Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in London

London is full to bursting with fantastic restaurants and bars. To help you narrow down the options, here's a list of ten of the finest romantic restaurants  (in no particular order!) that London has to offer, courtesy of the experts at Bon Vivant...

Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden, WC2  Often described as an oasis in the heart of Covent Garden and revered for its acclaimed wine list, Clos Maggiore, with its muted lighting and open log fire, epitomises the ethos of a romantic restaurant for many.

Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley, Knightsbridge, SW1  Since striking out alone from Gordon Ramsay Holdings, Marcus Wareing’s cooking has flourished even further and his eponymous restaurant presents haute cuisine at its finest. The service and food are impeccable, but it’s the dark and seductive décor that gives it the edge, making it irresistible for every true romantic.

Club Gascon, Clerkenwell, EC1  Club Gascon is the Michelin starred jewel in Pascal Aussignac’s mini Empire including Le Cercle and a number of other Gascon incarnations. Situated near Smithfield Market, Club Gascon highlights the cuisine of southwest France, with a large focus on foie gras, and is great for grown-up romance.

Lamberts, Balham, SW12  Lamberts is an intimate local restaurant in Balham, offering unassuming and traditional cuisine, with a great focus on traceable and sustainable produce. The stylish, contemporary décor and the atmospheric lighting make this an ideal restaurant for a first date.

Bleeding Heart, Clerkenwell, EC1  With a rustic look to match its location and history, the Bleeding Heart offers traditional French fare in a welcoming and intimate setting, which is great for couples, and has an award-winning wine list to match.

Odette’s, Primrose Hill, NW1  Odette’s has been a Primrose Hill institution for decades, but is now under the reign of Bryn Williams, winner of the Great British Menu television series. The mood is dark and seductive in the downstairs restaurant and if you ask for one of the booths, you’ll feel like you have your own private cavern for two. The restaurant is next to Primrose Hill, a perfect spot for a romantic stroll after dinner.

Scott’s, Mayfair, W1  From the moment the doorman wearing a bowler hat greets and escorts you into the dining room and you see the fabulously ornate oyster bar, you know you’re in for a treat, and the food, service and ambience deliver just that. Scott’s is upscale, glamorous and sexy - perfect for a night out with your loved one.

Rhodes 24, The City, EC2  Located in the heart of the City, Rhodes 24 is on the 24th floor of Tower 42 and has sublime views of London, which is ideal for gazing into the distance with your loved one. It’s also worth having a drink at Vertigo 42’s champagne bar on the 42nd floor of the building before dinner.

Roussillon, Pimlico, SW1  Roussillon is well known for its accomplished classic French cuisine using the finest British produce, which thoroughly deserves its Michelin star. The atmosphere is intimate and understated – perfect for an elegant date.

Trinity, Clapham, SW4  Trinity is situated in the heart of Clapham Old Town and is considered one of the best local restaurants in London, illustrating affordable fine dining with a sleek, modern vibe, with just the right amount of romance.

For lots more fabulous romantic date ideas just take a look at the "romance" section on the website by clicking here...

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Our thanks for this list goes to...

Bon Vivant is a bespoke concierge and lifestyle management service based in London with global coverage. To access their services for £100 per month or £1,000 per annum, visit their website at www.bonvivant.co.uk, their blog at http://blog.bonvivant.co.uk or follow them on Twitter at @BonVivantLiving

Top 10 London Pubs with Open Fires

Winter is upon us, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. Think red wine, hearty food and a roaring fire whilst you cosy up to the man / woman of your dreams! 

 

In no particular order, here is the Great Date Guide's pick of London's best 'open fire' venues...

1) The Lighthouse, Battersea

This wonderful local gastropub transforms effortlessly from a summer playground, with its huge decked garden, to the perfect hideaway for winter, with comfy sofas, board games and, yes, a large open fire! The seasonal British menu is excellent and the manageable but brilliantly varied wine list has something for everyone. Perfect for a relaxed date any day of the week.

2) The Anglesea Arms, Hammersmith

Another upmarket gastropub, the food here is renowned for its quality and the log fire an essential part of the 'old pub' feel. Lovely.

