Six winter date ideas in London which aren't just the pub
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Pub dates are classics for a reason. They’re casual and cosy, and you can order food if things are going well without the formality of a restaurant. But there can be downsides: if it’s busy you may find yourself loitering with your date waiting for a table to become free or perched on an awkward stool table, shouting over a pint. London has plenty of cosy winter date options that don’t centre around sticky floors and drinks – here are our favourites.
Cinema trips are a classic winter date, but there’s little romance to be found sitting in Vue with a Fanta Frozen and a bag of Maltesers. Instead, go to one of London’s many excellent independent cinemas. The French Insitute’s Ciné Lumière in South Kensington showcases an eclectic mix of French and international films, from timeless classics to contemporary indie hits. They also have a cosy brasserie where you can debrief afterwards. The Institute of Contemporary Arts in central London often does special screenings of cult films and Q&As, plus their bar serves £7 negronis. Hard to beat.
For history buffs and treasure hunters alike, mudlarking along the Thames foreshore is an unusual and surprisingly romantic activity. Armed with sturdy boots and an eagle eye, you can scour the riverbed for historical artefacts—think Tudor pottery shards, clay pipes, and maybe even a Roman coin if you're lucky. Just be sure to check the tide times. The kind of date that guarantees a good story.
The Scandi ritual of plunging into ice cold water and then thawing in the sauna has become the favourite activity of London cool kids. Some saunas can be serious and silent, which is not great for a date. Try somewhere affordable and laidback like Hackney Wick’s Community Saunas. They have wood burning saunas as well as cold plunges, and the atmosphere is fun and chatty.
