5 summer dates she’ll love

There is absolutely nothing more attractive than a man who takes the lead when it comes to dating. To turn up and be whisked along on a day or night of adventure and intrigue is a sure sign of a true gent with good intentions and some gumption! No pressure right?

Not to worry – this is where I come in! This guide to summer dating will leave you armed and ready to woo with an arsenal of killer dating advice. London is your battleground and your weapons are within.

Why the combative references you ask? Because quite simply put, there is such an abundance of possibility in this glorious city that a pizza and a pint will not suffice.

These 5 summer dates she will love are filled with fun, food and fizz – an alliterative combination to ensure flirtation! Take heed, take the lead, and you are sure to succeed!

FRIDAY NIGHT AT LONDON ZOO

Friday nights in the summer offer one of my favourite date settings ever – the zoo after dark. There is just no better place for a bit of peacocking than amongst the peacocks themselves! See what the world food market has to offer, scoop up some treats and take your date on a tour around the oh-so exciting enclaves of activity after hours. This is a date that is sure to set her feathers-a-flutter.

ROOFTOP TO UNDERGROUND

Impress with your knowledge of the less commonly known parts of this city. The Boundary Rooftop restaurant is just off of Shoreditch high street yet feels miles away from the hustle and bustle below. It is overflowing with atmosphere (aided greatly by fairy lights and a fire) and serves up the most scrumptious food. For an after dinner delight, walk over to Happiness Forgets; a tiny basement on Hoxton Square which is almost invisible to the discerning public, and end the evening with a delicious cocktail.

ON YOUR BIKE(S)

On the weekend of the 1st and 2nd of August, the rather unique event that is Ride London takes place, where all the roads on the route are closed off to traffic. Don’t worry I am not suggesting you enter your date and yourself (no one looks good in lycra)! Wait until the serious cyclists have set off, grab some Boris bikes and cycle the route yourselves… Meander along the river until you reach Wandsworth Bridge, dock your bikes and take her for some lunch at the Sands End – a pub with an obscure location but an absolute taste sensation!

OH SOHO DELICIOUS

Dinner dates don’t have to be generic. Soho is such a hive of activity; boundless fun to be had and free entertainment on every corner. Show your experimental side and take her for Korean food at JINJUU. The food is lick-your-fingers good and mostly for sharing. Don’t fill up too much because afterwards you’re going for late night ice cream at Gelupo on Archer Street and then a saunter through Soho.

THE CITY SLICKER

The Sky Garden at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street is sunset drink spot number one. Sip G&T’s on the terrace and take in the view. The sheer scale of the place is sure to make an enormous impression. When it gets a little darker, there are plenty of isolated nooks and crannies softened by palms and ferns to sit within and feel as if you are on top of a world of your own.

By Sarah Blunden