![Date ideas London: Best bars for date night on Valentine's Day](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/01/17/12/35/SEI187454580.jpg?trim=0,260,0,673&quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Going Out | Pubs, Bars and Nightlife
Date ideas London: Best bars for date night on Valentine's Day
The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
From Jane Eyre to Bridget Jones, the trials and tribulations of dating are well documented.
The dating world is not, however, "a minefield". With minefields, there's always a slim chance you'll come out unscathed.
Still, the pursuit of love drives us all onward, washing us from one mortifying encounter to another – hysterical post-date phone calls and all. After all, it's fun. While you can't choose the quality of date, you can do your best to ensure the venue is a winner.
Twice Shy
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/01/02/16/44/Twice Shy - Bruno Pucci ph credit - Venue compressed.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Find Twice Shy on Hogarth Place, possibly sparking thoughts of William Hogarth’s famous piece, “Gin Lane.” It is nowhere near. Rest assured, there will be no falling over here — it is a cocktail bar designed for sophisticated evenings. The list is simple, combining a spirit with a predominant flavour, but each cocktail is measured, balanced and brilliant, made by bartenders with solid technique. The jasmine and whisky number blends whisky, jasmine tea, apple vinegar and bubbles, while the lychee and yoghurt mixes vodka, lychee liquor, and — yes — yoghurt. Trust us, it bangs.
14 Hogarth Place, SW5 0QT, twiceshy.co.uk
Below Stone Nest
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2022/10/25/13/newFile-4.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Off Shaftesbury Avenue is a homage to a bohemian Nineties drinking den, an arty space below an old church with a music programme commissioned by curator and musician Tic Zogson. The bar has a short but considered drinks menu and a rotating selection of wines from the cellars of Brunswick House; you might know it: the expansive Vauxhall restaurant from chef Jackson Boxer. Here, he has collaborated with brother Frank, whose rooftop Peckham space has long been coveted.
Stone Nest, 136 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5EZ, stonenest.org
WC Wine & Charcuterie
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/14/10/wc-clapham.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
It's like they custom built this place for dates: the whole premise is – surely the name was a tip off – wine and charcuterie. Once inside, you'll be sat in candlelit surroundings. It's romantic, but not showy, and the wine is fairly priced, too. There’s a sister venue over in Bloomsbury, but this original spot is still the best; the sort of place that becomes "our place".
Clapham Common South Side, SW4 7AA, wcclapham.co.uk
Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/01/29/15/Rosewood-London-scarfes-lon.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Settle in by the fire and Scarfes Bar will do the romancing for you. It's like an oversize library in a grand old house, but thankfully easily gets busy enough to keep a buzz up. You come here to impress: the place is all art deco details, beautiful old books and live music throughout the week. The gentlemen's club vibe fortunately isn't taken too far, and the cocktail list is surprisingly fresh, and doesn't rely on straight classics. Beautifully luxurious, tremendous atmosphere and the live music is always first rate.
Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN, scarfesbar.com
The Gibson
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/08/15/The-Gibson-16.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
The tiny Gibson seems practically custom-built for dates: it's intimate, in a cool part of town, feels vintage-inspired without being twee and has bags of choice, so if you've no idea what your date likes, they're still likely to find something to love. There's proper pedigree behind this bar, with Marian Beke, formerly of Nightjar, and Rusty Cerven, one time mixologist at The Connaught Bar, building the drinks. No-one will go home disappointed. Better yet, if the date's going well, it's open until 1am every evening (bar Sunday) and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, so you don't need to cut your evening short.
44 Old Street, EC1V 9AQ, thegibsonbar.london
The Commercial Tavern
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/08/14/the-commercial-tavern.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Ok, ok: granted, this wonderful spot isn’t technically a bar, although they do serve cocktails upstairs (sadly, not especially good ones...) The glory of the Commercial Tavern is its quirky decor, and the beautiful light upstairs that filters in through the windows. You come for a relaxed time, to chat, to laugh and sink a few drinks. It has its own feeling: nothing screams glamour, but something is quietly compelling about the place. You’ll be back.
