Top 10 Double Date Ideas in London
Alright, let's be real. London dating can be... a lot. Endless swiping, awkward first date silences, wondering if your date looks anything like their photos. Feeling the fatigue? We get it.
But what if dating didn't have to feel like a chore? What if it was actually... fun? Less pressure? Even, dare we say it, safer?
Enter: Double dating. Yep, bringing your best mate along for the ride. Your trusty wingman (or wingwoman!) right there with you. Suddenly, the pressure's off. Conversation flows easier. And you've got backup if things get weird.
That's the whole vibe behind Tandem, the double dating app designed to make meeting new people awesome again. Think joint profiles with your bestie, group chats to break the ice before you meet, and finding another pair who are up for the same kind of fun. It’s about creating a cool little quartet from the get-go.
While we're putting the finishing touches on the app (more on that later!), let's talk about where you and your mate can take your potential new favourite duo in London. Forget stuffy dinners. We need double date ideas built for four.
Here are our top 10 date ideas London style, perfect for breaking the ice and having a genuine laugh:
1. Competitive Cocktails at Flight Club
Nothing breaks the ice like a little friendly competition! Flight Club has revolutionized the traditional game of darts with digital scoring, innovative games, and a killer atmosphere. Book a semi-private booth for your quartet, order some sharing platters, and enjoy craft cocktails while you show off your throwing skills. Perfect for banter, laughs, and discovering who's got game – both on and off the dartboard.
Where: Multiple locations in Bloomsbury, Shoreditch, and Victoria
2. Paddle Down Regent's Canal
Get those endorphins flowing while taking in some gorgeous London scenery! Rent a four-person kayak or two tandem kayaks and explore Regent's Canal together. The shared adventure creates instant bonding moments, and the activity itself provides natural conversation starters. Afterward, hit up one of the canalside pubs for well-deserved refreshments and continue getting to know each other in a relaxed setting.
Where: Paddington Basin or Little Venice kayak hire points
3. Escape Room Challenge
Nothing reveals personalities faster than being locked in a room together! London's escape rooms offer the perfect opportunity to see how your potential matches handle pressure, solve problems, and communicate. Choose themes from historical mysteries to sci-fi adventures. The shared victory (or hilarious defeat) gives you plenty to chat about during post-escape drinks.
Where: ClueQuest near King's Cross or Enigma Escape in Holloway
4. Rooftop Film Club
Cinema dates don't have to be boring! Elevate the experience (literally) with the Rooftop Film Club. Settle into comfy deckchairs under blankets, grab some street food and cocktails, and watch classics or new releases with stunning London skylines as your backdrop. The pre-film mingling time and post-movie discussion opportunities make this so much more than just sitting in silence for two hours.
Where: Bussey Building in Peckham or Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch (seasonal)
5. Bottomless Brunch & Board Games
Daytime dating can be less pressure, especially with mimosas involved! London's brunch game is strong, but take it up a notch by choosing a venue with board games or bringing your own. The combination of free-flowing prosecco, delicious food, and light competition creates the perfect relaxed environment for your quartet to connect. Try games that encourage teamwork – nothing builds connection like claiming brunch victory together!
Where: Draughts Board Game Café in Hackney or The Book Club in Shoreditch
6. Underground Miniature Golf
Forget traditional mini-golf! London's themed indoor courses offer quirky, Instagram-worthy experiences that spark conversation and laughter. Whether it's the UV-lit neon courses at Plonk or the crazy obstacles at Swingers, these venues combine playful competition with excellent cocktails. Most locations have perfect post-golf lounging areas for continuing conversations once you've putted your way through.
Where: Swingers in the City or West End, or Plonk Golf at Camden Market
7. Borough Market Food Crawl
For foodie foursomes, nothing beats a culinary adventure! Create your own food tour through Borough Market, sampling international cuisines from dozens of vendors. The market's vibrant atmosphere and endless food options provide natural conversation starters. Make it more interactive by having each person choose their favorite find to share with the group – instant insight into tastes and preferences!
Where: Borough Market, London Bridge
8. Sunset Thames Clipper Cruise
Views + vibes = unforgettable date! Ditch expensive tourist cruises for a Thames Clipper – London's river bus service that offers the same stunning views at a fraction of the cost. Time your journey for sunset, grab seats outside, and enjoy watching London transition from day to night. Get off at Greenwich for dinner at Cutty Sark or continue to North Greenwich for drinks at the O2's rooftop bars.
Where: Multiple piers along the Thames between Putney and Woolwich
9. Comedy Club Night
Laughter is scientifically proven to create bonds between people! London's comedy scene offers everything from intimate basement gigs to famous venues like Top Secret Comedy Club or The Comedy Store. Sharing laughs creates instant connection, and the show gives you plenty to discuss afterward. Most venues offer food and drinks, making it a complete night out for your double date.
Where: Angel Comedy Club at Camden Head or The Comedy Store in Leicester Square
10. Secret Cocktail Bar Crawl
Adventure seekers will love exploring London's hidden bars! Create your own crawl featuring the city's most secretive speakeasies – from telephone booths and refrigerator doors to unmarked entrances. The thrill of finding each location together creates shared experiences, while the intimate settings of these bars are perfect for getting to know each other. Limit to 3-4 venues to keep the night manageable.
Where: Start at The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town (via the fridge at The Breakfast Club, Liverpool Street) and end at Nightjar in Old Street
Ditch the Dread, Double the Fun
See? Dating in London doesn't have to be the same old routine. Bringing your bestie changes the game entirely. It’s about sharing experiences, feeling more comfortable, and having your wingman right there.
Tandem is being built to make this effortless. Joint profiles mean you and your mate present as a team. Group chats mean the four of you can vibe check before you even meet up. No more awkward solo swiping or pre-date jitters. It’s about connection, safety, and actually enjoying the process. Forget scrolling endless profiles – find your kind of people, together. We're aiming to be one of the top dating apps London has seen, especially for those looking for something different, something better. As far as niche dating apps London goes, we're carving out a space for fun, safe, social dating. Keep an eye out for new dating apps London – Tandem's coming!
Ready to ditch the awkward solo dates and find your perfect double-dating quartet? Join our WhatsApp group to find out when we launch in your area. We have something special planned for launch. You won't want to miss it!