Gay Dating | 11 Hidden First Date Ideas in London

A successful first date can be the start of a whole new life. But how do you impress him? Gays.com looks at some of London’s lesser-known places to take him on a date.

For Culture Vultures

The Viktor Wynd Museum
Slightly off the beaten track, the Viktor Wynd Museum is in east London’s Cambridge Heath, but well worth the trip. The museum is set in a former call centre and features vast displays of fine art and natural history. Lively conversation is essential for a good date, and there'll be plenty to talk about here. Highlights include the Curiosities Tattoo studio and a witchcraft museum, due to open this winter.

Leighton House Museum
The former home of Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton, in Kensington, is arguably one of London's most extraordinary buildings. Housing a collection of ***tings and sculpture – and interior design which has to be seen to be believed - it's both stunning and utterly camp. Feast your eyes on the Arab hall with its colourful mosaics and gold dome as you take a step back to a divinely decadent age.

The Wallace Collection
Located in central London’s Manchester Square, the Wallace Collection housing some of Europe’s most beautiful works of art, furniture and porcelain. It also has a gorgeous restaurant which is an excellent spot for a highly civilised lunch, afternoon tea or a glass of bubbly.

The interior of the Viktor Wynd Museum, London

Cocktails and culinary delights

Cahoots
This quirky underground bar is reminiscent of the 1940s speakeasy and offers a wonderful array of cocktails to get your evening off to a banging start, or indeed, to an end. Immerse yourself in the world of the world war two blitz as you shelter down below with the help of some fine liquor.

Maggie Jones downstairs
Tucked away off Kensington High Street, Maggie Jones is charm itself. Upstairs you have a great setting for a romantic meal, while the private booths downstairs are warm and cosy and the ideal setting for a tete a tete.

The Holly Bush in Hampstead
This centuries old, wood-panelled boozer is a real gem in the crown that is north London’s Hampstead. Superb food and tradition rule supreme – and it offers to perfect nooks in which to cosy up.

Brasserie Zedel
Step back in time to the unrivalled sophistication of Paris, and sample the delights of the Grand Brasserie. Afterwards, pop along to the divine Crazy Coqs cabaret room which continues to host some of the world’s most celebrated performers. Oh la la, indeed.

The quirky and fun, Cahoots, London.

Out in the open air

Horniman Museum and Gardens
The clue here surely is in the name! Situated in south London’s Forest Hill, this beautiful museum and stunning gardens offer the perfect retreat in the city. Stroll arm in arm through the butterfly house or get quirky with a zoo made of *** robots. Inspiration and discovery await you around every corner.

Brockwell Park – the walled garden
Brockwell Park is one of south London’s most picturesque open spaces and is just a short walk away from buzzing Brixton. The walled garden is a hidden gem. It once served as the kitchen garden for nearby Brockwell hall and offers an array of dazzling flowers and plants. It’s the ultimate quiet space to commune with nature – and one another.

St James's Park at night
Located in the heart of London and bordered by Buckingham Palace, The Mall and Horse Guards, the 23-hectare St James Park is arguably the finest of London’s royal parks. The bridge that on one side, faces ugly Buckingham Palace has the most beautiful view on the other side which has been referenced in Tom Stoppard plays and looks like a fairyland. It’s a stone’s throw from vibrant Soho, so is crying out for a romantic stroll before you part ways with your intended – or drag him back to yours.

Chelsea Physic Garden
London’s genuinely secret space, this former apothecaries’ garden is the last word in tranquillity and peace – and the ultimate setting for a lovers’ stroll. After exploring the 5000 varieties of plants and flowers, stop off at the Tangerine Dream Café for an afternoon tea. Yes, this exceptional place is like falling into the loveliest dream.