London may be a lot of things, but boring ain’t one of them. When you’re looking to impress a certain someone with a night on the town it can be hard to know where to begin. From Michelin-starred dining to tourist hotspots like the London Eye, the possibilities are seemingly endless. We’ve hand-picked a few of the capital’s most exciting and unusual date ideas to inspire you.
I’m wearing a cashmere blend cape by Pret-a-Porter Kazakhstan
See London at sunset
A sunset picnic perched atop Primrose Hill or Hampstead Heath is a cheap and cheerful way to do it in warmer months, but a table at one of London’s sky-high restaurants is your best option for winter. Situated in some of the city’s most iconic buildings, Aqua Shard based on the 31st floor of the Shard, Searcy’s atop of the Gherkin, or Sushisamba on the 38th floor of the Heron Tower, all provide wow-inducing food and views.
www.aquashard.co.uk/ www.sushisamba.com / www.searcys.co.uk
See London from a chopper
Get your cameras at the ready, because there aren’t many better ways to admire this fine city than from up above. The London Helicopter organises private heli-trips over the capital, traversing from West to East. Take in everything from the Dome, to the Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral to Battersea Power Station. There are a few options, but the London Max Route offers private use of a chopper for you and up to five guests.
See London from the sky
Since 2009, Dinner in the Sky has been providing guests with uplifting dining experiences in the clouds. That’s right, you and your date will be suspended 100 feet into the air where you’ll enjoy drinks and an unforgettable dining experience. The head chef, sommelier and waiting crew will join you in the air, ensuring an evening you’ll never forget.
Also available in a host of other British cities and across the world, a table can be booked for private events, or keep watch of their website to see when tickets to the next public event go on sale.
See London from the Thames
If soaring heights aren’t your thing, how ‘bout London seen from the river? Adventurers can rent kayaks and paddle down the Thames at their leisure, or for a little more extravagance, Thames Luxury Cruises has a fleet of private-hire boats that can be rented for anything from dining to dancing. Boats range from the 6-person Equity, to the 600-person Dixie Queen, meaning you can bring as many friends as you can fit.
www.thamesluxurycharters.co.uk /
Lady Kate Luxury Yacht Experience
See… well, nothing at all!
They say you eat with your eyes, but here’s one novel concept that challenges that notion. Unlike most of London’s top restaurants, Dans Le Noir in Clerkenwell is completely devoid of vanity. In fact, you won’t even be able to see what you’re consuming. Guests eat in complete darkness and are encouraged to connect with fellow diners around the table, creating a sensory experience that forces everyone to re-evaluate their perceptions of taste and smell.
Written by Thea Carley