For residents of Pimlico there’s no finer place in London—yet the area remains relatively low on Londoners’ lists of must-visits (sans Tate Britain, of course).
We know it is stylish, we know it is well-heeled, but until now, did you consider leafy Pimlico as a first date venue? If not, our cosmopolitan matchmakers have drawn up a list of their top Pimlico picks.
This stucco fronted corner of Central London is home to fabulous bars, cosy basement restaurants and gorgeous cocktail lounges—and they’re all primed to make for an unforgettable night of romance.
Here are Drawing Down the Moons matchmaker approved 5 perfect venues for a first date in Pimlico.
1. No 11 Pimlico Road
11 Pimlico Rd, SW1W 8NA
No 11 Pimlico Road is a proper independent neighbourhood day bar and restaurant: light, airy, and nestled right in the very heart of Belgravia
With a generous helping of outdoor seating, along with a thrilling menu promising sustainably sourced and scratch-cooked meals any time of day.
With a super selection of irresistible juices, tasty draught beers and flavourful wines, this versatile establishment is a great place to head if you aren’t sure what kind of venue might be right for your first date—because No 11 Pimlico Road is a pretty punchy option.
Matchmaker Tip:
Be sure to check out No 11 Pimlico Road’s bottomless brunch. Free-flowing mimosas, mojitos and prosecco, complete with an array of tasty bites and relaxed surroundings.
If you fancy a daytime date, then this lively all-day hangout you can enjoy a rich, freshly brewed coffee, or you can pop along for the perfect post-work drinks, all soundtracked by a fabulously curated playlist.
Spend more relaxed time getting to know the lovely new potential partner in your life.
2. The Orange
37 Pimlico Rd, SW1W 8NE
This Grade II–listed building and former brewery has been lovingly restored, and is now an award-winning British gastropub spanning four traditional storeys, each unique in design and aesthetic.
The Orange looks out over the tranquil Orange Square, and lies a mere stone’s throw from Sloane Square.
Boasting an enviable menu of locally sourced produce and sumptuous seasonal dishes, you and your date can peruse a whole host of delicious dishes or even unashamedly chow down on one of The Orange’s renowned pizzas, piping hot from their traditional wood-fired oven.
3. Clarendon Cocktail Cellar
52 Cambridge St, SW1V 4QQ
Clarendon Cocktail Cellar is the downstairs bar of Artist Residence, a quirky boutique hotel and former Victorian pub.
In an intimate, low-key setting of tin tile ceilings and walls festooned with everchanging artworks courtesy of the hotel’s partnership with Soho’s Lawrence Alkin Gallery, Clarendon Cocktail Cellar goes all out when it comes to artistic experimentation of its own.
Sip on a vast array of excellent beverages infused with unusual ingredients, and soak ’em up with some tasty seasonal dishes to boot.
Matchmaker Tip:
Alongside fine wines and local beers you’ll find the headliner, the one they all come for: Clarendon Cocktail Cellar’s selection of sippable incarnations of literary classics. Like the Peter Rabbit, a blend of tonka-infused sherry, fig leaf, rye whisky and white vermouth. Each cocktail marries boutique spirits with homemade tinctures, and they’re all served up on coasters depicting the literary inspiration in question—as well as bacon dust popcorn, of course.
There’s antique cast iron shelving galore, vintage marine lamps, red leather bar stools—even a dedicated table tennis room.
What better way to burn off some of that nervous first-date energy than a few tipsy rounds of whiff-whaff?
4. TOZI
8 Gillingham St, SW1V 1HJ
Any establishment unapologetically styling its name in all caps must put its money where its mouth is—and TOZI doesn’t disappoint.
Tozi is Venetian slang for group of friends, and this Italian restaurant right in the heart of Pimlico is indeed the exact kind of place you’d happily meet your mates for a solid few hours’ chinwag—or on this occasion your lovely new date.
Experience the very best of authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxed, upmarket environment.
Matchmaker Tip:
A first date at the theatre? Much sophistication indeed. TOZI is a popular preshow hangout for actors and theatregoers alike. TOZI recently released a delightful set menu guaranteed to get you in the mood for an evening of the finest thespianism on display in the capital.
A brilliant echoing space with vast whitewashed walls and high ceilings, Head Chef Maurilio Molteni specialises in the tradition of casual Venetian dining, especially cicchetti, a variety of small plates created using high-quality organic ingredients sourced from both Italy and the UK..
TOZI offers a diverse selection of Italian drinks including homemade barrel-aged negroni, Franciacorta sparkling wines, and only the finest of beers hailing from Bel Paese.
5. The Marquis of Westminster
50 Warwick Way, SW1V 1RY
You could accurately describe The Marquis of Westminster as Pimlico’s village pub, although its recent refurbishment transformed it from country to full-on cool, while retaining its timeless rustic features.
Established in 1839 as a corner house, the pub is easily recognised by dint of four fabulous red telephone boxes.
The dining room serves up fare that’s totally gastro, while the basement is now home to a dancefloor and cocktail bar, complete with exposed brickwork and snug booths cut into the walls.
It’s all reminiscent of the times of the eponymous marquis, a racehorse fanatic (a pursuit he humbly regarded as one of his aristocratic duties) who was nevertheless a strict non-gambler and teetotaller.
Get close and personal over a cocktail or two, and indulge in some discreet flirting.
In The Marquis of Westminster the hours simply fly by, as you drink, dine and dance to your hearts’ content.
So don’t forget DDM advice – try to keep to 90 minutes and two drinks max if you can. The route to love is no science, just an art. An art we have been perfecting since 1984…
Interested in learning about other fabulous first date venues in London? Why not try a date night in Kensington?
If you would like to be introduced to a lovely lady or gent to explore some of these matchmaker approved first date venues in Pimlico, then contact the friendly matchmakers at Drawing Down the Moon Dating Agency today.
