Spring has sprung, or so it seems!  Easter chocolate galore is kicking off.  Speaking of which, look at these naughty boys I found at Milan airport. White chocolate Eggs with Baci! I barely refrained myself from getting one .

But I am digressing, it’s that time of the month again.. for the TDO best new places for a date guide.

FEAST

Nothing better than good food, music and experimental cocktails for a laid back date at Feast. A four day food festival hosted in the Tobacco Dock space in Wapping filled with a selection of the Capital’s most exciting chefs. These chefs will be trading alongside London’s street food heros. Just to name a few: Spuntino, Caravan, Dishoom, Patty and Bun, HIX, The Wright Brothers, The Meringue Girls Roti Chai… From 7th – 10th March. To buy your tickets, click here. they are selling quickly, Hurry!

OPERA IN A WAREHOUSE

Fan of the opera, but can’t quite fork out the price for two tickets? Peroni Nastro Azzurro’s has a solution for you. You need to turn up at Factory 7 warehouse at around 19:30, to grab a complimentary drink and some Italian-style aperitivo. Then at 8pm you can enjoy a modern version of Puccini’s La Rondine.
Here is where you can book your ticket (£11 per person). From 12th to 16th March.

B.Y.O.C.

If food festivals aren’t your thing, and fancy something a little more intimate; perhaps wanting to move your relationship to the next level, B.Y.O.C. is the place to impress your date. ‘Bring Your Own Cocktail’ is a new concept to London’s bar scene. With absolutely no alcohol available to buy on the premises, guests are invited to bring their own favourite tipple, for the skilled bartender to create something bespoke, on the spot. Hidden through a discreet door behind the counter of the Bedfordbury Street Juice Club (www.juice-club.co.uk), guests will descend into an underground drinking den with candlelit tables, hanging glassware and a lone cocktail mixologist wheeling an antique Italian drinks trolley. The vintage Italian trolley contains a selection of fresh syrups, pressed fruit and vegetable juices, spices, herbs, salts, seasonal fruits, home-made cordials and bitters – from which the bartender can create individual drinks. Bookings can be made by emailing reservations@byoc.co.uk

 VOLTAIRE

Love Champagne and up to mischief? Head to Voltaire. Located in the square Mile, housed in a grade II listed building, once a prison, then used to store the treasures of the former bank above, the building’s old stone vaults have now been converted into a series of spaces, The Vaults at Voltaire. Here in private alcoves, you can kick back and relax enjoying a glass of bubbly with your date, picking your favourite from the capital’s largest collection of Pommery champagne.

 

JAPANESE POP-UP

Fancy a Japanese with a twist?  The Prince Arthur pub will be hosting a Japanese pop-up by Masterchef champion 2011 Tim Anderson on 26th and 27th March. Ahead of opening his brand new restaurant Nanban, Tim will give Londoners a taste of what to expect at the eagerly anticipated Shoreditch venue. Dishes will include Grilled sardines stuffed with mentaiko, Pork belly braised in soy sauce, and Crunchy grilled rice balls stuffed with spicy citrus-rubbed chicken. The six-course Japanese feast is amazing good value for £29pp. Book fast, as it’s selling fast. To reserve email amy@etmgroup.co.uk or call 07872 456 550.

 APERITIVO

A drink is too casual, and don’t feel ready for a dinner date yet? Do it the Italian way. Why not Milan-style aperitivo? Drinks and nibbles. Italian restaurant Banca has launched a special cocktail menu dedicated to the iconic Italian aperitif – Negroni. The new menu offers guests the choice of ten expertly crafted Negroni cocktails, all priced at £10.  From 5pm – 7.30pm on Tuesday to Friday, classic Italian Aperitivo is laid out in Banca’s chic and sophisticated setting, across its impressive long bar that spans the entire length of the restaurant.