3 Of The Best Affordable Dates For Autumn

If summer is for flings, then autumn is for more serious dating. There’s just something about summer that screams carefree frolicking on beaches, dancing under the stars or lazing about in lust around parks and roof-tops. But not autumn. Changing leaves, damp afternoons and grey skies signal the start of the relationship season – it simply begs for cosy afternoons under tartan blankets, open fires and warm drinks all, ideally, with someone who means more to you than just another summer fling. So gentlemen, pick up your phone and call that girl you met the other weekend and invite her on a wonderfully thoughtful autumn date – who knows, by winter you might just have the perfect girlfriend – because, of course, winter is for relationships.

WALK (OR CYCLE) THIS WAY, , I recently went on a date – to a bar – with a man who was, it soon transpired, T-Total. Unfortunately for me it was only I after I punchily ordered a double vodka tonic that I found out this somewhat important detail. So, as I sat awkwardly drinking my vodka, said date sipped on a sparkling water. As first dates go, it wasn’t exactly one for the record books. After dissecting the evening with friends days later it occurred to us all that actually, he only had himself to blame – why, we all thought, would you invite someone on a date to a bar if you didn’t drink? “Surely,” a male friend commented, “if he doesn’t drink, he should have chosen one of the millions of activities there are in London instead of inviting you to a bar?”. Good point. So, whether a T-Totaller or just looking to do something a bit different, autumn is the best time for this. Changing leaves provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities like cycle rides along the thames, or long walks in leafy parks, and it’s as simple as it sounds – just boots and warm knitwear required. Pick a good final destination like a cosy coffee shop or pack a picnic and warm rugs to admire the view whilst the sun goes down, it doesn’t cost a thing and creates the perfect image of rom-com falling in love-style hypothetical montages that all girls dream a date will be like. royalparks.org.uk

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OLD STYLE DATE NIGHT, , It may sound uninspired, but sometimes the oldies are the goodies – why else would people keep going back to them? Dinner and drinks, that’s what we’re talking about and it needn’t break the bank either. More often than not, the more laid back the restaurant, the more laid back and relaxed your date is going to be. So ditch the fancy Michelin starred restaurants and head to our new favourite pizzeria – The Mayfair Pizza Co. Tucked down a seductive cobble-stoned street just off Avery Row and a stones throw from Bond Street this is the perfect venue for a date night, you can watch the chefs create your food in their open-plan kitchen and old fashioned pizza oven, whilst enjoying delicious starters such as rustically presented calamari to share and an array of cocktails and wines. When it comes to the main course, you can expect a few of the usuals, but the possibilities are endless. If you’re feeling brave then go for the spicy Bloody Mary pizza which seriously packs a punch, or the irresistible vegetarian Caprina which comes piled high with fresh rocket atop mozzarella and goat’s cheese. Another firm favourite is the Spicy Mediterranean Sausage pizza, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the delectable choices on offer then just ask the staff for advice – they know every item on the meue and share the same passion for this place as you will once you try your first bite. If you’re feeling particularly hungry then we seriously urge you to try the truffle and parmesan chips as a side order, and then finish off with an incredibly indulgent, but unmissable ‘sweet pizza’ – choose from Nutella or our favourite ‘strawberries, basil and white chocolate’. Your waist-line will hate you, but your date won’t! Finish off the night with cocktails downstairs, or wrap up warm and head to the outdoor tables where the lights and atmosphere of this romantically cobbled street are sure to score you a second date. 4 Lancashire Ct, London W1S 1EY mayfairpizzaco.com

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CULTURE CLUB, , Most girls will tell you that they love going to art galleries, the theatre, ballet etc, but how many actually have the time to do such things? With long working hours and busy social lives, most girls you meet will hardly have time to book in a date with you, let alone indulge in the finer cultural delights of the city. The answer to such a conundrum? Kill two birds with one stone and take a look at the host of exceptional exhibitions and productions going on this autumn and ensure you make time for her to do the things she loves. If you’re heading to the Tate Modern then tie in your trip with a romantic walk along the south bank, although our in-house art expert suggests that the Frieze London art fair is a fail-safe date venue this season (and it starts tomorrow). Taking place in the grounds of Regent’s Park with an estimated £1.4bn worth of art on display, you won’t be pushed to find something to look at. Art aside, there’s a host of fantastic drinking and dining options to choose from too, so you can rest your feet and enjoy fine fare from the likes of Bocca di Lupo:Bocca Above Frieze & Bocca Below, Caravan, Moshi Moshi and Company Bar, whilst discussing the highs and lows of Contemporary Art and sensationalism…or, you know, just get to know each other – up to you! friezelondon.com

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