Make this a summer of love. Or sauciness, if that's your thing...
Congratulations! You've finally got round to asking that certain someone if they fancy going out with you sometime. For some of us, it might me more of a case that they've finally conceded and begrudgingly quoted those eleven little digits that are like a passport to potential romantic destiny. But however your approach to your quest for love, this means only one thing – you have the unnerving prospect of a 'first date' on the horizon. Well, don't panic. Spoonfed are here to help you. Here are our top ideas to give your first date the greatest chance of success...
Something to eat?
It's textbook. “Hey, fancy going for dinner?” We can all wheel that one out. But how about considering deviating from the stuffy set menu/battered sausage and chips route? Dans Le Noir offers what they call a “truly sensory culinary experience”. It's dinner in the dark. Not only will it be exciting and memorable, it'll also help out those faced with aesthetic disappointment on a blind date. Ha, blind date.
Something to drink?
'Al Fresco'. It sounds sexy from the off doesn't it? Well, the Rockwell Bar offers a lovely outdoor terrace for you and your beau to enjoy a tipple, and it has a stunning view over Trafalgar Square. You can gaze longingly into your date's eyes then watch people get scared by flocks of pigeons below. Beautiful. If you don't fancy that, nothing says “I'm cool and quirky ergo you should love me” like Bourne & Hollingsworth on Rathbone Place. It's classic yet full of character with fabulous décor and a delicious cocktail menu.
Fancy a coffee?
It doesn't always have to be a euphemism. Don't do Starbucks or Costa... your date will be forgettable and you'll become as faceless as the corporations that colonise these chains. How about somewhere quaintly twee like Drink Shop & Do? It's got old tea sets, bright colours, cupcakes and craft. A lady into her vintage would be most impressed with the opportunity to splash out on some unique purchases too. Alternatively, if you roll like the Monopoly Man, afternoon tea in the conservatory at the gorgeous Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair is bound to please.
Why not learn something new?
We ain't talking snake charming or plumbing here. That's second date territory. As booze is often the glue that holds a date together, why not try out a cocktail-making class? 69 Colebrooke Row offers masterclasses including learning the history of the drinks as well as being taught how to make them. And yes, you do get to drink them. If you'd rather shake your booty than a Bond-friendly Martini, perhaps consider a dance class. Stompin' at 100 Club specialise in lindy hop and swing. If your date goes wrong for some reason you can just blame it on the boogie.
Something outside?
The Italians and Cornetto know the score... boat trips incite romance. There's a route that runs down Regent's Canal from Little Venice to Camden which would be gorgeous on a summer's day. It even stops at the zoo if you wanted to go watch animals flinging poo about. If you haven't got erm, canal-legs... then perhaps horse riding in Hyde Park is more your thing. You can ride on Rotten Row, which sounds really romantic, does it not?
Something active?
Cafe Kick in Shoreditch is a lovely little gaff with cool and attractive surroundings for you to play a few games of table football in. It could potentially make you look simultaneously brilliant with impeccable taste as well as an utter horror if your competitive streak gets out of hand. If you can't handle that, maybe go for a round of Urban Golf instead. This mini golf course would be perfect for Tiger Woods himself, especially as it's in the heart of Soho.
A night of clubbing?
Let's try and think of something that will bring you together. You could whip your kit off and take the plunge at the Wavehouse Pool Party. They crop up now and again in secret locations but the mixture of rave with a privileged guestlist and plenty of booze (and flesh) means you can at least be remembered for something. Alternatively, you could stand to look like Bambi on a frozen lake and have a go at Roller Disco in Vauxhall. The music will be funky and the atmosphere fun, but perhaps take some plasters for accidents.
Something Saucy?
“If I had a flower for everytime I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever”. We're sure Alfred Lord Tennyson wouldn't have had this garden in mind when he wrote those romantic words: Torture Garden. We know you're not all blushing virgins so perhaps dare to do something different – and (literally) very exciting. A legendary fetish night with erotica strewn as far as the eye can see, you and your date could become very well acquainted. Club Rub is another option. It's fun, sexy and perfect if you're both fans of whips and PVC on Facebook.
Whatever you choose to do, good luck! Let us know if we need to buy a new hat...
Image courtesy of lanier67.
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