‘Just A Quick Drink’: 17 Central London Pubs & Bars Perfect For A First Date

Well done! You’ve matched with someone on a dating app and now it is time to meet in real life.

They live in Clapham, you live in Archway, they work in Shoreditch and you work in Mayfair…

Central London it is!

Here’s a list of 17 Bars & Pubs in Central London, perfect for a ‘quick drink’ first date and a chance to establish if the person you’re meeting is worth getting another round.

There’s nothing like a little Dutch courage to settle the nerves. Is this the love of your life? Even if they’re not, at least you’ll have a nice drink to take the edge off!

I have visited every single one of the venues below, some on dates, some with friends, but these are my go-to list to utilise and recommend to friends when they’re in need of somewhere to meet someone new for the first time.

(*All photo credit taken from the Pubs / Bars’ Instagrams / Websites)

Traditional Pubs

We’re in London after all – Let’s start with a good old traditional London pub. Whether you want busy and atmospheric, spilling onto the street vibes, or cosy and intimate with interesting decor, this list has you covered.

The Cross Keys (Covent Garden)

Cute little pub on a back street in Covent Garden. Great ambience and the decor is wild with lots of brass and memorabilia. The seating allows for sitting next to each other on booth sides, or across a small table. The pub is always ‘vibey’, but never too busy – getting a seat is easy compared to other pubs nearby.

The Duke (Bloomsbury)

Art deco lamps adorn the interior of this ‘local’ pub on a back street in Bloomsbury. Small and intimate, with dim lighting. If things go well you can always see if they have space in their dining room to soak up all the wine with one of their delicious pies.

The George Inn (Southwark)

The George Inn was built in 1676 and is London’s only surviving galleried inn. Therefore, you can expect a mix of tourists encroaching on your date night. Don’t let that put you off – this place is beaut and has an interesting history that you can discuss if the conversation gets dry. With lots of outdoor space and three levels, you’ll be able to find a quiet corner somewhere to enjoy your evening.

The French House (Soho)

Busy, Bohemian, and a no-tech rule! No distractions! Though you may get jostled about a bit as it gets rammed and the crowd spills onto the busy Soho street. Excellent for people watching, and economical too, with many wines by the glass and half pints being the drinks on offer.

The Lamb (Bloomsbury)

A small victorian pub with cute seating. No music, but by no means dull. This place is always busy, but never too busy, with a mixed crowd of people who work nearby and locals. The food is delicious, so again, if things go well, you can always stick around for dinner or head to Ciao Bella next door.

Ye Olde Mitre (Holborn)

A pub from 1547! Framed historical pictures adorn the two drinking spaces in this small pub, tucked in an alley behind Hatton Garden. Another ‘old man’ pub feel, but it is an interesting place, and plenty to talk about when you’re there with your date!

Bars

Less old man pub vibes, and more variety, here’s a selection of Central London’s best bars for a first date.

WC Wine Bar and Charcuterie (Bloomsbury)

A wine bar in a Grade II listed Victorian Public Loo? Converted, don’t worry! Whilst now very hygienic, this wine bar maintains a lot of the architectural nuances of it’s origin, so is a really interesting place for a first date. Good wines and cheese boards too!

Le Beaujolais (Covent Garden)

Small and intimate French Wine Bar in Covent Garden. Wine and delicious french food to share. C’est chic!

Cafe Kick (Exmouth Market)

At first glance, this place doesn’t look like much, but let me tell you, it is very popular and for good reason. I’ve had dates here that last for hours, especially in the summer months. Football is the theme, but don’t let that put you off if that’s not your thing! Kitsch football memorabilia, a foosball table and some of the best negronis in town! You can always stumble two doors down to Ken’s Wine Bar for something more refined, and then explore the culinary offerings of Exmouth Market afterwards – either with your date or alone if things didn’t go too well.

Bar Americain (Piccadilly)

Bar Americain (of Brasserie Zedel) is an atmospheric French Cafe-ish / Art Deco drink spot a stones throw from Piccadilly Circus. Head down the stairs at Brasserie Zedel and you’ll find yourself in a beautifully lit, 1930s-esque bar with amazing cocktails.

Brew Dog (Waterloo)

For those of you who don’t really live in London, but need to get a train out post-date then the Waterloo Brew Dog is for you. It is massive, with plenty of dark corner booths to have intimate chats. If beer is not for you, don’t worry, they have plenty of other drinks to choose from. There’s even an indoor slide.

Bar Termini (Soho)

If you can get a table, then Bar Termini is a sophisticated spot for a first date drink. Sip on potent cocktails and take in the sights of Old Compton Street.

Gordon’s Wine Bar (Embankment)

Okay so, a bit of a cliche, but Gordon’s is a standard first date spot, and for good reason. So get over your claustrophobia and head into the cavernous and candle lit spot for a drink. Be warned, avoid on a Thursday… it is so busy then it is just not worth it.

Below Stone Nest (Shaftesbury Avenue)

You have probably walked past this place before and not realised that down a staircase and under an old chapel, there lies an atmospheric and cool drinks spot. Classic cocktails, dim lighting and live music.

Kettner’s (Soho)

A hotel bar in the heart of Soho, that feels more like you’re sitting in the lounge room of a French Aristocrat’s house. Traditional and relaxing atmosphere, a hidden gem in the heart of Soho if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the area. The website doesn’t really mention the hotel bar, but it is there! Just go in and turn right.

Double Standard: The Standard Hotel (King’s Cross)

Opposite St Pancras Station (again for the train users), this bar is busy and atmospheric without being overwhelming. The crowd here is cool and the drinks are very good! It is fun people watching, and if your date doesn’t go well, I am sure you’ll spot a lonely digital nomad you can befriend instead.

Forza Wine at The National Theatre (Southbank)

Want to appear cultured without having to sit through any theatre, why then, suggest Forza Wine at The National Theatre. Small plates to share and an excellent selection of wine (to be expected), this place is again, busy without being too busy, and the theatre crowd are fun to watch! Enjoy riverside views and have a romantic walk back to the tube along the Southbank afterwards!

So there you have it…

Good luck!