Cheap Date Ideas In London

Want to woo the object of your affection, but lacking the budget? Never fear, we're serving up romantic nights to suit every pocket. From intimate drinking spots to live music events, comedy shows and quirky experiences, we've rounded up the best cheap date ideas in London so you can enjoy the town together without breaking the bank.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 18th November 2024




Draughts Hackney

With venues in both Hackney and Waterloo, Draughts is a top-notch date night idea that won't break the bank. Not only can you and your other half sip on two for £18 cocktails and beers on tap, but there are also hundreds of different board games to play while you're here - as well as a full-size shuffleboard table in their Dalston location. And if you're feeling peckish? Tuck into Korean fried chicken, grilled halloumi flatbreads, Cajun popcorn shrimp and more.

Vapiano Great Portland Street

You don't have to break the bank when going out for a meal on date night, not at Vapiano Great Portland Street, Tottenham Court Road and Paddington at least anyway. This laid-back restaurant is the ideal spot to take your other half or potential squeeze for a bite to eat as the main event or before hitting the down. You can look forward to customising your own pasta dishes, light sourdough pizzas and more. 

Tequila Mockingbird - Various Sites

If you're looking for cheap first date ideas in London, make sure to check out Tequila Mockingbird. Not only are its slinky bars scattered around Shoreditch, Covent Garden, Putney and more, but it also offers a daily happy hour, where you can bag 2-4-1 on all cocktails (not to mention £15 bottles of wine).

plonk

Are you ready to put your swinging skills to the test? Plonk is the ultimate Day-Glo crazy golf experience scattered all over London. Gather your golf-loving beau and head to your nearest course for a hole lot of fun, laughter, and maybe even a few drinks to keep the good times rolling. 

Good Ship Comedy

One way to a person's heart? Laughter. And the best thing about that is it doesn't have to be expensive either. London's friendliest laugh house, Good Ship Comedy brings in top names and up-and-coming talent for a cracking show, with tickets starting at £12 a pop.

Ballie Ballerson London

There's no better place for an affordably fun-filled date than Ballie Ballerson. Boasting two giant ball pits, theatrical cocktails like the Dibbie Dabberson and Skittle Sour, plenty of Insta-worthy photo ops, plus tickets starting at only £5, it's the perfect way to relive your childhood days with a boozy twist.

Club Curling

@ Coal Drops Yard on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 2024

The cool cousin of bowling, Club Curling is the perfect winter activity to break the ice on a first date. Head to Coal Drops Yard and try your hand at curling on one of their six sustainable lanes. Grab a spot and give it a whirl; at just £8 per person, it's the perfect way to have fun without breaking the bank.

Gameshow Spectacular - An Immersive Gameshow Experience

@ Shoreditch Balls on Thursday 23rd January 2025 and 4 other dates

Ready to star in your own game show? Head to Shoreditch for the Gameshow Spectacular, where quirky costumes and outrageous challenges await. Forget standard quizzes - this immersive experience is all about fun, excitement, and plenty of surprises.

Form your team, take on a series of wild games, and get everyone involved. Starting at just £10, your tickets are your gateway to an unforgettable night of laughs, trivia, and mayhem. Book now and prepare for the most fun you've had in ages.

Hiver Taproom

If you're searching for cheap London date ideas, Hiver Taproom has exactly what you need. Whether you and your beau are after a fun-packed sea shanty night, beer-fest or whisky-fuelled ceilidh events, this Bermondsey hub is bound to impress.

FABAL Beerhall

If you're after a quirky date idea that won't break the bank, then head to Fabal Beerhall along the Bermondsey Beer Mile. The lively venue hosts everything from stand-up comedy to karaoke quiz nights and a monthly ceilidh, most of which are free to attend.

Nab delicious Fabal lager, wine or cocktails while you're here, as well as food from the nearby Yard Sale Pizza.

Need To Know Comedy

While tickets will only cost you close to the price of a pint, Need To Know Comedy's Joke Thieves Live Podcast Recording promises a bucket of laughs. Swing by Backyard Comedy Club for this unique night featuring Will Mars alongside a panel of top-notch comedians.

The Star by Liverpool Street

The Star by Liverpool Street is a welcoming pub that hosts all kinds of fun and affordable events which are ideal for a date night that won't break the bank. Their free open karaoke events take place three nights a week, giving you the chance to take the spotlight, or if you prefer to watch others perform then check out their drag bottomless brunch instead. Even better? Their quirky bingo sessions cost just £5 per person and give you the chance to win some fantastic prizes as well as taking part in games.

YO!

Discounts available on certain events

Dates don't come better than dining at YO! And to top it off? This marvellous Japanese hotspot is home to its very own sushi school. So get ready to learn all the tricks in the book on how to whip up maki rolls and nigiri plates, before sharing your creations with some bubbly together.