More Londoners than ever are using apps like Badoo to find love. And, while it means it’s getting easier and easier to meet the love of your life in this city, it also means you've got to stand out from the crowd to impress your date. Luckily, if there's one thing Time Out knows well, it's how to plan a showstopping few hours of fun: that's why we've teamed up with Badoo, which just so happens to be the biggest dating app out there, to reveal five secret spots that are guaranteed to make more of an impression than a trip down your local.
Now all you need to do is find someone to take out for the night. The perfect way to find them? Just download Badoo.
Stepping into Brasserie Zédel is like stepping into the dining room on the Titanic. You'd never guess the French restaurant was in the middle of Piccadilly Circus. Not only will its ballroom vibe make you and your date feel like Kate and Leo, it's also affordable. You can get two courses for £12.95, leaving you free to splash the cash in the adjoining Bar Americain - one of London's best cocktail bars. There'll be steamy handprints on the cab window on the way home.
Whoever said toilet humour was a romance-killer had obviously never been to Bermondsey Arts Club. This trendy art deco cocktail bar was dreamed up by fashion photographer George Garnier and just happens to be located in an old public toilet. It's the perfect place to take the plunge and go on a first date: the surprise factor will give you the perfect conversation starter, flushing away any jitters.
Date in the daytime? Not drinking? Why not head to London's little known Sir John Soane's Museum. The collection of art, furniture and suits of armour is packed into the 18th-century architect's old house in the centre of the city. It's like stepping into a period drama and should give you and boo plenty to talk about. Nerdy but nice.
Splashing out on a trip up the Shard might be a little pricey for a first date, but that doesn't mean you're stuck dating at ground level. One New Change shopping centre by St Paul's is home to arguably the most romantic free spot in the city. Head to the roof in the glass lift and you and your date can get up close and personal with the dome of St Paul's as well as taking in views of the city skyline. It's the perfect spot for a good night kiss. And did we mention it's free!?
Officially, Milk & Honey in Soho is a members’ bar. (The only outward evidence of its existence is a tiny sign next to a buzzer on Poland Street.) But non-members can go – by booking the ground floor or basement bar only – up to 11pm. A list of rules states that the house doesn’t like noise, it doesn’t like rowdy, it doesn’t like poseurs or pickups. Picky, yes, but these all add to up to make it an incredible place for a first date. Especially when you're both giddy about getting in in the first place.
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