Valentines Day is upon us, the day of romance, red roses and cheesy cards. The day of couples holding hands over a candle lit table or smug workmates signing for giant bouquets of flowers. Whether or not you choose to take note of this day, coming up with good date ideas can be tough. If you’re a new couple there can be pressure to get things right, or if you're a married couple, then there can be pressure just to enjoy your time together and a night off from the kids. So be it your first, or five hundredth we're here to take some of the heat off with some cool date ideas. We've concentrated on London but you can use these ideas in any city.
Vintage Bowling
Tucked away under a Hotel, this old-school alley boasts eight lanes, four private karaoke rooms, a burger and pizza diner, the all-important bar. Nothing takes the stress off a date by both of you having to put on a pair of silly shoes. And if the bowling's getting tense or your date is terrible at throwing, then you can sit down for a bite to eat instead and watch everyone else. Oh and children under 10 have to leave by 7pm, win. Check out The Bloomsbury Live.
Secret Cinema
Going to the Odeon is like, so last year. The secret cinema has been changing the way we watch films for a while now and for some screenings, there's even the option to dress up. So if you’re up for a bit of laugh and an adventure, then this is a perfect option. The Luna Cinema and Rooftop Film Club in London have some great venues (2017 schedule yet to be released) and Somerset House in August hosts some fantastic films to be watched under the starry sky (weather sadly permitting as always)
Table Tennis
Nothing quite brings out that competitive streak than smashing a tiny ball back and forth over a table. If it's a first date this could be very telling or for that married couple, angry about who didn’t load the dishwasher then it's a chance to get any anger out on the table rather than each other. Try Bounce in Holborn, there are 17 tables, a DJ, a fully stocked bar, tunes playing and a wood-fired pizza oven, delish. Oh and they do a 'Bottomless Brunch' every Sunday, prosecco, pizza and ping pong, heaven.
Brewery Tour & Pop Up Village
Now we're talking. If you and your date like craft beers, then what about trying a brewery tour. There are hundreds to choose from but we like the look of Brixton Brewery. You get to go behind the scenes, learn about how they started and all the while sampling a few decent beers. Afterwards check out the Pop up village which always has cool events on, and there are some excellent food and drink stalls. A great option to get you and your date moving from place to place, and hopefully giving you lots to talk about.
Crazy Golf
Time to dust off those checked trousers (we know you own some) and that peaked cap, as you step back in time. This venue Swingers (yes, that's right) is based on a 1920’s golf-club set in the English countryside. Here you'll find a club house, rolling greens, five bars, street vendors and a gin terrace. I mean, what's not to love. Limber up and swing your way through nine holes and drink to winning, or graceful losing.
