Best date night pubs and restaurants for couples
When you’re looking to light the spark with someone special, they say the quickest way to the heart is through the stomach. We can neither confirm nor deny, but we’ve gathered this selection of our best couple’s pubs and restaurants in the UK, just in case…
After browsing through this list, prepare to have a selection of must-try date night pubs and restaurants. Many even have chic and charming hotels from the Innkeeper’s Collection, taking you from love at first sight to couple’s staycation in seconds. Cupid is going to need a few more arrows in his quiver to keep up with you!
Best date night pubs and restaurants in London
We’re going to start strong with the capital of love and luxury: London. Next time you fancy exploring the bright lights of this fair city, make time for romance – it’ll be easier than you think.
The Mitre, Greenwich
Giving you and your special someone a place to escape the hustle and bustle of London is this stunning and recently remodelled British gastro pub, serving up relaxed, romantic date nights alongside mouth-watering seasonal dishes and eclectic drinks.
From its chic bar to its location by the waters of the river Thames and the iconic Cutty Sark, it sounds like a luxurious meal, a couple of tipples, and a riverside walk are on the cards. They also have live music on Fridays and a pub quiz on Saturdays, giving you cheap, chilled date ideas. Plus, if things are going really well and you’re ready for a romantic city break, pick out a room in the Innkeeper’s Collection hotel upstairs.
What recent guests are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Went there Friday night with a friend, great selection of drinks and food. They even had live music playing so was a great atmosphere. If you are in the area would definitely recommend.” Source.
The Crown & Greyhound, Dulwich
Date nights in South London just don’t get more idyllic than this… In the lush greens of Dulwich Village, The Crown & Greyhound could be the elegant backdrop you need for your next date. Featuring a menu of British pub classics with innovative ingredients and twists, there’s always something to impress. Especially if you guide that special someone outside to the spacious beer garden with their favourite tipple, where eye-catching fairy lights will ease your date into many long evenings of budding romance – especially in the warmer months. Again, there are stylish hotel rooms waiting upstairs, if date night looks like it’s turning into date weekend.
What recent guests are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A lovely historic hotel and pub full of period features on one of South London's prettiest streets. The pub boasts high ceilings, huge windows capped with modern stained-glass, a 3-sided dark wood bar giving it that 'proper' feel… Menu was impressive, service good and locals friendly. We'll be returning soon!” Source.
The Castle, Portobello
Opposite the recognisable blue door from the timeless rom-com ‘Notting Hill’, The Castle will help you find your own happy ending.
It’s got all the ingredients of a relaxing date night without the nerves, from deliciously elevated pub classics and an eclectic range of drinks to a sensational show for two with live music on Thursdays.
Since they also offer brunch and afternoon tea menus, you have everything you need to swing that second date at the weekend…
What the locals are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Delicious food and great prices, perfect for brunch if you're walking around Portobello market." Source
The Crown & Two Chairmen, Soho
When it comes to finding love in London, Soho is the place to be. It’s where everything is happening, including the perfectly poured pub date nights of The Crown & Two Chairmen. After strolling along the river Thames hand-in-hand or soaking up a little culture by starting your date at The British Museum, take a seat in one of their cosy red booths under a sky of fairy lights and get to know each other over some of the most flavoursome pub dishes and tempting tipples in London. They also host live music on Sundays and a pub quiz on Mondays if you’re looking to impress that special someone with your general knowledge.
What recent guests are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Had an excellent experience with The Crown and Two Chairmen. They were responsive and accommodating for my group booking. Service during the night was wonderful and the bar staff were very friendly. The vibe during a weekday is relaxed, while weeknights are fun. Great music in the evening. Finally, food was a nice surprise and exceeded expectations. Definitely recommend." Source
The Botanist on the Green, Richmond
Prepare to fall in love under the skylights of The Botanist on the Green, a dog-friendly gastro pub filled with lush greenery, chic interior décor, and… soon to be romance? With high-end menus that bring a touch of indulgence to every occasion – perfectly paired with a sensational range of tipples, of course – it’s hard not to fall heads over heels after this luxurious London date night. Second dates could include the nearby Kew Gardens, walks along the river Thames, or a trip to the royal Kew Palace. Then maybe back to this pub to get to know each other even better over cocktails?
