Member Article

London as a gastronomical and romantic haven in 2024

London is often referred to as one of the most romantic cities in the world, and the streams of tourists from the rest of the UK and abroad, lured by romantic weekend packages, are a true testimonial to this. 

UK-based Heart Bingo released a blog post with tips on 101 romantic ideas one week after Valentine’s Day 2024, to inspire more romance at home, in urban settings and outdoors all year around. 

David Winter from the Heart Bingo marketing team commented, “We noticed that there are many guides and articles focusing on what to do on the 14th of February, but not for the rest of the year. To celebrate romance in cities such as London all year around, we created a guide that hopefully will help if you are stuck in a rut and can inspire you to try new romantic things.”

The list is highly applicable to what London has to offer and focuses on things to do in an urban environment inspired by unique experiences for London City. 

Intimate and small establishments in London

Have you ever heard about a speakeasy bar? If you haven’t, no worries, as they are supposed to be secret or at least hidden gems for you to discover.
The term refers to illegal bars in the US during the prohibition era, where secret unmarked establishments in basements and secret locations, where the few selected visitors often needed a password to enter.
The modern-day speakeasy bars often flirt with the romantic 1920s settings and have helped with the increased interest in cocktails and mixology in recent years. London has also been an integral part of spreading the concept to other parts of the UK and the world and has a large number of establishments, spread across the city.

The bars are usually very small and intimate holes in the wall, without windows which creates an ambience and atmosphere perfect for a date night.

Luckily, it is easy to find these bars through a quick Google search, which shows over 20 options in the city centre, and more can be found through social media.
Names like Prohibition Bootleggers and Do Not Disturb (DND Bar) pop up and give you a nod, you are heading in the right direction.

One of the first places you should explore (or investigate) as a couple is Evans & Peel Detective Agency in Chelsea. You do not need a password to enter this detective-inspired bar, but a booking will be necessary.
Among typewriters and file cabinets in an intimate setting, you can order drinks from the notebooks (menus) in the style of Al Capone and Tommy Shelby.

If you are fascinated by the secrecy and the idea of being at a truly temporary secret bar, The Candlelight Club is hopping and changing locations for each event, only to let their guests know the exact spot two days in advance. With guests dressing for a 1920s-inspired evening, including jazz bands and candlelight’s at your table, this is one of the most romantic experiences in London at the moment.

Unique culinary experiences for couples in London 2024

London is truly one of the greatest cities in Europe, if not in the world, when it comes to local and international culinary experiences. With everything from local pub food to establishments with Michelin stars, there is something for everyone and constantly new things to try for the hungry or curious couple. 

In recent years, dining experiences with themes and special settings have become available for the public, where fusions and even theatrical effects enhance the experience.

Murder Mystery Dinners

It’s hard to beat a nice dinner and tickets to a show in the West End, but if you haven’t tried a Murder Mystery Dinner, you are in for a treat. Bring your date on an eventful date where you are taking centre stage in the act!

Staged in an environment, often with a flirt to Agatha Christie’s era and novels, you are seated for a different dinner experience.
The waiters are actors who drive the plot forward in guessing who the murderer is at the scene. 

London has a handful of established Murder Mysteries already, and it is not unusual for pop-up or touring acts to roll through the city. The Murder Express has established itself as an award-winning theatrical dining experience, only a 9-minute walk away from Whitechapel. 
The venue takes you on a 2-hour long train ride, packed with entertainment, food and cocktails, and the Google reviews speak of its popularity. 

If you would like to follow Phileas J. Fogg on a murder-solving quest, he invites you to his residential address in Mayfair every Sunday until the end of April 2024. 

The show is about two hours long and includes complimentary Champagne-based cocktails that will get you in the mood. Note that tickets need to be purchased in advance. 

If you and your loved one are into cocktails, then you should pay The Case of The Poisoned Chalice: Cocktail Experience a visit at Sheperd’s Bush. This Sherlock Holmes-inspired 90-minute show hooks you up with Sherlock’s arch nemesis Moriarty's right hand, and the rewards are reaped in cocktails! The producers behind this event hosted Thursday-Saturday are also the masterminds behind The Game Is Now, which have created official Sherlock Holmes escape rooms, a speakeasy bar and everything Sherlock you can imagine. 

Dining in the dark

If murder mysteries are a bit too lively or theatrical and you want to focus on a truly unique dining experience, Look no further than Dans Le Noir. 
They say we eat with our eyes, but what about eating (or trying to eat) in a pitch-black setting, where you can’t even see the hand in front of you?
This is what Dance Le Noir is about, and simply put, they will give you a unique sensory experience. 

According to their website, they have been dubbed the most original restaurant over and over since they opened their doors in 2007.

The concept has been copied by many in other countries, and the fact Dans Le Noir is now available in the USA, Africa, and Asia is a true testimony to their unique concepts. The London restaurant based in Farrington offers unique culinary experiences, both lunch and dinner, and bookings can be made through their official website. 

There are endless unique dining experiences in London in 2024. The list can go on and on, but the examples above are well suited for the couple wanting to try something new, as many of the experiences above are just that: More of a culinary and cultural experience than just a dinner and something to remember and talk about. 

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nomvelo Buthelezi .