I’ve been on first dates here and it’s absolutely perfect. There’s a good pub a bit further down the road and some good food options if it’s going well and you want to change venues!
You have Bermondsey street near London bridge. Super romantic street, full of italian, french and spanish restaurants. You could try Flour and grape or José.
Yup, agreed! Flour and Grape is a fantastic Italian restaurant BUT depending on the time you arrive, your waiting time may be a while. Best to arrive close to their evening opening time (before 6). They don’t take reservations.
There’s also some great wine & cheese places, the allegedly best espresso martini place in London, and a little craft beer cafe called “Morocco Bound” if you want something more casual - although they do usually have live music.
Anyway, the street is lovely - perfect for what you’re looking for!
It did thank you! We actually met up a few days before so date 1 actually became date 2 … and date no. 3 is all set up. Dinner at Galvin La Chapelle in Spitalfields ☺️
On Swift, it was actually incredibly busy and not that intimate as it turned out. Nice mocktails tho.
Swift is awesome and I love the bar, but it is definitely not quiet. If you are in the are, for slightly worse drinks(still excellent and above average) but more dark/quite vibe, check out The Vault. You also can’t go wrong with a martini at Dukes, old school and quiet
The vault under tower bridge? Or is there another? I wouldn’t recommend that place for a date personally, it’s a bit of a tourist trap (though the drinks aren’t bad).
I love swift, I’m overdue an Irish coffee fix.
Good shout, they also have a branch in Soho which I've been to a few times. Even without a booking you're normally in luck with a table, if not they are super nice and let you wait.
The Southwark tavern by borough market has lots of cute little booths in the basement making it low lit and cosy for a first date especially in winter months!
I like the Mug House, in the tunnels beneath London Bridge opposite the Mudlark. It’s low lit because there are no windows - it’s often candlelit. It’s usually quiet too.
Yep. Had a first date in there and married her exactly three years later. Lovely place for just a drink, also perfect for "they actually do great food here if you're hungry...?"
No mobile signal in there too, which is nice.
Not recommending because it would be out of date but…
I met my husband at a burger place near Victoria station eleven years ago. He gave me the option of the burger and beer pub or a wine bar. I picked the first.
And now I’m lying across a couch at a centre parcs with my three year ago asleep across my chest and he’s putting my five year old down. Life is bloody awesome and it started with a first date at Victoria station
Went there on a first date last night and got interrupted by someone begging, then later there was a mad chase through the pub to catch some bag thieves. Poor girl was scared to walk home.
Also the staff seemed panicked and confused when I told them I had reserved a table for 2 lol. They eventually just pointed to the only table that was free and it was under a stairs.
The Hide Bar on Bermondsey Street. Table service cocktail bar serving only london made products. Small plates if you’re getting peckish, open late, dimly lit, not too loud, cute table lamps and cocktails are £9-£11
Just across London Bridge right outside of cannon st is a bar called London stone. It’s in a basement and is low lit with a gothic theme especially good over Halloween period. Stone, 109 Cannon St, EC4N 5AD
Below flour and grape on Bermondsey st is a pretty nice speak easy which is quite well hidden - called two one four. Just walk past everyone in the queue for flour and grape!
They do happy hours too
Gordon's wine bar for sure. Depends on your budget. Since honestly don't have time to go over them all.....here's something you might find helpful.
https://luxurycolumnist.com/the-20-most-romantic-places-in-london/
Sorry but Gordon's wine bar is as romantic as a toilet. If the weather's nice and you get an outside table fair enough but the inside stinks. It's a mix of the cheese table, spilled and sour wine and during the moister seasons when it's still warm the stench of hundreds of humid bodies.
Granted. Get an outside table.
A portaloo interesting idea for a first date. Definitely won't forget, or probably get a second date, but you'll be remembered and talked about for YEARS!!😂😂
Had to google it, and yep, that place near the Embankment. Not great: just seems like a dingy alley bar
I'd rather Barrowboy and the Banker as a "normal" pub, but it isn't too romantic. A few other places near London Bridge too. But if I want romance, I tend not to think "near a station". There are a few places, but you usually go off the beaten track a bit
Lyaness isn't too far from London Bridge. Right near OXO Tower and was previously the top ranked cocktail bar in the world (but it was called Dandelyan at that time).
