing centre there is something to suit all levels. Try out the Monkey room, it’s awesome. WestwaySports centre (1 Crowthorne Road,W10 6RP, 020 8968 2632) devise over 100 new boulder problems every month so you’ll never get bored here. Some of there most creative challenges include: a towering totem pole! But if, for some bizarre reason, the idea of getting hot and sweaty in front of your date doesn’t sound appealing try something a little cooler at the Ellis Brigham Gear Shopin Covent Garden(3-11 Southampton Street, WC2E 7HA, 020 7395 1010) it contains an indoor ice-climbing wall. Refrigerated to -15c, it’s perfect for those of you who want a cheap glacial thrill.
Parker Street, London,WC2B 5PWTel: 0207 242 8600 Tube: HolbornOpening hours: Mon-Sat 17:00-02:30; Sun 17:00-12:00Cuisine: South AmericanAverage food spend: £10-£20
With samba, forró, capoeira and a whole host of live bands we have a bit of true Brazil in the heart of Covent Garden 7 days a week. It’s not an intimate date by any means; expect a hip shaking good night of lively entertainment. Get there early to grab a table and take advantage of the Sunset Session where they have offers on selected drinks Monday to Saturday between 5-7pm. Be sure to look online for specific shows.
The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, Shoreditch, London,E1 6RUTel: 020 7247 0005 Tube: Liverpool StreetOpening hours: Dinner – Tue-Sat 18:30-10.30; Bar – 18:30-lateCuisine: Modern EuropeanAverage food spend: £20-£30
The Brickhouse is both a restaurant and supper club set over three floors and believe us – it’s full of surprises. It’s located in the historic Truman’s Brewery the heart of Brick Lane. It’s a stylish establishment that serves delicious food on the first two floors and the third floor hosts a number of beds great for lounging the night away! There is a small charge for the entertainment, but it is worth every penny; sultry jazz, cabaret and sexy burlesque are just some examples of what The Brickhouse has to offer. You will need to book your table to ensure you get the best seats in the house; the ones on the ground floor in front of the stage. They have a fabuous Dj playing funky disco on Fridays and Saturdays so you can finish the night twisting and twirling your partner around the dance floor.
We finally have our very own Buddha Bar – hoorah! Fabulous news for all of us seeking a date place that oozes style and seduction. Dim lighting, ambient sounds and the mild scent of alluring incense are all sure to set the scene for a romantic evening but it’s the all mighty Buddha that will watch over you making sure you and your date are in perfect balance! We recommend you start off with a few exotic cocktails on the mezzanine bar which overlooks the dining area – you are sure to find an intimate seating area as there are plenty. If you are peckish you can order something off the bar menu (the sushi is amazing!) or you can dine downstairs – whichever you choose we guarantee the food will not fail to impress. Buddha Bar is a exquisite date place, it ticks all the boxes for us.
1 Greens Court, Soho, W1F 0HATel: 020 7287 7663 Cuisine:LebaneseTube:Piccadilly CircusOpening Hours:Mon-Fri 08:00-00:00, Sat 10:00-00:00, Sun 10:00-22:00Booking:Essential – it’s always busy!Avg Food Spend:£10 per personOutdoor Area:Tables and chairs outside where you can smoke shisha.Disabled Facilities:Wheelchair Access, No Disabled Toilets
Yalla Yalla is an authentic little Lebanese café, just a stumble away from the hoi polloi of Wardour Street. It’s a really sweet, intimate venue that’s great for a breakfast, lunch or dinner. The food is cooked fresh every day and always served with a smile. The middle eastern pop, background music creates lots of atmosphere even on the rare occasion that it might be empty – we don’t think you can beat it for a relaxed bite to eat on a first date or any kind of date really.
118 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2QFTel: 020 7935 1144 Tube: Baker StreetOpening hours: Monday to Saturday: from 12.00 to 15.00 / 18.00 – 23.00 , Sunday – Closed Average food spend:£10-£20
Tucked away in the streets of Marylebone Café Caldesi is traditional and down to earth. You can enjoy a relaxed café like atmosphere on the ground floor, or go to the first floor if you prefer a more classic Italian restaurant. Lovely candlelit tables set the the cosy atmosphere and they are well spread out, so you don’t have to worry about sharing your intimate secrets with the next table! Wherever you decide to sit you are guaranteed great service and great food. You can also plan a romantic meal at home – and ask Caldesi to prepare a meal in your own dishes so you can take them away and pass them for your own!
Also if you fancy some cookery lessons ask about Cuccini Caldesi.
19 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London,W1U 3DH Tel: 0207 224 0970 Tube: Baker Street Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 12:00-15:00 & 18:30-23:00 Sat 18:30-23:30 Average food spend:£20-£30
Elegant, fresh and modern. It’s perfect on all levels offering you and your date an intimate surrounding for that special meal. Your taste buds will definitely be tantalised by the flavours of the world which are elegantly presented. We think you should book a table in the back area, and make sure you book in advance as it’s a popular place which is always busy!
