Date spot in Soho and Covent Garden
Waterloo Bridge
Walk out onto Waterloo Bridge from the Strand around sunset for one of the best views in London, with Westminster and the London Eye one way and St Paul's and the City the other.
Waterloo Bridge, off the Strand
Address: Waterloo Bridge, Strand, London WC2R 0AA- Outdoors
- Free
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Romantic
Why it's a good date: It costs nothing and it's properly romantic when the light goes. Carry on to the South Bank for a drink, or turn back towards Covent Garden for dinner.
Photo: Jwslubbock, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
More from our Soho and Covent Garden guide
Perch at the counter or grab a pavement table for an espresso at the Soho café that has been open on Frith Street since 1949.
Why it's a good date: The place to end up after a show or the jazz across the road, when you're not ready for the night to end. Look up for the plaque: John Logie Baird first showed off television in this building.
Photo: Matt Brown, CC BY 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Bao Soho
Lexington Street, Soho
Address: Bao Soho, 53 Lexington Street, London W1F 9AS- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Squeeze into the tiny original Bao on Lexington Street for soft Taiwanese steamed buns and small plates to share.
Why it's a good date: It's held a Michelin Bib Gourmand for years and still feels like a little neighbourhood spot. It's walk-in only, so go early or late to keep the queue short.
Bancone Covent Garden
William IV Street, Covent Garden
Address: Bancone, 39 William IV Street, London WC2N 4DD- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Share bowls of fresh handmade pasta at the long marble counter of this smart little pasta bar off Trafalgar Square.
Why it's a good date: It feels far posher than the bill suggests, which makes it a great pre-theatre pick. Sit at the counter to watch the pasta being made.
