I’ve been asked by a considerable number of people whether I have a good idea for a date night itinerary. While I am by no means deeming myself to be a dating guru (I’ve had my fair share of disaster stories, thank you Hinge) I do have some ideas up my sleeve for what I think would make a fantastic date night. This particular itinerary I can vouch for, as I’ve successfully completed this route myself and ended up with a next date on the cards. See below for a happy customer who followed this itinerary and gave glowing feedback.
Pre-dinner drinks*
Wun’s Tea Room, 23 Greek Street
Think funky cocktails in an underground tearoom inspired bar. You don’t need to book, just walk into the ground floor restaurant and ask to have a drink in the downstairs Speakeasy-style bar. You’ll be taken downstairs and seated, if you’re lucky, at one of the small tables dotted around the dimly lit room. If it’s a particularly busy evening in Soho, you might instead end up on floor cushions, which could in fact be the perfect ice breaker. What better way to begin a date than the challenge of trying to remain dignified as you scramble your way onto the floor?
You can sample all manner of quirky cocktails from the Pandan & Lychee to the Date & Barley which actually comes presented in a tiny, clear teapot. The drinks are sure to be a talking point both in terms of flavour and theatre.
*Disclaimer: This is by no means a date only for people who drink, you can of course order what you like at these spots!
Dinner
Hongdae Pocha, 26 Romilly Street
If you know me, then there’s a very high chance that I have already recommended this place to you. I am Hongdae Pocha’s number-one fan. Well, I’m probably not, but I certainly do a lot of free advertising for them. Where to begin? Firstly, you absolutely have to book. Nothing says date fail more than turning up at a restaurant only to be directed to the backend of an hour-long queue as the effects of your lychee cocktail begin to wear off. Note: the only place you can book is via Instagram, by sending them a message well ahead of time. This is a popular place for a reason.
Once you’re through the first hurdle and you have confidently strided past the masses of envious non-bookers, you’ll notice that the restaurant is loud and chaotic inside. This is primarily down to the non-stop K-Pop that blasts out of the speakers and bounces off the walls of this somewhat cramped institution. The real treat lies at the back, through a little door that takes you into the party room. Here, you will have not only the amplified K-Pop to contend with on your date, but also the multicoloured disco lights that are unflattering at the best of times. The walls are plastered with scrappy signatures from diners past and to say the wooden seating is rustic would be an understatement. However, this is why I love Hongdae Pocha. When it opened a few years ago, this was London’s first Korean pub. The hectic atmosphere, the K-Pop, the Korean beers and Soju cocktails (the watermelon one is great), the off-white lighting and intermittent strobe lights all create a unique and highly amusing atmosphere that is sure to knock any awkwardness out of your evening. You’ll be forced to shout over each other and share gigantic portions of delicious Korean food. Eating here is messy, but if your date is too snobby to enjoy Hongdae Pocha then I suggest you politely ask them to leave and order another cocktail.
The star of the show? Undoubtedly the Korean Fried Chicken. If you’re a fan of Gochujang, I’d recommend the Half-Half Hongdae Chicken. If, like me, you’re not Gochujang’s biggest fan, then it is my absolute pleasure to recommend the Soy Garlic Chicken to you. This is no romantic affair: the waiter will hand you plastic gloves and you will have to eat the crispy chicken with your hands. But one thing I’m sure you and your date will agree on is that this chicken is exceptionally tasty. If you have any space after this monster pile of juicy, saucy, sweet and salty chicken indulgence, then I’ve enjoyed a couple of other dishes in the past. Firstly, the giant Kimchi Pancake that rivals a pizza in scope and is hilariously found under the Starter section. They also have some excellent noodle soups but be warned, they are no small feat. The Korean Fishcake Soup is a personal favourite.
Pay up, leave, enjoy some K-Pop and then head out into the now ominously quiet street. Your ears will be ringing but I’m sure you’ll be warmed up for the rest of the evening.
Post-dinner drinks
Cork & Bottle, 44-46 Cranbourn Street
This is a special one. Walking down the often overwhelmingly crowded Leicester Square doesn’t instantly scream romance. However, once you’ve made your way through the makeshift-looking street entrance to Cork & Bottle, you’ll think differently. Through the door and down the stairs is a classical French wine bar, or “cave” that is so perfectly hidden away from the bustling streets that you truly (thankfully) forget where you are.
The walls are lined with wine bottles and the atmosphere is romantic and shabby-chic. The best seat in the house is tucked under an arch that literally looks and feels like a cave. The wines are delicious and the staff are very accommodating. If you’re after a sweet treat to round off your night, I can highly recommend their typical French desserts, like the Apple Pie that is the perfect sharing dish for you and your date to share in your final happy, fuzzy and slightly intoxicated haze.
If you’ve tried out this route, please drop me a message on Instagram. I’d love to hear your thoughts!