​​Plan a museum meetup. Realise it’s two extra tube stops away. Detour through the park. Duck into a pub when the rain hits. That’s dating in London for you. Because here, your borough doesn’t just impact your preferred tube line, it shapes your love life.

According to our research, most Londoners prefer to date close to home—usually within their own or neighbouring boroughs, with younger daters (18-22) more likely to travel, while those aged 23-26 prefer to date locally.* We all have our favourite places, but this guide’s here to shake things up with fresh date ideas. As part of our Find Them On Bumble campaign, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Step Your World to create a guide full of recommendations for different parts of the city.** Think insider knowledge, that only a local can give, with under-the-radar spots to make your next date stand out.

Wave goodbye to panic-texting your friends for wine bar suggestions, and bookmark our recommendations for the places that’ll really impress your next Bumble date. And who knows, maybe you’ll be the one everyone comes to for last-minute date ideas. 

Notting Hill 

There’s a certain magic to Notting Hill that goes beyond the pastel colored townhouses and eclectic market stalls. Here you’ll find antiques that become your next dinner party talking point, and bakeries with pastries you’ll dream about for weeks. It’s chilled, quirky, with a strong community spirit. 

For daytime dates, skip the obvious brunch spots and head to Foreign Exchange, a café-meets-newsstand with coffee and shelves full of design mags and indie publications. For drinks, The Cow is a local staple, a gastropub with a seafood-focused menu. If you’re looking for something that might accidentally turn into a longer night, then head to The Fat Badger and The Pelican for more of a lively, buzzy energy. 

WFH Fridays? Skip the weekend bustle and stop by Golborne Deli and Wine Store for one of their Breakfast Buns. If you’re dating in this part of the city, you don’t need a big itinerary, just hours to spare, and someone as down to explore as you are. 

Hackney 

Whether you’re strolling through London Fields, chatting over small plates, or ending up in a bar you didn’t even know existed, Hackney has a way of making dates flow.

If you’re looking for a drink with that “This is actually my go-to spot” feel, A Bar with Shapes for a Name is the one for you. Intimate, atmospheric, and with craft cocktails that feel innovative, you won’t be disappointed here. If you’re after something with more of a low-key atmosphere, The Spurstowe Arms is a cozy option that also sells pizza. What’s not to love about carbs and cocktails? 

This part of the city is full of bars, but 107 Wine Shop & Bar is tiny, natural-leaning, and particularly good at making you stay for “just one more.” If you want seasonal menus and natural wines, both Little Duck the Picklery and Café Cecilia offer intimate settings for dates. Also, make sure you’re exploring Hackney’s artsy edge—places like Rose Easton and Duarte Sequeira offer small, select gallery experiences that double up as conversation starters for dates. You might start with a gallery and a glass of wine, but don’t be shocked if you end up dancing barefoot at 2 a.m. Dating in Hackney means deviating from the script. 

Islington 

Islington keeps its own liberal, artsy soul, despite being so close to central London. Picture tree-lined streets with Victorian homes, cafés tucked into corners, and plenty of indie pubs. Think creativity, mixed with the charm of modern London. 

First up: food. Can you really beat a candlelit dinner on a floating boat for a first date? Caravel is peak romance—intimate, atmospheric, and guaranteed to impress. Want something quirky? OGAM Korean Tapas Bar delivers on both cocktails and Korean-inspired bar food, perfect for a laid-back dinner with someone who shares your gochujang obsession. 

For a culture-filled date, the Barbican’s the spot. Whether you’re into avant-garde art, cinema, or catching an experimental performance. On sunnier days, swap indoor exhibitions for Victorian Miro, an outdoor art space that feels super trendy. For a proper throwback, retro, rowdy, and unexpectedly romantic, head to Rowan’s Tenpin Bowling. Or, if you prefer something a bit more low-key, suggest Book Bar, which is exactly what you think it is—a bookstore come wine bar, with regular events, talks, and signings. 

