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 July 2024




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.

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.

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.

Bobby's x Planteray Rum Tasting

@ Bobby Fitzpatrick on Thu, 15th Aug 2024 @ 18:30 - 20:30

Join Bobby Fitzpatrick and make date night a cool and quirky one with tickets starting from £15 each to Bobby's x Planteray Rum Tasting. You'll be able to get your lips around a whole variety of flavours and fusions on Thursday the 15th of August; start with a classic pineapple daiquiri on arrival before delving into the likes of rums from the Isle of Fiji and Jamaica. Your ticket includes a welcome tipple alongside five tastings, as well as 50% pizza.

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.

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. 

YO!

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.

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).

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.

BENOIT VIELLEFON LIVE (Orchestra / Hot Club / Trio)

There's not much more romantic than a night out in town listening to some live jazz - even better when tickets don't cost you more than £18 a pop. Head to either Ronnie Scott's or Toulouse Lautrec to see Benoit Viellefon, a brilliant swinging jazz group, perform some of the most iconic tunes from the 1920s-40s that'll transport you to vintage Parisian nightclubs.

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. 

AperiDInner

@ Obicà Mozzarella Bar - St Paul's on Every Friday

Found just a stone's throw from St Paul's Cathedral, Obicà Mozzarella Bar is a gorgeous spot for date night, with sultry dark interiors and elegant lighting. But it's also somewhere you can take your other half without breaking the bank, thanks to their Friday night AperiDinner that offers all-you-can-eat Italian food for just £15 per person - including a drink of your choice. Expect fresh, seasonal produce, used to make some of the finest dishes around.