There’s something inexplicably hush-hush about Shoreditch; from secret parties in hidden warehouses to pop-up bars and restaurants that seem to change from one second to the next. You really need to keep your finger on the pulse of London’s hippest dating playground to find out where the action is happening! Shoreditch is home to hipsters, artists, writers and creative types, so it’s no surprise that it’s also where some of the city’s best date venues reside. Gone are the days of making small talk over a glass of Sauv in your local Wetherspoons. Dating now is all about doing and furthermore, impressing. But if you’re feeling a little blind-sighted this festive season and wondering how not to commit dating suicide, don’t. We’ve rounded up some of the most original date ideas the East has to offer. Just make sure you show up!
Callooh Callay Bar
Most probably London’s coolest bar. You’ll be unsure whether you’ve stepped straight into Narnia or fallen down the rabbit hole as you enter this surreal Lewis Carroll inspired slice of Victoriana through an antique wardrobe. Fancy a cocktail? An eclectic range of conversation starters including ‘Swizzle Dee, Swizzle Dum’ will soon have you feeling at home in the bar’s bizarrely cosy ambience. It’s an atmosphere which may be lost on those unfamiliar with Alice’s world, but we think it’s definitely one fit for kings (or anyone looking to impress).
Hot Tub Speed Dating
On Wednesday 11th December this is happening. Combining two of our great loves: hot tubs and speed dating! Really, what could be better than relaxing in a hot tub whilst getting to meet the man (or woman) of your dreams? Add in a killer soundtrack, uber-hip venue in a secret Shoreditch warehouse, waiter service (we told you this was awesome) and some of the east end’s brightest, most beautiful young things and you have yourself the hottest dating event of the season, not to mention the bubbliest. After all, why would you settle for chatting up talent at the bar when you could hone your flirting skills in a hot tub?
Gingerline’s Secret Supper Club
This is no ordinary supper club, this is a Gingerline Supper Club, so you’ll get a text an hour before the event with the top-secret location (but shh, you’re sworn to secrecy!) It’s an immersive experience to say the least, so expect Punch Drunk style performance, art and gourmet food to tantalise your tastebuds; it’s a foodie’s delight. With a welcome drink included you’ll soon be in the swing of things, and with previous venues including a spooky submarine mess hall and an abandoned New Cross costume shop, this year’s venue somewhere on the East London Line is sure to be every bit as thrilling. Running from November – March 2014, we wish we could tell you more, but our lips are firmly sealed!
Print Club
Get your creative juices flowing and spark up some conversation on a date at Dalston’s Print Club. For anyone worried about what to say to their date (nobody wants to hear about your ex), this will give you plenty to talk about, and with screen printing workshops running throughout the week, you can create a work of art and still have enough time to mull over your masterpiece with a flat white at Tina we Salute You (an uber-hip Dalston institution). You’ll leave feeling cultured after learning about the technique’s history and viewing the artist’s work, and of course you’ll have a great memento of your date; which you may or may not want to display on your wall at home, depending on your creative ability. We can’t think of any more fun you could have with a squeegee.
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