With London being the third biggest city in Europe with more than 8 million citizens, it is very multicultural and offers much to discover and see. However, sometimes you just need a nice and cosy place to meet someone very special out of these 8 million people. We present to you the best exclusive London bars for a first date.
A first date is always stressful as you have probably just met this person once in a club or through online dating like Tinder- so maybe not even once. Nevertheless, you want to get to know this person. There are many things you have to deal with, such as finding a suitable outfit, an appropriate welcome gesture, decent communication topics – or even just a date you both can agree on. With this article, you will never have problems inquiring about an adequate location to go to again! You want to impress your date, so the place should be memorable and exciting yet comfortable and quiet so that you can communicate easily. Maybe have a little distraction to help avoid pressure. We recommend dressing up, not just to impress your date but also for entry purposes in these exclusive bars.
Cahoots
Cahoots is a hidden gem in the heart of London’s Soho district. Stepping into this quirky bar is like entering a time capsule that transports guests back to the 1940s, recreating the atmosphere of a vintage London tube station. The bar specializes in creating cocktails inspired by the era, paying homage to classic recipes with a modern twist. For example, the “Spivs & Saucy Trollops” combines bourbon, gingerbread syrup, apple juice, and lemon, creating a sweet and spiced concoction. The “Victory Gimlet” features gin, lime juice, sugar, and cucumber, offering a refreshing and tangy sip.
Cahoots is ideal for a first date because of its nostalgic charm and immersive setting. The unique atmosphere sets the stage for conversation and creates an intimate and playful ambiance. Whether sipping on expertly crafted cocktails, enjoying the live jazz music, or simply soaking up the vintage vibes, Cahoots guarantees a memorable and enchanting experience for any couple embarking on a first date in London.
Experimental Cocktail Club
Our next recommendation would be the Experimental Cocktail Clubin Chinatown, Soho. In this bar you don’t have to worry about the start of the conversation, considering that they have a huge menu with a lot of different drinks and cocktails you and your date might want to explore together. The location itself is incredibly suitable for a first date. The lightning is dimmed there is calm background music and the seating areas are very comfortable- so it is a perfect place to get to know each other. The staff are very pleasant and the interior and the menu have a Parisian touch which makes the place even more cosy. If the date works well you might want to extend the casual drinks to a more committed dinner on the floor upstairs which has a very romantic feeling through its lighting and the clandestine atmosphere. There’s even a piano! You can sit back and relax as the bar has a 3 am license. You can plan your date for any day of the week although you might want to book a table in advance as it is one of the best exclusive London bars for a first date.
Soho Sky Terrace
The Soho Sky Terracewould be a great place for a date between April and September at the Courthouse Hotel you can enjoy the view and the amazing cocktails during the day or watch the stars together at night. Can you imagine something more romantic? Whilst enjoying your drinks and snacks you can listen to some Mellow groove which ensures a quiet but relaxed atmosphere and still gives you the opportunity to talk one on one. It is open between Tuesday and Saturday from 3 pm until 10:30 pm and is located right by Oxford Circus station so it should be a venue everyone can agree on. The white furniture creates a modern feel and every group or couple has its own little area which gives you a lot of privacy meaning you should be able to communicate without any awkwardness. One advantage of this bar is that you can expect exclusive drinks but also normal drinks such as beers or ciders at appropriate prices. It is one of the best exclusive London bars to go to if you like going on your dates during the daytime, watching the stars at night or just prefer a lot of privacy during the first date.
Purl
Purl hides in the bustling neighborhood of Marylebone in London. The bar’s name is derived from an old English term meaning “to sip slowly and quietly,” reflecting its focus on creating a sophisticated and relaxed drinking experience. Purl was founded by mixologist Tristan Stephenson. He is known for his cocktail expertise and passion for reviving classic recipes with a contemporary twist. The interior of Purl is reminiscent of a Victorian-era apothecary, with its dimly lit space, vintage furnishings, and antique curiosities.
The intimate seating arrangements and cozy corners provide a perfect setting for an intimate and memorable first date. The cocktail menu at Purl is a testament to the bar’s dedication to craftsmanship and creativity. Each libation is a work of art, expertly prepared using high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations. For example, the “Smoky Old Fashioned” infuses whisky, lapsang souchong tea, and homemade spice bitters for a rich and smoky twist on a classic.
Oxo Tower
The Oxo Toweroffers you not just one but three locations where you can plan your first date: The Restaurant, the Brasserie and the Bar. So depending on the mood you can decide if you prefer a relaxed lunch on the 250 ft outdoor terrace, drinks in the stylish cocktail bar or a romantic dinner in front of the London skyline at night. From each of these places you can enjoy the panoramic view out of the 8th floor of the iconic Southbank building. Keir Berry and Jeremy Bloor will amaze you and your date with a typical British cuisine on all seven days a week. The terrace is perfect if you want to set your date on a sunny day during daytime as you can enjoy some drinks or a light lunch where you can become acquainted with the person. If you prefer a date at night then Oxo Tower is the best exclusive London bars for a first date with its luxurious interior, amazing cocktails, dimmed lighting, quiet music and of course the view! You can get to know each other in a really comfortable and relaxed place without any pressure but you will definitely impress your date.
JuJu
Juju has become the place to be in Chelsea’s bar scene with it being recognized for its elegant and stylish interior, the best and most creative cocktails and a very relaxing atmosphere. So it might be one of the best exclusive London bars for a first date especially if you or your date lives in the South of London. It is open in the evening hours between Tuesday and Saturday and is located in the heart of Chelsea. You can learn a lot about each other whilst enjoying cocktails and a tapas dinner in a very intimate place until the DJ starts at 10 pm. You might want to dance the to the amazing music after drinks or just continue your conversation whilst enjoying the atmosphere. JuJu is one of the favourite cocktail bars in London and has won a lot of awards in the past. The music is commercial, RnB and hip hop but still so quiet that you can talk without screaming at each other. You can share a tapas menu with your date and explore one of the bar’s own cocktail creations like the “Juju Midnight.” This bar is very suitable if you looking for a truly elegant and intimate atmosphere- perfect for a first date.
