Dating apps make it easy to meet people, but picking the perfect first date venue is an eternal challenge – especially during summer. Between the tourist crowds and sweaty hell of the underground, finding a secret spot to get to know your beau can be a mission. But don’t fret, the team at new gay dating app Chappy have lined up the top outdoor spots to take your Mr. Right this season.
Netil 360, Hackney
With a huge roof terrace covered in vintage sofas, this is the new way to see the skyline
in East London. But wait for the best bit… they have Kroswells cocktails on tap! The perfect quick date option for Mr. Right Now and a real sun trap.
Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park
Despite being an enormous theatre in the middle of Regent’s Park, not many people realise it’s been there for the last 80 years. With four classic plays showing throughout summer, it’s a great choice to woo him on that pivotal 4th date.
HMS Belfast & Tom’s Kitchen, London Bridge
Step on board this WW2 Battleship and get a dose of modern history right on your doorstep. After you’ve explored below deck, head to the adjoining rooftop bar at Tom’s Kitchen on the Riverbank for wine and a mezze board to make the date less school trip and more Jean Paul Gautier.
Pitch & Putt at Alexandra Palace
Ally Pally opened in 1873, has survived two fires, hosted the first ever television broadcast and is now home to… an amateur golf course. Unleash your inner Mr. Competitive across 10 holes.
The Culpeper, Aldgate East
This venue is a triple threat in the heart of East London. This Pub/Restaurant/Hotel really comes into it’s own at the top, with it’s huge greenhouse terrace. Eat, drink and observe nature as you chat the night away under the stars. The clear roof makes it the perfect choice for when the weather is playing Mr. Who Knows.
Kyoto Garden, Holland Park
With colourful blossom trees and tranquil carp ponds, this little slice of Japan in W8 is an Instagram dream. Turn up armed with a date and a bottle of wine, nab a bench and put the world to rights on this peaceful patch.
Rooftop Film Club, Various
In Kensington, Peckham, Stratford & Shoreditch, Rooftop Film Club means movie dates are no longer boring. Grab a deckchair and a blanket and cuddle up to a cult film under the stars.
Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park
A dream beer garden hidden in the rooftops of Finsbury Park. This little gem hosts live music nights, shows sports and hosts a quiz every Monday. Something for every guy!
The Edinboro Castle, Camden
Barbeques are the obvious dining choice once summer hits, but finding a spot to have one in the city can be tough. Sack off the burnt sausages and head to the Edinboro Castle for their famous summer BBQ offering on the weekend. All the flavour, none of the effort.
Borough Market
Find the Mr Darcey to your Bridget Jones and roll on down to the culinary equivalent of Disneyland. Open Monday to Saturday, head in the afternoon and browse the stalls together, then take your Mr. Right back to yours for a home-cooked feast.
If you haven’t found a guy to take yet, download Chappy now!