142-144 Commercial Street, E1 6NU, commercial-tavern.com
Disrepute
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2022/02/14/10/newFile.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
This downstairs bar in Kingly Court operates with a sheen of Sixties cool: it is all velvet and brushed brass and soft lights. Named as the country’s 12th best bar in the recent Top 50 list, this is one for old-world romance, for cocktails and caught glances. It feels a world away from rattling Soho above, a moment of calm, and while it runs a membership scheme, welcomes walk-ins. Open all week and until very late — 3am — Monday through to Saturday, and merely till late — 1am — on Sundays, it’s built for long, lingering evenings. As the name suggests, there’s a welcome, suggestive air of impropriety.
4 Kingly Court, W1B 5PW, disrepute.co.uk
69 Colebrook Row
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/08/16/69-colebrooke-16.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Otherwise known as ‘The Bar With No Name’, this Islington favourite comes from the well regarded Tony Conigliaro. It has a terrific atmosphere, in the most part because it’s mostly always busy, but there’s also a piano in one corner that often gets a hammering. It’s a stylish place, with stylish drinks, but be warned it's small – cosy? – so you might not be able to squeeze in, or stay for ages.
69 Colebrooke Row, N1 8AA, 69colebrookerow.com
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/08/15/mayor_scaredy-cat-16.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Sometimes a date deserves nothing less than some East End quirkiness. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town has been delivering this in spades for years: wander into the Breakfast Club, ask to see the Mayor and you’ll be led through a Smeg fridge – we kid you not – to a kitsch British riff on a speakeasy. It’s a laugh here, they have a decent playlist, and the drinks slip down well enough. Still, you come for all the talking points: it’ll stop your date being awkward.
12-16 Artillery Lane, E1 7LS, themayorofscaredycattown.com
All Star Lanes Holborn
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/08/13/all-star-bars.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
A bowling alley has no right having a bar this good, but there we go, they’ve done it. It has a strange Vegas vibe to it: low-lighting and pink all around, but the drinks are good and priced fairly. Just because bowling was your go-to date at 13 doesn’t mean it’s not any good these days too, and now you can add plenty of tasty, tasty alcohol – maybe enough to get you in the karaoke booth?
Victoria House, Bloomsbury Place, WC1B 4DA, allstarlanes.co.uk
Les Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/10/22/10/Compagnie-Des-Vins.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
If your date is big on wine, don't pass this place up. It's rightly popular within the industry for the choice available, which includes some rarities among the French-heavy list. They've upped their food game considerably, too. Would it matter if you were stood up?
8-10 Neal's Yard, WC2H 9DP, cvssevendials.com
Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/03/08/10/foggs-tavern-15.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Both Mr Fogg's are worth a visit, but the Theatreland Gin Parlour nudges it for a more intimate setting, and because it gets less crowded than its Mayfair cousin. Hidden upstairs from the tavern below, this hideaway bar is dressed in curiosities of the late 19th century, with chaise longues and dark corners, the smell of cocktails lingering like perfume and operatic fare playing throughout. You won't be short of conversation starters and if you know a gin lover, they'll be in heaven.
58 St Martin's Lane, WC2N 4EA, mr-foggs.com
Beaufort Bar at the Savoy
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/01/29/15/Beaufort-Bar-Savoy.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Not one if you're hoping to keep things relaxed: the Beaufort is overwhelmingly, but marvellously, romantic. The room itself, with its palatial lavishings of gold on black, sets the tone. The bar sits, mirrors glimmering, on the old cabaret stage where Gershwin once performed. Naturally, there’s live entertainment every evening now, too, so you can sit back quietly in your finery and avoid any conversation about who's paying for what. Drinks are as pricey as you'd expect, but if you're looking for something special, it's hard to beat.
The Savoy, Strand, WC2R 0EZ, fairmont.com
José Tapas Bar
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/08/16/Jose-pub.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
This tiny, tiny corner tapas bar is, for us, the highlight of everything Spanish chef José Pizarro has done in London. It's fantastically simple: you go for tapas and sherry, because that's pretty much all you'll get. Food changes daily, and is reliably gorgeous. It's very cosy here, but have a back-up plan because there's every chance you won't get a seat.
104 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UB, josepizarro.com/jose-tapas-bar
Cahoots
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/09/16/Cahoots-16.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Chances are, you won't have been to a bar quite like it: Cahoots is set in 1946, and the whole thing is Underground themed. Yup: you can drink on the tube once again. Themed bars can be a bore but Cahoots charms and impresses from the off. Even heading down the stairs to find the place is fun – and should set the right tone for the evening from the off. Drinks – honestly, they're a mixed bag, so choose wisely – start at £8, so you needn't break the bank to treat a date. Booking is essential.