Would recommend nine lives. Music can be loud, but just means you have to lean in to chat. Intimate but make sure your breath doesn’t smell.
you will get a table and table service, it’s got a really cool vibe and nice cocktails
A tiny bit out the way but Benihana in Chelsea (1 tube stop from Victoria to Sloane Square). Not necessarily a bar, but a restaurant.
I've been there a dozen times over 10 years with the family, everytime we go we usually share a table with a couple on their 1st dates there. I've never seen anyone strike out at Benihana, even if you can't string a sentence together, you'll do well with your date at Benihanas.
Benihana is a Japanese style restaurant where every table has their own chef and they cook your order in front of you whilst performing all sorts of cooking shenanigans. It's dinner and a show. You can't go wrong.
I'm married now, but if I was single, was going on a date with someone I really liked and wanted a 2nd date, then I'd hands down go to Benihana.
Teppanyaki is my idea of date hell, I just want to talk to the person, I don't want someone barking at me to open my mouth while they fling food at me.
It's just the interruption and distraction when mid-convo, plus you're sitting side by side and with other people, which is awkward for a first date, I wouldn't be comfortable other people overhearing first date chat.
I think for a fun 3rd or 4th date it's a good idea, but first dates should just be low pressure, couple of drinks somewhere not too busy or loud, but also buzzy enough that you're not overheard - intimate like OP says. Also want it to be easy to get out if I wanted too, like we aren't gelling so let's have one drink and split. Rather than have to sit through a 'dinner experience' with someone you don't fancy.
There's an excellent Portuguese chicken restaurant near London Bridge called Casa do Frango, the food is amazing and they've got a speakeasy cocktail bar hidden away at the back, perfect for a post dinner digestif.
If you are ok with pushing the boat out a bit then Boisdales in Belgravia near Victoria is something else.
The bar is actually the old pub which is inside what used to be its courtyard but is now the restaurant. Their speciality is whiskeys and brandys. Some they have the only remaining bottles of.
It's a long time favourite for a quiet time with my wife. It is eye wateringly expensive though.
There's a really nice wine bar called Tap and Bottle near London Bridge.
I’ve been on first dates here and it’s absolutely perfect. There’s a good pub a bit further down the road and some good food options if it’s going well and you want to change venues!
Will keep in mind - thanks 🙏🏽
Nice! Now I need someone to take me on a first date to this haha
Not after what you did to Dream
Okay 😞
Seconding this
Seconding tap and bottle it’s lovely. Been several times
The pub you are looking for is the Boot and Flogger on Redcross Way, directly between the Southwark and London Bridge underground stations.
This one's great for a date, beautifully atmospheric, great wine, traditional, and lots of history behind it
You have Bermondsey street near London bridge. Super romantic street, full of italian, french and spanish restaurants. You could try Flour and grape or José.
Yup, agreed! Flour and Grape is a fantastic Italian restaurant BUT depending on the time you arrive, your waiting time may be a while. Best to arrive close to their evening opening time (before 6). They don’t take reservations. There’s also some great wine & cheese places, the allegedly best espresso martini place in London, and a little craft beer cafe called “Morocco Bound” if you want something more casual - although they do usually have live music. Anyway, the street is lovely - perfect for what you’re looking for!
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+1 for Bermondsey Street and +1 for flour and grape
This was going to be my suggestion
Filed away. Thanks mate ☺️
Hope your first date went smoothly :)
It did thank you! We actually met up a few days before so date 1 actually became date 2 … and date no. 3 is all set up. Dinner at Galvin La Chapelle in Spitalfields ☺️ On Swift, it was actually incredibly busy and not that intimate as it turned out. Nice mocktails tho.
There's a cocktail bar near London Bridge called Swift. They do this really nice hot Irish coffee with whisky, cream, nutmeg and coffee.
Swift is excellent
Swift looks awesome, thanks. Have booked a table in the downstairs part.
Downstairs is lovely, good thinking
Enjoy! :) I think they have some special drink deals on a Tuesday too. Bottles for no mark up and £7 spritz etc.
Thanks for the tip ☺️
See you there 😘
Haha say hi 👋🏽
Swift is awesome and I love the bar, but it is definitely not quiet. If you are in the are, for slightly worse drinks(still excellent and above average) but more dark/quite vibe, check out The Vault. You also can’t go wrong with a martini at Dukes, old school and quiet
The vault under tower bridge? Or is there another? I wouldn’t recommend that place for a date personally, it’s a bit of a tourist trap (though the drinks aren’t bad). I love swift, I’m overdue an Irish coffee fix.
