Date spot in Soho and Covent Garden
Poppies Soho
Share fish and chips the proper way at the retro chippy on Old Compton Street, all vintage signs and old-school charm.
Old Compton Street, Soho
Address: Poppies, 55-59 Old Compton Street, London W1D 6HW- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Cosy
Why it's a good date: A fun, unfussy sit-down chippy right in the middle of Soho, handy before a film at the Prince Charles or a show.
More from our Soho and Covent Garden guide
Seven Dials Market
Earlham Street, Seven Dials
Address: Seven Dials Market, Earlham Street, London WC2H 9LX- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Wander the food hall in an old banana warehouse off Seven Dials, pick a street-food counter each and meet back at a shared table.
Why it's a good date: Lots of choice under one roof, so nobody has to compromise. It's a good warm, dry spot on a rainy day in the West End.
Rules
Maiden Lane, Covent Garden
Address: Rules, 35 Maiden Lane, London WC2E 7LB- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Romantic
- Cosy
Book a table at London's oldest restaurant for classic British cooking and game in a red velvet room hung with old paintings.
Why it's a good date: Two centuries of history on the walls and a real sense of occasion, especially in the run-up to Christmas. Have a drink in the cocktail bar upstairs first.
Ikoyi
Strand, Temple
Address: Ikoyi, 180 Strand, London WC2R 1EA- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Big night
Book the tasting menu at the Michelin-starred restaurant on the Strand, where West African spice meets the best British produce.
Why it's a good date: Bold, surprising food in a calm, low-lit room: the one for a once-in-a-while celebration. Tables go fast, so book well ahead.