Ever wondered what the Secret London team get up to when we’re not at our desks typing articles, filming in restaurants, or unearthing the capital’s breaking news? Well, wonder no more. Once a month, we’ll give you exclusive access to us – not in a weird way – as we give our hot takes on the month ahead, and what we’re getting up to away from the desk.
Listen up, lovers! Valentine’s Day is nearly here, and it’s got us folk at Secret London reflecting on our best dates, our worst dates, and all our dating stories in between. Pooling our collective experiences, we asked the office for their tried-and-tested recommendations of first date to third date spots in London, where to make it official, and even an ideal break up spot in London, should you need it…
First date
Anushka, Brand Partnerships Account Executive
“We should go to Bar Salsa. You got some drinks, you do a fun salsa class, social dancing after, then you have a few bites to eat.”
As well as salsa classes, Bar Salsa offer a range of fun bottomless brunches, including the Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch, rather cheeky Boy Toy Bottomless Brunch, and raucous Buff Bingo Bottomless Brunch.
Second date
Sam, Senior SEO Writer
“Well, on the rare occasion I actually get a second date, I’d say a BYOB restaurant: Marie’s Cafe in Waterloo, or Tayyabs in Whitechapel.”
For BYOB venues with a difference, why not try the lauded Alcatraz Prison Cocktail Bar or Moonshine Saloon: Wild West Cocktail Experience? Both encourage you to “smuggle in” your booze, follow a storyline, and get involved in the themed action.
Third date
Marnie, Brand Partnerships Project Manager
“Dulwich Hamlet football game. I think it’s good to get a bit, like, competitive, watch some football – exciting!”
Into footie, but Dulwich Hamlet isn’t your team? Perhaps a tour around the Emirates stadium, Chelsea FC Stadium, or Wembley Stadium. Spurs fan? Pair a Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tour with the daring skywalk to its summit.
Making it official
Giulia, Strategic Project Manager
“I would say, a cute little picnic, Hampstead Heath. Hopefully, there’s good weather.”
Kew Gardens is also a lovely alternative, if you prefer to stroll as you mark that all-important milestone.
Break up spot
Phoebe, Videographer
“If London Dungeons is booked, then Primrose Hill. You walk, you have a bit of a talk, then you sit down, you have a heart to heart, then they can stare at the lovely scenery, have an existential crisis and a bit of a cry, and you don’t have to feel bad about it.”
Absolutely brutal from our Phoebs. For a fancier break-up spot with a view, The View from the Shard welcomes all relationship statuses – and comes with heartbreak-healing champagne.
All our events are recommended by editors. Tickets purchased through Fever may earn Secret London commission.