13 Kingly Street, W1B 5PW, cahoots-london.com
The K Bar
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/26/14/k-bar-2.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
K bar feels majestic – and there is no other word for it – because drinking here is a little like being in the captain’s quarters of the Titanic, albeit without the sinking feeling. The oak, the velvet, the brass, the marble tops: there is glamour here, luxury whiffs of Penhaligon’s perfume and the rest. It ticks over nicely, but you'll likely not get a table, so it's built for a last-minute, upmarket date.
109-113 Queen's Gate, SW7 5JA, doylecollection.com
Gordon’s Wine Bar
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/09/21/16/gordons-wine-bar-15.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Gordon's will not fail: the terrace gets a little crowded when the weather is fine, but it's still a marvellous place to knock back some wine and talk. However, it's the caves indoors which are the real temptation: dark, intimate, it's a place to forget the rest of the world for a while. Wine is king here, but if you're eating, a paired cheese board always goes down well. They also serve some hot plates, but we prefer the cold bites.
47 Villiers Street, WC2N 6NE, gordonswinebar.com
Bar Termini
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/02/16/termini.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
This tiny little spot in Soho seats barely a handful of people, which automatically gives it a sense of romantic intimacy. There's no standing room, either, so it never gets sweaty, horrible or crowded: finish an evening here either with a coffee or, better yet, a Negroni (make it two, they're small serves here). It'll add a little gentle Italian glamour to any date, just don't expect to spend the entire night here.
7 Old Compton Street, W1D 5JE, bar-termini.com
Cork & Bottle
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/09/21/16/Cork-and-Bottle-by-Emli-Bendixen.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
This underground favourite couldn't be more central, living in Leicester Square, and despite having sat there since 1972, most Londoners wander past without realising it exists. The 300-long wine list covers just about everything, but doesn't go too heavy on the tasting notes: you're encouraged to find your own thing. You could never call the Cork & Bottle grand, but it charms immediately, and you'll want to find your own corner to come back to time over.
44-46 Cranbourn Alley, WC2H 7AN, thecorkandbottle.co.uk
Le Beaujolais
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/02/13/14/21/lebeau.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Le Beaujolais might be one of London’s most romantic wine bars. Downstairs is a members only French bistro, but on the ground floor, all are welcome, and so anyone in the mood for a historic dose of London, tucked away between Soho and Covent Garden, ought to visit. Since 1972, Le Beaujolais has provided lively drinking quarters and keenly priced French wines. Each region is given credence and there are typical and enjoyable snacks for those who need to quell zealotry on the booze.
Le Beaujolais, 25 Litchfield Street, WC2H 9NJ, lebeaujolais.london
Swift
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2022/05/25/14/newFile-8.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Swift is one of London’s most accomplished cocktail bars, where classics are made excellently and the signature drinks refined. Choose the Soho branch — not that the bars in Shoreditch, London Bridge or Borough are unsatisfying — because there the buzz is omnipresent and glorious and on Valentine’s Day, it is the best one for a date. Have a sgroppino, by the way: a refreshing Italian drink where lemon sorbet and vodka are combined. And watch this space because it’s long overdue a hype moment.
Swift Soho, 12 Old Compton Street, W1D 4TQ, barswift.com
Satan’s Whiskers
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2023/03/15/14/newFile-9.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
East London is full of new-age cocktail bars, those that helped drive the negroni trend a decade ago and later steered millennials towards higher-end tequila. Satan’s Whiskers is among the best of them, a busy, dim-lit spot in Bethnal Green, one very much geared towards modern romance. Expect freneticism and big booze, a heavy playlist, and enjoy the daily changing menu that often shoots and scores.
343 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9RA, satanswhiskers.com
Mezcaleria at Kol
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2023/10/11/12/newFile-14.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
The mezcaleria below the Mexican restaurant Kol is unlike any other bar in London. A homage to the country’s mezcal bars, cocktails are “wild” and fiercely “seasonal,” mixing ingredients from Mexico with those from the British Isles. There are classics, each given a twist, together with a list of mezcals from various agave plants. It is here you should shift your focus. Trying any number would make for a fun way to while away time with a loved one. There are antojitos, too (bar snacks from Mexico).
9 Seymour Street, Marylebone, W1H 7BA, kolrestaurant.com