‘What, share my date?’ Hang on now listen up. While communal eating might not seem like the perfect match at first, in fact communal eat-dates can be a great idea. Maybe you or your date shies away from the intensity of a first date ‘grilling’ or maybe you’re both sociable sorts and like mixing with new people.
‘I know about crowd funding, this is kinda crowd dating, right?’ In a way, yes! Communal dating can give it a more fun and relaxed vibe than a candlelit dinner for two and you can still learn lots about your date!
‘Plus if my date ain’t all that..I can always lose myself in the crowd?’ God you’re good.
Whatever your reasons, here’s a round up of London hot spots to share booze, banter and bread rolls…?
The Modern Pantry
This cool and laid back Clerkenwell eaterie serves everything from breakfast and brunch through to sophisticated a la carte dinner in its different dining areas, all housed within a grand Georgian building. Chef Anna Hansen uses ingredients from around the globe to create mouth-watering fusion dishes. Expect plenty of Asian and Antipodean choices alongside seasonal British fare. We love the informal ground floor café, which has a confidently stylish vibe and is great for people watching.
Ottolenghi
Award-winning chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s biggest deli and restaurant on Upper Street in Islington does take away food but also has become a destination restaurant for Londoners and has mostly communal tables. They serve breakfast, where you can either get French toast or make your own, there is a counter where you can collect your lunch and dinner is amazing shared mezze dishes, which make great date food.
Beast
Behind the team of the super-popular Burger & Lobster comes Beast – a more extreme surf ‘n’ turf affair located in Marylebone. The set menu features Norwegian red crab followed by Angus beefsteaks and it’s not cheap at £75 per head, but is a lot of fun and a real dining experience. If you don’t want to get messy in front of your date, you might want to avoid it – there are bibs and hand-washing areas at every turn!
Busaba Ethai
With nine restaurants scattered around the capital, you will never have to travel far to get to one. This quality Thai chain attracts an international crowd and serves a range of authentic noodles, salads, curries and stir-fries. The communal tables are sleek and modern, the food is good value and it has a great date atmosphere.
Pizarro
Launched by the team behind Jose Pizarro’s packed tapas bar (with just four tables), this second venture offers busy communal dining, sharing plates and seasonal and rustic Spanish fare. The venue overlooks the Church of Mary Magdalen on London Bridge’s historic Bermondsey Street and doesn’t accept reservations, so avoid peak times if you don’t want to wait.
Tip: Don’t flirt with other hotties.
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