On the border with other such affluent parts of London as Chelsea, Mayfair and South Kensington, Knightsbridge is renowned across the capital for its high-end designer boutiques and iconic department stores, not to mention its glamorous bars and upmarket cocktail lounges.
The area is positively bursting with cultural activities and fun recreational hotspots, but today we’re looking at some of the finest establishments on offer in Knightsbridge for getting to know this lovely new stranger in your life on that all-important first date.
And take it from us: if you’re looking to seriously impress, you can’t go far wrong with a trip to this leafy little district! Here are our top 5 first date ideas in Knightsbridge.
1. The Egerton House Hotel
17–19 Egerton Terrace, SW3 2BX
Just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Knightsbridge is the The Egerton House Hotel, an opulent townhouse boasting one of the most extravagant afternoon teas in all of London—but with a twist! Introducing: afternoon tea for pooches!
Bringing your dog along is the perfect way to ease into this all-important initial rendezvous if you’re nervous, and they’ll go down a treat with your date. There’s also a tea specially for vegans if you or your new beau or belle doesn’t partake of the animal products.
The Egerton House Hotel has a rich variety of menus if you’d like to make a day of it. Each of its divine teas showcases a diverse array of finger sandwiches, fresh scones and irresistibly flaky pastries, served with preserves and clotted cream.
And if you’re in the mood for something extra special or are looking for an outside-the-box way to impress, why not take your date on The Egerton House Hotel’s martini masterclass? Spend a totally immersive hour in the presence of Sabhi, one of the hotel’s most exceptional barmen, who will take you through the history and origins of the beverage, before showing you how to prepare the perfect martini yourself, and all while the two of you tuck in to homemade canapés of tomato and mozzarella bruschetta, coronation chicken on brown bread and smoked salmon with crushed avocado on seed loaf.
2. The Hari Bar
20 Chesham Pl, SW1X 8HQ
Set a little back from the buzz of Knightsbridge lies The Hari Hotel, whose eponymous bar is the quintessential urban escape. Head all the way up to the open-air terrace to sip cocktails al fresco, or cosy up beside one of the bar’s roaring fires in the company of an assortment of light bites and Italian-inspired dishes.
The all-weather garden terrace is ideal for a long and lazy lunch or afternoon aperitivo—so make sure you set a solid few hours aside for the experience! And be sure to head inside to unwind in the stylish Hari Lounge Bar, enjoying the delights of the all-day menu bursting with cocktails both classic and innovative.
Only a short walk from such world-famous landmarks as Harrods, Hyde Park, the Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace, The Hari is truly the venue for a Knightsbridge first date unlike any other. And get this: if your date’s a fan of environmentalism, here’s a cheeky bonus point to slip into conversation for some kudos:
The Hari are committed to achieving both social and environmental sustainability within the hotel, as well as in the bar itself, and they continually innovate all sorts of intriguing ways to give guests and patrons alike an experience that’s both luxury and energy-conscious!
3. Blue Bar
The Berkeley, Wilton Pl SW1X 7RL
Situated in the dashing Berkeley Hotel is Blue Bar, a premium hangout and known haunt of many a highly sought-after celebrity. The bar’s serene tones make for a markedly grand environment, in which bubbling champagne, slick bartenders and aromatic whisky reign supreme.
The bar’s Blue Room is a bona fide masterpiece of art deco, comprising cool periwinkle blue and imperial glamour. And if your hot date isn’t already feeling glamorous enough by this point, well—they ain’t seen nothing yet. Prepare to be served by dapper barmen in white dinner jackets while enjoying cocktails thrown together using only the freshest and finest organic ingredients.
Take some time with your date to peruse the extensive lists of whisky, champagne and fine wine, and be sure not to miss out on some of the unusual and rare tipples on offer! While you’re likely to rub shoulders with models, influencers and fashionistas in this exclusive and prestigious establishment, Blue Bar remains relaxed and unpretentious, ensuring the two of you have a good time without feeling you have to impress anyone. Except each other, of course!
4. The Fifth Floor Bar
109–125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
Appositely named on the fifth storey of Harvey Nichols is The Fifth Floor Bar, whose palette of fuchsia pastels makes for intriguing decor, emphasising the flowery champagne bar where you’ll discover an impressive list of vintages and botanically themed cocktails from the expert mixologists strutting their stuff behind the bar.
Relax in the warm and happening yet discreet atmosphere with some truly epic views of the Knightsbridge skyline, and sample an extensive menu of impressive wines and champagnes (as well as a selection of craft beers for those who don’t partake of the finer things in life!).
5. Bulgari Hotel Bar
171 Knightsbridge, SW7 1DW
It’s hard to imagine a more polished and refined establishment than the Bulgari Hotel’s eponymous bar, whose sumptuous interiors comprise plush charcoal-coloured seating, walls glazed with Sapele mahogany and mirror-polished black granite flooring. But the real eye catcher is the striking central bar made of hammered metal, carefully sculpted by real-life Italian artisans.
The entire place positively oozes elegance, and will wow your date from the moment you walk through the fine oak doors. With a vast array of light bites, fine wines and cocktails on offer, you and your date could easily spend hours in Bulgari Hotel Bar without realising where the time’s gone—and it’s guaranteed to be a romantic time well spent.
Is Knightsbridge too central? How about trying a date in Kensington.
If you are ready to meet someone special, contact the friendly award winning matchmakers at Drawing Down the Moon Matchmaking.
