date night Archives - opentable.co.uk blog

Love is in Gruyère: 9 date ideas for cheese lovers in London

OpenTable January 20, 2020

Love is always in the air in the capital and if you like cheese as much as we do, then you’re in for a treat. Here are nine date ideas for cheese lovers in London, from food tours to fromage-obsessed restaurants.

Pick & Cheese
If you like sushi conveyer belts, then you’ll love this cheesy version at Seven Dials Market. Choose from over 25 different cheeses, all sourced from around the UK and paired with individual condiments. Why not try Quicke’s Cheddar with tomato relish or Cornish Gouda with cumin praline? For something even more indulgent, visit their Camden sister site – The Cheese Bar – for fondue, poutine, and some of the best cheese toasties in town.

Champagne + Fromage
Cheese and Champagne – what could be better? If you’re looking to treat someone special, then book a table at this Covent Garden bistro for an evening of Gallic delights. Take your pick from 25 award-winning Champagnes and tuck into raclette, baked Camembert, and a stunning selection of cheese and charcuterie.

The Cheese Room at Le Pont de la Tour
You’ll have to get your skates on for this cheesy delight. Throughout January, you can indulge your passion for fromage at The Cheese Room on the terrace at Le Pont de la Tour.Continue Reading

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London’s best restaurants for first dates

OpenTable October 23, 2019

First dates can be nerve-wracking enough, without the added pressure of finding the perfect restaurant. If you’re looking for somewhere to wine and dine someone special, here are some of London’s best restaurant for first dates.

Clarette – This Marylebone wine bar has a quirky Art Deco style, a superb wine list, and a menu of French dishes designed for grazing and sharing. Forget your local pub – this is the ideal spot for getting-to-know-you drinks.

Paternoster Chop House – Better known as the First Dates restaurant from Channel 4’s hit series, this buzzy chop house serves rare breed beef cooked over charcoal, alongside fresh fish, plant-based dishes, and proper British puds.

J Sheekey Atlantic Bar – Tucked away from the bustle of Leicester Square, this elegant seafood bar is perfect for date night. Splash out on Champagne and oysters, share a shellfish platter, or cosy up with their famous fish pie.

Oldroyd – Restaurants come and go on busy Upper Street but this bijou spot has remained a local favourite since it opened in 2015. The European menu changes with the seasons but you should always order the croquettes.

Hutong – Explore the flavours of Northern China and enjoy panoramic views of the London skyline from level 33 of The Shard. Order some dim sum and their signature Peking duck and that second date is in the bag.Continue Reading

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9 places to wine and dine your date in Bristol

OpenTable May 10, 2019

Bristol is a hot spot when it comes to cool music venues, street art – Banksy left his mark all over this vibrant city – as well as its buzzing restaurant scene. Here’s our selection of top places to wine and dine your date in Bristol.

La Guinguette
French food and romance go hand in hand, so La Guinguette ticks all the boxes for a romantic date night. Owned by three Parisian friends who wanted to bring the taste of Paris to the West Country, La Guinguette will make you feel like you have taken a short trip to the French capital. We recommend starting with a cocktail or a Kir Royale and then moving on to dishes like baked Camembert or steak frites. Don’t forget to leave room for a cheese plate or crème brûlée to finish off your Paris-inspired date night.

Paco Tapas
This cosy tapas joint transports you to the streets of Andalusia and makes for a wonderfully relaxed date night. Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias turns modern tapas into little works of art. Enjoy hand-carved jamon or their tortilla Española paired with a glass of sherry or two. You won’t be disappointed.

The Ox
The Ox has established itself as a firm favourite with the locals and their steaks earned them a mention in the Bristol Good Food Awards in 2018. If you’re not in the mood for steak, there are some delicious vegetarian and fresh fish dishes to choose from.Continue Reading

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Date Night Dining: 8 romantic restaurants to try in Amsterdam

OpenTable February 27, 2019

In the mood for romance? Give Amsterdam a try. The Dutch capital, known for its creative arts scene (hello, Van Gogh and co.), scenic waterways, and pretty gabled houses, will mesmerise any couple in love. We’ve rounded up some of the best romantic restaurants in Amsterdam for an unforgettable date night. Simply pick your favourite.

De Belhamel
De Belhamel, located at the junction of Amsterdam’s picturesque Brouwersgracht and Herengracht, in a peaceful and idyllic neighbourhood of the Dutch capital, wows guests with its original Art Nouveau features. Entering the restaurant, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to fin de siècle Paris. Of course, the food doesn’t disappoint either – the restaurant’s cooking has won several awards and its waterfront location is the ideal setting for a romantic date night.

Van Speyk
Van Speyk is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike when it comes to a romantic night out. The restaurant charms its guests with a prime city centre location and relaxed brasserie style. Enjoy delicious French-influenced dishes like seared scallops and duck confit and don’t forget to be as seductive as the French would be!Continue Reading

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