Where to go on a date – January guide

New year.. new love? It has been everywhere in the news, the start of the year is the busiest time for online dating. And what about that midnight kiss on NYE? No wonder so many are asking me for suggestions on where to go on a first date, or on a date generally. To answer this, I have decided to create a monthly post with the best new places for a date.  If it’s a first date, you may want to stick to drinks, perhaps not in a smelly pub (it happened to my friend D) or in a bar chain full on drunk bankers downing shots (it happened to my friend N). Yes guys, we don’t like that. No matter how great the chemistry is, this is the time for boys to make an effort, and find a good place. Fear not, you won’t need to spend your lunch break on Google, I have put together some ideas for you… with a little twist.

Old Bengal: Great cocktails, a stone’s throw from Liverpool street. An atmospheric and romantic reconverted warehouse dominated by exposed brick work and mirrored walls. A James Bond tip to impress your date, if you go on a Saturday night, by whispering the password that they release over Twitter @OldBengalBar every week, you can gain access to the secret cocktail list.

Bounce: Hate the first few awkward minutes of a date and want to break the ice quickly? Nothing better than a table tennis match (maybe let her win ) sharing the Tipping Point cocktail. Newly opened Bounce features 17 table tennis – including an Official 2012 Olympic table. And if the date is going well, why not grab a bite in their pizza restaurant. My pick: White pizza with wild mushrooms, spinach and truffle oil.

W film Club: I know Guys, cinema and first dates are not the norm, and I don’t recommend it! However, if it’s your third date or just want to spice up your movie night,W London is kicking off the new season of the ‘W Film Club’, every other Tuesday at 8pm. The £20 VIP tickets include popcorn and a drink from the W Lounge Bar.

The Rum Kitchen: what about whisking her away to the West Indies for a night? Well if you don’t own a private jet yet… you can jump on a taxi and head to The Rum Kitchen, a Caribbean inspired beach shack, nestled in the heart of Notting Hill. Here you can enjoy each other company, sipping a Caribbean inspired rum cocktail (really generous sizes), nibbling on jerk chicken or salt fish bruschetta in the candlelit basement cocktail bar.

Happy dating !