After a hiatus favicks is back on the blog. I’ve had some excellent date night inspo recently so brace yourselves for a real bonanza as we lock into date night season. Thank you to all who have tried out the Soho itinerary, this is fantastic, love the feedback so keep it coming. Here is date number two, either to be completed with that same special someone as before or a new someone. Bonus points if you repeat either idea with more than one person.
This time we are in Angel, with less of a foodie suggestion because let’s be honest that is a little intense for most date nights. This also makes for an excellent friend date night, since I must admit that I haven’t actually tried it out myself with a romantic victim. Here is an itinerary for drinks and a comedy night that I hope will prove successful:
Drinks
The Sampler, 266 Upper St, N1 2UQ
If you ever find yourself at a loss in Angel and gasping for wine then The Sampler is your place. In this little wine shop you will find one large wooden tasting table, a counter and infinite wine bottles that sit on the shelves that line the walls, that lie in boxes on the floor or sit in glass cabinets with little taps attached to them. Like an independent Vagabond, The Sampler invites its customers to top up a ‘credit card’ which can then be used to sample a range of sampler wines. Costing anywhere between 30p and £15 for a small wine sample, you can work your way around the room and polish up your wine expertise with the aid of The Sampler staff, who are extremely friendly, attentive and teeming with knowledge.
Alternatively, you can lock in with a bottle of wine of your choice, while optionally nibbling on your own snacks. Perhaps my favourite feature of this sweet little store, it’s totally allowed and even encouraged to bring in a mini picnic of your own to help wash the wine down. When I went, we were sitting next to a small group who were noshing down some Percy Pigs along with their Sauvignon Blanc, which may be a new pairing we need to know about. This is a great, informal spot to warm up the date with some vino and a bag of crisps from the Saino’s down the road.
Comedy
Angel Comedy @ The Bill Murray, 39 Queen’s Head St, N1 8NQ
An institution among British comedians, Angel Comedy @ The Bill Murray oozes history and character. This Victorian pub on a quiet road between Angel’s busy high street and Essex Road offers quality comedy nights at excellent prices on every night of the week. Past the giant, colourful murals painted on its facade and inside the front door you’ll find a regular pub bar serving beers, wine and a changing cocktail menu. There is a small heated beer garden and famously hilarious and chaotic toilets, whose walls are lined with all manner of entertaining memos written by guests and comedians.
The main comedy room is a dimly lit and intimate space with a stage, so that the audience members are in close quarters with the comedians, putting everyone at ease. Top comedians often come here to practice their new material, so quality should be guaranteed more than your average ‘pay-as-you-feel’ comedy establishment in London. For £9 a ticket you can guarantee a top night, just try to book in advance to avoid the waiting list and the surplus £2 charge for joining it. As ever, you rarely know who you’re seeing on the night until you’re sat in your seat, but in my experience the performances have been very good, and what better way to break the ice, especially if your actual date isn’t providing the laughs for you. As long as you’re not forced to sit front row on a first date, you’re all good, because this could be game over.