What recent guests are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This place is an absolute gem! The food is fantastic and the front of house were especially accommodating. The new refurbishment makes for a gorgeous place to have lunch or dinner. I would 100% recommend!” Source.
More must-try pub and restaurant date nights (outside of London)
For the loved-up guests outside of London, don’t worry… There are plenty of unforgettable pub and restaurant date nights for you in other parts of the UK. Let’s explore!
The Bell, Aston Clinton
With its rustic charm, eye-catching art, and magical beer garden, The Bell is the country pub you take your date to when you want to make a good impression. Boasting seasonal menus of pub classics and unexpected twists on your favourites alongside a sensational range of drinks, this pub is the final ingredient for the perfect date night. Whether it’s a fabulous first date or a relaxing setting for keeping the romance going, there’ll be a table waiting for you. Looking like the quickest way to their heart is a couple’s staycation? They even have hotel rooms from the Innkeeper’s Collection upstairs.
What recent guests are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “What a gem of a pub! This place is customer friendly and very helpful. I cannot believe that the staff are so helpful. The go above and beyond to make sure that you are made to feel special. Excellent service in the restaurant. Brilliant range of beer. Food choice is excellent. Recommend staying and dining.” Source.
The Pine Marten, Harrogate
Sweep that special someone off their feet in the picturesque town of Harrogate, near Leeds, where your date night could be set in the vibrant atmosphere of The Pine Marten, with its breath-takingly traditional exterior, modern interior décor – including neon art! – and a gorgeous beer garden for those sun-kissed summer dates. If you can look away from them for just a moment, you’ll also discover a wide selection of mouth-watering seasonal dishes and tantalising tipples, including real ales, craft beers, and delicious wines. For those dates where you need a little longer for Cupid to work his magic, The Pine Marten’s luxurious style continues into hotel rooms from the Innkeeper’s Collection, giving you more time for forest views and “I love you’s”.
What recent guests are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Very pleasant location and surroundings. Great food, excellent staff and service, very good value. Would make a special trip to dine there.” Source.
The Saxon Mill, Warwick
Adding that extra touch of class to every date night is The Saxon Mill, a stunning country pub with riverside views and a working water wheel that make the most idyllic backdrop for romance. Despite being recently refurbished, this is one pub that’s not afraid to wear its history on its sleeve, with exposed wooden beams and crackling log fireplaces paired with modern interior décor and menus crafted with only the most delicious ingredients and culinary trends. You book the table, and they’ll take care of everything else. After all, you’ll be too busy watching those sparks fly.
What recent guests are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Wow what a lovely pub! Great location, ample parking and right next to the Avon River. This place has so much character and history. The food is amazing and so are the staff. One of the best pubs in the country.” Source.
The Lyttelton Arms, Hagley
For a date night near Birmingham that you’ll never forget, book a table at The Lyttelton Arms, a dog-friendly country pub with irresistible gastro pub menus that’ll capture even the most cautious of hearts. When the sun is shining, work your charm over chilled tipples in their spacious beer garden, or make your way inside and watch your date swoon over this pub’s chic interior décor. Either way, someone is falling in love. If they sound interested in driving 25 minutes to Cadbury World, that’s your opportunity to tell them that they’re already sweet enough – and then slide the pub’s indulgent dessert menu across the table…
What recent guests are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “If you haven't been, it's worth the journey whichever corner you're from. As the 5-star rating broadcasts, food, service, and atmosphere. I couldn't ask for better. We did indulge in several cocktails, which were equally enjoyed. It is now on the list of places to go any time of day, morning, noon, or night. The menu suits all. 😋” Source.
Ready to book your date night?
As you can probably tell from this list of the best pub and restaurant date nights, Cupid never misses when it comes to creating a stylish, relaxing atmosphere you’ll fall in love with.
Like true love, this list of date night inspiration will only grow, so come back soon and we’ll help you relive the romance. Until then…