If you want to combine your morning coffee date with a walk, La Maison and Katsune are both great options, as they’re just a short stroll from Highbury Fields. And obviously, we should mention Hampstead Heath. Yes, it’s technically a bit further out, yes, it can be crowded when the sun comes out, but it’s a classic for a reason. Grab some picky bits, bring a blanket, and find a quiet spot with a view. 

Wandsworth 

Wandsworth often flies under the radar, but it’s got charm: think riverside drinks and catching golden hour on the rooftop with skyline views. 

Dinner options feel thoughtful without being try-hard: Archway’s seasonal Italian plates are ideal for a second or third date, or Evernight’s Japanese izakaya-style menu is built for sharing if you want something that helps break the ice. Daytime plans are covered here, too. Story Coffee and Flotsam & Jetsam both bring big brunch energy, and Battersea Park is just around the corner for a post-latte wander (or picnic, if the sun’s playing). It’s the kind of area where the pace is slower, the spaces are bigger, and the dates feel just a bit more grown-up. 

Southwark 

Southwark’s one of those places that knows how to surprise you. You’ve got cobbled lanes tucked behind the river, warehouse galleries that open straight onto the street, and rooftops that catch the best kind of sunsets. 

Begin your evening date with a visit to Tap & Bottle, a cute wine bar in Bermondsey known for its curated selection and cosy ambience. For a more intimate setting, Funkidory in Peckham has a cocktail menu inspired by vinyl records. When you’re done with that, head to Molly Mc’s—karaoke rooms with a vibrant terrace atmosphere. For rum enthusiasts, Jumbi in Brixton provides Caribbean-inspired cocktails accompanied by live music. 

As the evening progresses, Forza Wine in Bermondsey presents a rooftop venue ideal for sunset drinks. Dinner options are everywhere, from Lolo’s vibrant Spanish sharing plates to OMA’s seasonal Greek dishes. Camille offers a romantic French dining experience, while Hausu has more minimalist-style Japanese cuisine. From riverside drinks to impromptu gallery visits, Southwark’s mix of hidden gems and casual vibes makes for dates that feel unique. 

Kensington & Chelsea

Think rows of white stucco townhouses, black wrought-iron gates, and manicured garden squares—and you’ve got Chelsea and Kensington. But don’t let the polished exterior make you feel like this isn’t an option for dates. This borough still has plenty of character. Sure, you have the obvious spots like the V&A and Holland Park, but also tiny wine bars tucked down cobbled mews, and cafes that spill out onto sun-drenched pavements (when London delivers on a heatwave, that is). 

For drinks that start the night right, The Wee Sister is a low-lit, understated Irish wine bar tucked just off the King’s Road, ideal if you want somewhere a little unexpected and intimate. If you’re looking for something with more energy, Nam Long Le Shaker delivers cocktails and a late-night buzz. Daytime dating? Skip the chains and head to Hjem or Amar Café for coffee and flaky pastries, perfect for a mid-morning date or slow weekend start. Granger & Co. brings a bit of that Sydney-style brunch culture—airy, bright, and yellow in all the right ways. If the weather’s even half-decent, Hyde Park has it all: walks, people-watching, lazy picnics, just don’t forget snacks.

From quiet wine bars to rooftop sunsets, every borough’s got its charm. Exploring new places isn’t just about changing up the view, it’s about trying something new. A different vibe. A spontaneous conversation. A new favourite spot with someone who might just become a new favourite person. And remember, great dates start with great matches. Download Bumble to find yours. 

*Research conducted in partnership with Weirdo Limited. 15 participants aged 18-22 and 23-26 were surveyed from March 3-31st 2025. Borough-specific data taken from the 2021 CENSUS DATA. 

**With the exception of Step Your World, we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any companies, locations, or brands mentioned in this article.. All company, location, and brand names are trademarks of their respective owners.