Date spot in South Bank and Borough
Old Operating Theatre Museum
Climb a narrow spiral staircase into the roof of an old church to find Europe's oldest surviving operating theatre and a garret of medicinal herbs.
St Thomas Street, London Bridge
Address: 9a St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RYWhy it's a good date: Small, strange and fascinating, and it gives you plenty to talk about over a drink afterwards. It's only open a few days a week and the stairs are steep, so check before you go.
Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
More from our South Bank and Borough guide
National Theatre
Upper Ground, South Bank
Address: Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PX- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Big night
See a play at one of the National's three stages, in the concrete landmark by Waterloo Bridge, with bars and terraces looking over the river.
Why it's a good date: There's always something on worth seeing, and the foyers are lovely for a drink before curtain up. Keep an eye out for cheaper day seats if you're happy to decide last-minute.
Photo: Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Maltby Street Market
Ropewalk, off Maltby Street, Bermondsey
Address: Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby Street, London SE1 3PA- Activity
- Cheap and cheerful
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Foodie
Eat your way along Ropewalk, a narrow lane of street-food stalls and bars tucked under the railway arches in Bermondsey.
Why it's a good date: Smaller and more relaxed than Borough, with a proper neighbourhood feel. It's a weekend market, so make it a lazy Saturday or Sunday and finish with a drink in one of the arches.
Photo: Bex Walton, CC BY 4.0 (cropped and resized)
GŎNG
Shangri-La The Shard, St Thomas Street, London Bridge
Address: Level 52, Shangri-La The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU- Bar
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Romantic
- Big night
Order a cocktail on the 52nd floor of the Shard, at the Shangri-La hotel's bar, with the whole of London spread out below.
Why it's a good date: A drink with one of the best views in the city, without paying for the viewing platform. Book a window table and go just before sunset to see the lights come on.
Photo: Colin, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
