Emergency date venue in London's South Bank

April 16, 2009 5:22 AM

Emergency date venue in London's South Bank; any suggestions?

Hi all :-)

Okay, so my plan for taking my date to the Tate tonight has been kyboshed by.... the Tate closing at 6pm. Oops.

Anyway, it's a grey day in London town, and the streets will be full of damp commuters all looking for a drink and food. Which is exactly what I'll be looking for too.

I am thinking of going to Gordon's Wine Bar, but there's the usual danger of it being packed.

So: where to take a first date on a Thursday night in London's South Bank?

We're meeting at Embankment, so it would have to be within walking distance or easy tube-travel. Bonus points for anywhere with suitably intimate suroundings, good food and wine, that sort of thing. It's a first date, so we'd need somewhere suitably intimate to get to know each other.

I shall be checking out the Oxo Tower, but any more suggestions will be most gratefully received.

We're both 30-something; it's a first date; money isn't exactly "no object" but let's just say restaurants are preferable to burger-bars.

Many thanks, Hive Mind, you just might save my skin.

posted by ajp to food & drink (17 comments total)

Do you like Spanish food? Meson Don Felipe is an authentic, chaotic tapas bar around the corner from Waterloo station. You can't book, it's a turny-uppy thing, but the food and atmosphere is electric. If you're lucky, there may be a guy on top of a cupboard playing the guitar.

It'll be a nice walk from Embankment too.
posted by randomination at 5:26 AM on April 16

I could tell you about my secret favourite place - Shunt Vaults.

It's reasonably close to the Tate, just a bit of a walk along towards London Bridge. Once in the Underground station, look for the covered 'street' that links the Underground station with the mainline railway station. About halfway along, between two vending machines, is a small wooden door.

It's a fiver to get in, but is one of the best nights out in London at the moment. The group that runs it workshops their arthouse theatre pieces there, the music is ace and the venue itself is incredibly atmospheric and fun.

They don't do food, but there's a few smaller restuarants and deli-type places around Borough Market over the road, plus Wagamamas and other quick but delish food options around Clink Street.

Seriously, if you were going to the Tate for the arty feel, this will blow that out of the water. Have fun.
posted by Happy Dave at 5:31 AM on April 16

I'd also recommend Shunt Vaults, but if that seems too much for a first date, you could try Benugo at the British Film Institute. It does good cocktails and light meals.
posted by greycap at 5:36 AM on April 16

The National Film Theatre cafe? Cantina Vinopolis?
posted by rongorongo at 5:37 AM on April 16

The Lyceum is a good pub in which to meet for a drink before going on.
posted by gene_machine at 5:44 AM on April 16

What about the Waterloo branch of Canteen? It's just round the corner from the London Eye (and Waterloo tube). Some find the atmosphere sterile, but I think it's a great place for holding engrossing conversations. The food is posh British grub. Kind of gastropub. But, you know, a restaurant.
posted by maryrosecook at 5:51 AM on April 16

Oh yeah, and, good luck!
posted by maryrosecook at 5:52 AM on April 16 [1 favorite has favorites]

RSJ is a good place for food and wine near the south bank. It's got a relaxed atmosphere and is also quite intimate. (Ignore the slightly old school website - it's a good place!)
posted by patricio at 6:06 AM on April 16 [1 favorite has favorites]

I really like Meson Don Felipe, but it's not really intimate. Otherwise Skylon might be worth a look - IIRC they have some booth seating.
posted by patricio at 6:31 AM on April 16

Gordon's Wine Bar, near Embankement. There's a small park next door which you can easily jump over the gate into if you're both reasonably agile.

Otherwise, just walk down the South Bank at night and find the first cafe that looks decent. Last time we were there a bunch of kids in fancy dress had a mass brawl.
posted by mippy at 6:33 AM on April 16

sorry - didn't read that Gordon's wasn't an option :)
posted by mippy at 6:33 AM on April 16

My first date with my wife was at The Archduke. Dead easy from Embankment (and bonus points for walking the bridge).

We carried on for pizza at Gabriel's Wharf...
posted by sagwalla at 7:38 AM on April 16

I would go to either Ev under the arches, or the Anchor and Hope on The Cut. Both have great food and coulc be good for talking. Lots of nice options for walking by the river or additional drinking afterwards.
The Oxo tower has a great view but may feel a bit formal/pricey.
posted by cushie at 8:19 AM on April 16

Aww you guys....

Thanks for all the tips, and the good wishes.

I shall investigate and report back.
posted by ajp at 8:22 AM on April 16

I'll second Meson Don Felipe tapas bar. A boy took me on a great date there, followed by drinks on the balcony of the NT overlooking the river.
posted by meerkatty at 9:09 AM on April 16

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!
posted by Happy Dave at 2:27 AM on April 17

@HappyDave. Dude, give the guy a break - he's probably working a double shift.
posted by maryrosecook at 4:19 AM on April 17