Sky Gardens
Watching the sunset together 150 meters above the city must be the most romantic date you can imagine- Sky Garden makes this possible! You might forget to talk whilst enjoying this incredible view but you will definitely impress your date and have a mutual memory forever. After being impressed by the spectacular views you can have a drink at the Sky Pod Bar and finally start your conversation. They have a private area which is available for 10-50 guests with the bar offering you bar snacks and the most exclusive cocktails. It is the perfect place for a little intimacy and sharing each other’s secrets. According to the motto “the more you pay, the worse the view”, the visit to the Sky Gardens is indeed free but it is highly recommended to book a slot in advance.During this time you can join the Sky Pod Bar without booking a table but if you would like to invite your date to dinner as well you should reserve a table in one of the Restaurants. Sky Garden is one the best exclusive London bars for a first date if your looking for a romantic and special experience.
Sketch
Sketch is located in a 18th century building in Mayfair and was the dream of “Momo” Mazouz who wanted to establish a center which combines art, music and food. This is in fact the most interesting place for a date with so much such variety. There are four different spaces you can choose from and every place is unique. You can either enjoy a relaxed afternoon tea or a European cuisine dinner from the world’s best chefs. Like it was the wish of “Momo”, you have three date opportunities in the same place: First you can have a look at all the rooms and the art that you can find there, and even if you don’t have to go you should have a look in the bathrooms ( You have probably never seen something like this before) Then you can choose a restaurant where you would like to eat and after you have the opportunity to listen to great music in the bar. This might be not a very romantic date but it is definitely an interesting and exciting one that you and your date will remember. It is recommended to reserve a table and plan your visit in advance as its one of the best exclusive London bars for a first date.
Aqua Shard
This exclusive London bar for a first date is located on the 31st floor of the Shard which is the highest building in Western Europe. Even if your visit to the Shard needs to be planned in advance you don’t have to reserve a table in this stunning atrium bar. If you are not a professional in knowing the different kinds of drinks and cocktails that is no problem because the friendly staff will help to explain all the drinking opportunities that are available. Aqua Shard could be just part of one of the many places to visit within one evening as the prices also include the view. So even if you just stay for one drink you will definitely impress your date as he/she will be very grateful for this amazing pre-drinks idea. The elegant bar, exclusive drinks, dimmed lighting and also incredible view will ensure a good mood during the first date and might increase your chances for a second one! This exclusive bar might be the most impressing and exciting idea for a first date so you should take a very special person.
Happiness Forgets
Happiness Forgets is tucked away in Hoxton Square. It is known for its intimate and low-key atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for a first date in London. From the smooth and balanced “Old Fashioned” to the refreshing and citrusy “Bramble,” each drink is perfectly crafted, ensuring a delightful experience for cocktail enthusiasts.
Its cozy and intimate ambiance sets Happiness Forgets apart as an ideal spot for a first date. The dimly lit space, complemented by its intimate seating arrangements, creates an atmosphere that fosters conversation and connection. The unpretentious and welcoming nature of the bar encourages a relaxed and comfortable environment, allowing daters to focus on getting to know each other without distractions. The bar boasts a simple yet stylish interior, with exposed brick walls, dark wood accents, and a well-stocked bar. The laid-back atmosphere and unassuming design contribute to the bar’s charm, making it an ideal setting for a casual and enjoyable first date.
Nightjar
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Shoreditch, Nightjar stands as a captivating hidden gem renowned for its 1920s speakeasy ambiance and masterfully crafted cocktails. The allure of the bar as an ideal first-date venue lies in its enchanting ambiance. Step into the dimly lit space and be transported to a bygone era of glamour and romance. The vintage-inspired decor, plush seating, and intricate details create an intimate and captivating atmosphere that sets the stage for a memorable evening. Each drink is a work of art, showcasing a fusion of flavors and techniques. The “Penicillin” cocktail, a smoky blend of scotch whisky, lemon, ginger, and honey, is a standout choice. The “Bramble” combines gin, blackberry liqueur, lemon juice, and a touch of sugar over crushed ice for a refreshing option.
Scarfes Bar
Scarfes Bar, inside the elegant Rosewood London hotel, invites you to indulge in a world of refined cocktails and timeless sophistication. Stepping into this exquisite destination is like entering an artist’s sanctuary, where the walls come alive with the vibrant and whimsical illustrations of the renowned caricaturist Gerald Scarfe. Drawing inspiration from classic recipes while infusing their own creative twists, the bartenders skillfully blend fine spirits and handpicked ingredients to craft extraordinary libations. From the velvety depths of the “Scarfe’s Negroni” to the irresistible balance of the “Piccadilly Sour,” each cocktail is an ode to perfection.
Scarfes Bar is a haven of refined elegance, adorned with opulent furnishings, warm lighting, and a treasure trove of literary classics. The intimate atmosphere, complemented by live jazz melodies, sets the stage for a truly enchanting first date. Let Scarfes Bar be the backdrop to your first date, where every sip, every glance, and every moment are filled with magic and possibility.
These are the ten best exclusive bars for a first date specially selected as they offer something unique and special, so you and your date can share an unforgettable experience together. These exclusive bars are working together with the world’s best chefs or bartenders have a creative and luxurious interior or just offer you an amazing view above our loving city. So don’t miss out on going to one of these exclusive and high-end bars today!
