London Dating on the Cheap

London is notorious for being one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but taking someone out on a date doesn’t have to break the bank. Sure, there are loads of nice restaurants, expensive clubs and attractions you can drop some cash at, but there are also some great ways to take advantage of the city’s natural atmosphere and cheaper pubs to make a great impression. London dating doesn’t have to be expensive at all. I’ll tell you a little story, and maybe it’ll give you a great idea for inexpensive dating in London.


I was on a fourth date with a girl I was very into, and I was very broke. I knew she was too, but that didn’t mean I was exempt from showing her a good time. Knowing how expensive London dating can be, I devised a plan. I had no idea it would work out so well. Now, you can walk the distance between any two tube stations in around 15 minutes, so we started out in Covent Garden (note: this will only work if the weather’s nice).

Covent garden is a great place to take a girl (or guy) you’re dating in London, because there are loads of pubs and bars that have fairly cheap food and drinks. We started with a few pints or glasses of wine, which will set you back around £30 in the worst-case scenario. After that I suggested that we take a walk down to London Bridge.

In the London Bridge area, on the South Bank, is a great little pub called Horneyman’s. It’s great because you can buy a pint or a glass of wine and take your date out to sit on the wall overlooking the river. From there you have a great view of three of London’s famous bridges. If you get there at around sundown you’ll find yourself in one of the most romantic spots in London. Dating doesn’t get much less expensive, especially in this fair city.

After that, and this is just a suggestion, take the long way around back to London Bridge tube station. If you go past the Cutty Sark (the most famous clipper ship of them all) you’ll pass under a dark archway. If you’re lucky, like I was, there will be a busker there, playing something like the cello or saxophone, with only tea-lights in the dark. Give the busker £5, and ask them to play something sad and sweet. Even if you have two left feet like me, ask your partner to dance. It’ll be the best five pounds you’ve ever spent dating in London, and it’ll be five minutes neither of you will ever forget.