Date spot in Soho and Covent Garden
The Ivy
Dress up for dinner at the original Ivy on West Street, the theatreland institution with stained-glass windows and a buzzy dining room.
West Street, Covent Garden
Address: The Ivy, 1-5 West Street, London WC2H 9NQ- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Romantic
- Big night
Why it's a good date: A classic London treat, right by the theatres, so it works before or after a show. Book ahead for weekends.
More from our Soho and Covent Garden guide
National Gallery
Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Free
Wander the free national collection on Trafalgar Square, from Renaissance altarpieces to Van Gogh's Sunflowers, then step out onto the steps for the view down Whitehall.
Why it's a good date: It's free, so you can drop in for one room rather than trying to see everything. Each of you picks a favourite painting and makes the case for it over a drink afterwards.
Photo: Christine Matthews, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Kiln
Brewer Street, Soho
Address: 58 Brewer Street, London W1F 9TL- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Foodie
- Cheap and cheerful
Pull up a stool at the long counter and share fiery Thai dishes cooked over a wood fire, in woks and in clay pots, right in front of you.
Why it's a good date: Watching the chefs at work gives you something to talk about, and the small plates are made for sharing. It gets busy, so go early or be ready to wait with a drink nearby.
Prince Charles Cinema
Leicester Place, off Leicester Square
Address: 7 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BY- Activity
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
Catch a cult classic, a late-night film marathon or a sing-along screening at the independent cinema just off Leicester Square.
Why it's a good date: The crowd joins in, which makes even a film you've both seen feel new. Look at the programme together and pick something neither of you would choose alone.
Photo: LavaLampBamboo, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
