Dating is an expensive business, especially when you live in the money sucking capital city (where we are so numbed to the astronomical living costs that even paying £5 for a pint seems perfectly reasonable!).
But with other important things to hard your hard earned cash on- like rent, transport and daily lunches at Pret- where do you take your date on a budget without seeming like a massive cheapskate? Here are Savoo’s top 10 suggestions.
London from Above
You don’t have to pay over 20 quid per person at the Shard for a great view of London- just head to Monument or Westminster Cathedral instead. The Tower at Monument offers striking views of the city (after a pulse raising 311 step climb), whilst Westminster Cathedral’s Bell Tower has a viewing gallery 200ft above sea level accessible by lift.
Free gig
Show off your knowledge of the London music scene and take your date to Rough Trade East, Brick Lane’s independent record shop. Here you will find regular evening gigs featuring occasional big names like Kendrick Lemar and Foals- and the best part is it is absolutely free, just pick up a wristband an hour beforehand.
The Scoop
Why pay good money to go and see a film in a dark and stuffy cinema when you could see it outdoors for free the River Thames? The Scoop is an outdoor, sunken amphitheatre within strolling distance from Borough Market, and holds completely free events like film, music and theatre (but check the timetable to make sure you aren’t taking your date to an empty arena).
Night walk in Hyde Park
Going for a walk in the park doesn’t have to scream cheapskate: it’s all in the delivery. Suggest stargazing in Hyde Park when the sun goes down, and bring a small pair of binoculars for added authenticity. A flask of hot chocolate or warm alcohol adds a nice touch- thoughtful without being creepy.
Lunchtime concert
Enjoy a bit of culture with a free lunchtime concert near Trafalgar Square. St-Martin-in-the-Fields church has free classical music every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 1pm from pianists to choirs, giving you the chance to listen to some of the country’s best rising stars (and impress your date with your refined music tastes).
Ain’t Nothing But The Blues Bar
Claiming to offer the best live blues music this side of the Atlantic, Ain’t Nothing but the Blues Bar offers free admission all night from Sunday to Thursday, and before 8.30pm on Friday and Saturday. Situated in Soho, the bar hosts both local and American acts nightly as well as regular jam sessions. Get here early to avoid waiting in line.
Friday Night Skate
Pick up a pair of second hand rollerblades (or hire them from the nearby Club Blue Room) and head over to Hyde Park on a Friday night for a free evening skating session. Meeting at Wellington Arch at 8pm, the session is open to all skaters- but if you want a more relaxed skate then save the date for the slow paced Sunday afternoon sessions at 2pm.
Wilton’s Music Hall
Often referred to as London’s hidden stage, Wilton’s Music Hall is the oldest surviving grand music hall in the world- and consequently feels like a whimsical combination of museum, theatre and bar. Wilton’s regularly holds live music events which you can attend for free- but you will have to pay for drinks.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Taking your date to a market might be slightly clichéd, but the Columbia Road Flower Market really is a great place to stroll on the weekend. Surrounded by cosy pubs and cafes where you can stop for a cheeky beverage, show off your haggling skills at around 2pm when the flowers are practically being given away.
Mudchute City Farm
Embrace your inner child and head to Mudchute City Farm- one of the largest inner city farms in Europe, where you will meet over 200 animals ranging from the cute and cuddly to horses and llamas. Situated on the Isle of Dogs, you can even start the date with a ride at the front of the DLR!
Do you know anywhere great in London to take a date for under £10?
