A good first date in London is short, easy to get to and easy to leave. Everything else is detail. This guide covers what to pick, what to avoid, and where want members can get something back for turning up.
Keep the first one short
An hour or two is plenty. A long first dinner puts pressure on both of you and gives a bad evening nowhere to go. Choose somewhere that lets you extend the date if it is going well, such as a bar with a good restaurant nearby or a park next to a cafe.
Meet halfway rather than near one person's home, check opening hours, and pick a place where you can hear each other. Quiet matters more than trendy.
Daytime ideas that give you something to talk about
A walk is the lowest-pressure option in the city. The Thames Path, Regent's Park, Hampstead Heath and Richmond Park all give you scenery, movement and a built-in reason to pause for a coffee. Walking side by side is easier than staring across a table, which helps if you are nervous.
Cafes are the natural end point. These perks are live for want members right now:
- A free cookie with any hot drink
- 10% off the bill, Monday to Friday
- Free coffee or soft drink with any pizza, sandwich or breakfast
Offers are set by the venues and can change. The want app always shows the current terms.
Drinks without the pressure
An early evening drink is the classic for a reason. Aim for 6pm or 7pm, order one drink to begin with, and decide after that whether to stay. A free or discounted first round also takes the awkwardness out of who pays. These are among the current offers:
- Your first drink is on us
- A free pint of Guinness (or Guinness 0.0) each
- 2-for-1 on your first round
- Second drink free when you buy your first
- 50% off your first drink
Do something instead of just sitting
If you both dislike small talk, give the date a task. A class, a tour or a show means the activity carries the conversation and you learn how the other person behaves, not only how they interview. Good options at the moment:
- Coiled bowl-making session, £75 each (minimum two people)
- £1 off the £7 entry
- 20% off tickets for any weekend comedy show
- 10% off paddleboard and kayak experiences and rentals
Pottery, a walking tour or an evening of comedy also leaves you with a story, which beats a forgettable bar.
Practical tips that help
- Meet in a public place and travel there and home separately.
- Tell a friend where you will be and when you expect to leave.
- Book only if you must, and choose a place with easy cancellation.
- Have a gentle exit line ready, even if you never use it.
- Keep the budget low. Spending less lets you suggest a second date without it feeling like a big commitment.
How want fits in
want is a London dating and friendship app built around introductions, not swiping. You are introduced to one person at a time, with the reasons we think you could get on, and you can use the venue perks whether you are meeting someone from want or not. Robyn, the in-app concierge, can suggest somewhere that suits you both once you decide to meet.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good first date in London?
Something short, public and easy to leave or extend: a coffee and a walk, a drink after work, or a one-off activity such as a pottery session or comedy show. The best choice depends on whether you want to talk or to do something together.
How long should a first date last?
Plan for about an hour or two. If it goes well you can extend it, and if it does not, nobody has to sit through a long dinner.
Where can I find free drinks for a first date in London?
Some London venues give want members a free or discounted first drink. The perks directory on this site lists the current offers by area, and the want app shows how to claim each one.
Do I need a partner to use a want perk?
No. Perks are for any want member, whether you are on a first date, meeting a friend or going out alone. Some offers are written for two people, and the offer line says so.