3) The Builders Arms, Chelsea

Always a favourite, this place is invariably jam packed during winter months. Around this time of year there's mulled wine on tap and the fire is always blazing - plus their Sunday roasts are legendary. Yum yum yum. 

4) The Bulls Head, Chiswick

A lovely old-fashioned pub right on the river. With a log fire and the interior largely a mixture of wood and old wine bottles, it's a truly cosy little spot. 

5) The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell

A tiny, slightly ragged looking old-fashioned pub (well, made to look old fashioned anyway!), this is a beer enthusiasts heaven. For the romantic however, get there early in the evening (and early in the week) and bag a table on their miniature mezzanine level - it's cosy romance exemplified.

6) The Dove, Hammersmith

A seriously cute pub tucked away down a small alley on the riverside walk from Hammersmith to Chiswick. With low beams and a flickering fire it's perfect for a winter date.  According to the Guinness Book of Records it's got the smallest separate bar in the UK. A good bit of pub trivia and a good excuse for getting cosy with your date - two things which we approve of!

7) The Crown, Islington

This is a pub with a very loyal following. Outdoor space in the summer and a roaring fire in the winter, it prides itself on its seasonal food with fresh home-bread baked every day! Delicious.

8) The Yorkshire Grey, Fitzrovia

A proper old-fashioned pub - just like in the olden days! You won't find gastro food here, but you will find a charming, friendly and cosy drinking hole, much loved by its locals. It’s a Samuel Smith pub so no 'branded' drinks here, but it's wonderfully traditional, very good value and a favourite of many a celebrity, so keep your eyes peeled…

9) The Princess Victoria, Shepherds Bush

Lovingly refurbished and restored this pub is a Victorian masterpiece beautifully brought up to date. The open fire is in the dining room rather than the bar, but with award winning, high-end gastro pub food, you won't be disappointed if you opt for dinner. They've also got a very impressive wine list...

10) The Orange, Pimlico

A stylishly rustic and fairly upmarket gastropub renowned for its fantastic food. We've heard the wood-fired pizzas are excellent and we rather like the little potted orange trees dotted about the place!

HIGHLY COMMENDED

The Drapers Arms, Islington

Whilst we can't really include this in the main list given its lack of an open fire, The Drapers Arms is a firm favourite foodie pub (chef is Karl Goward, ex head chef of St John) and does have three lovely wood burning stoves which lets face it, almost count!

Top ten water themed dates

What else can you do when the temperature hits the 30's than make straight for the water.

This week we bring you London's top ten water themed dates to keep you cool and your relationship hot...

1. London Rib Voyages

Pure genius. You get to race up and down the Thames in a fat rib with a comedian as a guide. London's most exhilarating date is straight in at number one.

2. The Berkeley's roof top pool

Bit of a spenny one, as you need to buy a 'Spa day' to get in, but this is perhaps the most glamorous way of spending a sunny day, poolside.

3. Camden to Little Venice canal walk

This scenic stroll has got romance written all over it. Wander through Camden Lock market and marvel at the crazy home boats of Little Venice. Perhaps a half way picnic (with a view) on Primrose Hill?

4. Boating on the Serpentine

We've harped on about this one before. Pick a sunny day and head to Hyde Park for a paddle. Nothing better.

5. The Aquarium

Bit of a curve ball this one, but a fantastic date none the less. It's in a top spot, right next to the London Eye, and if you've never been, you really must. There are sharks and everything.

6. Wakeboarding at the Princes Club

Wakeboarding and waterskiing in London. Cool.

7. London's Lidos

A staple of London's watery heritage, you're sure to find a lido near you. The oldest and the best (in our opinion) is the wonderful Serpentine Lido - fancy a dip?

8. RS Hispanola

It's a restaurant on a boat. Brilliant. On a sunny day you can dine on the deck and admire this lovely city whilst you sip on some Sauvignon. Mmmmmmm.

9. Rowing in Richmond

Head down to the grassy banks of Richmond and hire a rowing boat for two. Messing about in boats, Wind in the Willows style - Ratty would be proud.

10. Hamstead Heath ponds

One for the ladies, one for the men and one for both. Hmmmm, I wonder....