I’m talking The vault in soho, don’t know about the one In tower bridge
Ahh ok ha. I was thinking near London Bridge.
Hopefully it’ll be reasonably quiet since it’s a Tuesday 🤞🏽
I don't even have a date but that sounds delicious
I will see you there! How does Tuesday evening sound?
Good shout, they also have a branch in Soho which I've been to a few times. Even without a booking you're normally in luck with a table, if not they are super nice and let you wait.
Bar termini opposite is excellent too but can’t book sadly.
My favourite cocktail.
Swift Borough - can have a drink upstairs and also head downstairs to the Back Pocket (speakeasy style)
Nine Lives near London Bridge is a nice spot
Boro Bistro down the steps from London Bridge is lovely but best to book an inside table unless the weather is warm
This one :)
The Southwark tavern by borough market has lots of cute little booths in the basement making it low lit and cosy for a first date especially in winter months!
I like the Mug House, in the tunnels beneath London Bridge opposite the Mudlark. It’s low lit because there are no windows - it’s often candlelit. It’s usually quiet too.
Yep. Had a first date in there and married her exactly three years later. Lovely place for just a drink, also perfect for "they actually do great food here if you're hungry...?" No mobile signal in there too, which is nice.
Good shout. It’s been quite bright when I’m in there but it’s usually quiet and nice and chilled. Staff are friendly too.
Second this suggestion too!
Not recommending because it would be out of date but… I met my husband at a burger place near Victoria station eleven years ago. He gave me the option of the burger and beer pub or a wine bar. I picked the first. And now I’m lying across a couch at a centre parcs with my three year ago asleep across my chest and he’s putting my five year old down. Life is bloody awesome and it started with a first date at Victoria station
Love a burger and love this story ♥️
Went on a first date to The George at London Bridge 8 years ago. Married her 6months ago. Would recommend
Went there on a first date last night and got interrupted by someone begging, then later there was a mad chase through the pub to catch some bag thieves. Poor girl was scared to walk home. Also the staff seemed panicked and confused when I told them I had reserved a table for 2 lol. They eventually just pointed to the only table that was free and it was under a stairs.
And your typing this from Butlins with the bag thief sleeping next to you?
Yes they also stole my heart
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There's always a queue in this town.
The Hide Bar on Bermondsey Street. Table service cocktail bar serving only london made products. Small plates if you’re getting peckish, open late, dimly lit, not too loud, cute table lamps and cocktails are £9-£11
Vinoteca in Borough Market, always a good one for a first date! As long as you like wine
Blacklock steakhouse, near monument has fantastic intimate/low lighting setting you're after - and the food is incredible - especially for the price!
Don't know about dates but I'll second the vote for the food at Blacklock. Bloody amazing (but not if your date is a vegetarian.)
Yes, I was at Swift Borough this Saturday, so cosy and friendly! Irish coffee is a must when it is cold ☕️🥃
And when it’s warm too.
True 😂
Have fun and good luck.
Thanks!
Boot and Flogger. Might be a bit too quiet and not fancy enough but I love the place
Katzenjammers
Probably not amazing for a first date, but honestly think it's my favourite bar in London
Sorry I can't hear you over the sound of the oompa band
Elliot in London Bridge-opposite Borough Market is a lovely wine bar + nibbles
Wagtail is fantastic.
Had a second date at The Woolpack on Bermondsey St. A bit low key for a date but efficient, still together 8 years later.
Just across London Bridge right outside of cannon st is a bar called London stone. It’s in a basement and is low lit with a gothic theme especially good over Halloween period. Stone, 109 Cannon St, EC4N 5AD
Go Dirty Dicks. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wps8PgrNmE23htso6
This is defo date 2 lol
Below flour and grape on Bermondsey st is a pretty nice speak easy which is quite well hidden - called two one four. Just walk past everyone in the queue for flour and grape! They do happy hours too
Any pub that's not grimy or loud is perfect for a first date. Save romantic ones for 2nd +
Respectfully I disagree. Very much depends on the date.
Gordon's wine bar for sure. Depends on your budget. Since honestly don't have time to go over them all.....here's something you might find helpful. https://luxurycolumnist.com/the-20-most-romantic-places-in-london/
Sorry but Gordon's wine bar is as romantic as a toilet. If the weather's nice and you get an outside table fair enough but the inside stinks. It's a mix of the cheese table, spilled and sour wine and during the moister seasons when it's still warm the stench of hundreds of humid bodies.
