In case you hadn’t heard, date night’s back. And while dinner and a movie is always good, if you’re looking for something a bit different, we’ve picked out some alternative options where the thought alone is bound to impress the other half…
1. Pick up a bat
Bounce in Holborn is a restaurant and bar with a difference. When you ring up asking for a table, you’re not talking about dinner and drinks, you’re talking about playing ping-pong (though the dinner and drink are pretty good too!). Just be warned, things get competitive pretty quick.
2. Get arty
The great thing about a practical “life drawing” lesson is that no matter how hopeless your drawing skills are, with a good teacher giving you basic tips, you’ll improve drastically by the end of the session. You’re also guaranteed to have a seriously fun time too, with plenty to discuss – and laugh about – over drinks afterwards. LondonDrawing runs drop-in classes for a tenner almost every night of the week.
3. Get smooth
Described by one publication as “like walking onto the set of Boardwalk Empire”, the exceptionally romantic NightJar bar in East London has won critical acclaim from the press as one of the coolest cocktail bars around. Live Music is played every night of the week and the cocktails on offer are some of the most inventive and delicious out there.
4. Pimp your cinema
OK, this is a movie but taking in the pictures at the EveryMan is definitely a step up from the local multiplex. Book a couch, grab a bottle of something nice and enjoy the show. Just try not to fall asleep once the lights go down.
5. Strike out
All Star Lanes offer “boutique bowling” that includes food, cocktails and draft beer. This is a great option for a group of friends going out. They’ve got four lanes in London (and one in Manchester), though it’s a popular haunt nowadays so try to book in advance to avoid date night disappointment.
Whatever you’re up to for date night, book the babysitter with bubble.