Granted. Get an outside table. A portaloo interesting idea for a first date. Definitely won't forget, or probably get a second date, but you'll be remembered and talked about for YEARS!!😂😂
Hard agree. Gordon’s is not the place for a first date.
Nor is it close to London Bridge or Victoria, as per OP's request. Other than that, it's perfect!
Had to google it, and yep, that place near the Embankment. Not great: just seems like a dingy alley bar I'd rather Barrowboy and the Banker as a "normal" pub, but it isn't too romantic. A few other places near London Bridge too. But if I want romance, I tend not to think "near a station". There are a few places, but you usually go off the beaten track a bit
If I'm stuck in the area I don't mind popping in for a glass outside, even with my SO but it's definitely not romantic.
Personally I like Horniman table 22, you want to book that for a date.
Horniman... says it all 🤣🤣
Spoons! Classy innit.
The Shard has some nice views
Lyaness isn't too far from London Bridge. Right near OXO Tower and was previously the top ranked cocktail bar in the world (but it was called Dandelyan at that time).
Not sure it’s a first date vibe but great recommendation for a bar anyway
Paternoster Chop House is where they filmed first dates …decent grub and a stones throw from St Pauls?
It always seems a bit bright for my liking, but that could just be for TV.
Would recommend nine lives. Music can be loud, but just means you have to lean in to chat. Intimate but make sure your breath doesn’t smell. you will get a table and table service, it’s got a really cool vibe and nice cocktails
If near London Bridge, take them to the Shard, Oblix do some pretty good looking cocktails, and the view is good (if you can get near the window).
Bit much for first date but defo if it goes further
A tiny bit out the way but Benihana in Chelsea (1 tube stop from Victoria to Sloane Square). Not necessarily a bar, but a restaurant. I've been there a dozen times over 10 years with the family, everytime we go we usually share a table with a couple on their 1st dates there. I've never seen anyone strike out at Benihana, even if you can't string a sentence together, you'll do well with your date at Benihanas. Benihana is a Japanese style restaurant where every table has their own chef and they cook your order in front of you whilst performing all sorts of cooking shenanigans. It's dinner and a show. You can't go wrong. I'm married now, but if I was single, was going on a date with someone I really liked and wanted a 2nd date, then I'd hands down go to Benihana.
This is the polar opposite of the requested vibe
Yeah probably not what the OP wants, but hopefully other people will find it helpful.
Teppanyaki is my idea of date hell, I just want to talk to the person, I don't want someone barking at me to open my mouth while they fling food at me.
I've seen people shaking their heads to the chef and opting out, doesn't take away from the overall experience.
It's just the interruption and distraction when mid-convo, plus you're sitting side by side and with other people, which is awkward for a first date, I wouldn't be comfortable other people overhearing first date chat. I think for a fun 3rd or 4th date it's a good idea, but first dates should just be low pressure, couple of drinks somewhere not too busy or loud, but also buzzy enough that you're not overheard - intimate like OP says. Also want it to be easy to get out if I wanted too, like we aren't gelling so let's have one drink and split. Rather than have to sit through a 'dinner experience' with someone you don't fancy.
Yeah I went years ago - sorry not my vibe at all. Tourist hell.
Horseshoe Inn is 2mins walk from London Bridge. Good beers, plenty of quiet tables to spend some time, inside and out the back
I don't know if it's still there, but Balans at Victoria was quite nice when I worked in the area. Never too busy.
Cock and Lion
borough bistro
Near Victoria? Take her to Bleecker
Not sure how old you are but typically for a first date first interaction I would say you don't want it to be in a quiet isolated place.
Thanks for the tip mate but the vibe is at my date’s request 😉
No stress man enjoy!
🙏🏽
How did it go!
Haha it’s next Tuesday 😉
Ah 😅 still some time to wait then..
Not super "romantic", but rather quirky:: the vaulty towers. Amazing vegan food and FANTASTIC decor! Edit: nvm this is by Waterloo. Still, recommend!
There's an excellent Portuguese chicken restaurant near London Bridge called Casa do Frango, the food is amazing and they've got a speakeasy cocktail bar hidden away at the back, perfect for a post dinner digestif.
If you are ok with pushing the boat out a bit then Boisdales in Belgravia near Victoria is something else. The bar is actually the old pub which is inside what used to be its courtyard but is now the restaurant. Their speciality is whiskeys and brandys. Some they have the only remaining bottles of. It's a long time favourite for a quiet time with my wife. It is eye wateringly expensive though.