London Date Ideas – Bobo Social, Barnyard & Rise 46

Posted on October 24, 2014 in 30 Dates, London, London Date Ideas

Every week on 30 Dates I share any good date options I’ve discovered in our lovely capital city!

Barnyard, Charlotte Street

Charlotte Street is fast becoming one of my favourite parts of London, and not just because of the name. First off I was introduced to Barnyard, a laid back restaurant with a sharing style menu, offering all the fun of the farm! There’s no hiding what you’re eating – food options are split into animals ‘Pig’, ‘Cow’, ‘Lamb’ and ‘Chicken & Egg’. Pick 2 or 3 dishes per person, they vary from £4 to £14.

Whatever you eat … make sure you try the Barnyard shandies! I’ve never been a beer drinker, but the shandies don’t taste of beer (or cider)! They’re incredible, and served in cute handled beer glasses. My favourite was the Dandy Shandy – Almond, Cinnamon, Orange, Lemon, Mandarin Liqueur and Wyld Wood Cider.

Bobo Social, Charlotte Street

Also located on Charlotte Street is an adorable new burger restaurant – Bobo Social. The burger above is one of theirs, carrying the trademark B marking. As my (very pregnant best friend!) ‘date’ described, it’s a burger joint for girls, with boys’ portions. Which makes it a great spot for a date, as everyone’s happy (and to be honest, despite being girls, we weren’t complaining about the large portions!). The restaurant is really quirky, with huge mirrors, well-chosen lighting, and furniture we’d happily have had in our own homes. With so many burger places popping up in London, you’d think it would be a hard market to crack, particularly up against big chains, but much as I love Byron and GBK, I would happily head back to Bobo any day. The burgers are REAL gourmet burgers – I found myself torn between the Lobster & Crab burger, and one containing Wagyu Beef. I opted for Lobster, and didn’t regret it in the slightest! The venue is intimate, and the food impressive, but overall it’s still low-key enough for a first date.

Rise 46, Battersea Rise

I think I’ve officially found my favourite bar in London! Last night I headed to Rise 46 – located, you’ve guessed it … at number 46 Battersea Rise. Ironically I actually house-sat for two weeks last summer barely metres away from the 1920s bar, and never even noticed it … And yes, I’m kicking myself that it took me this long to find.

The dark, intimate bar has the feel of a gangster movie. The barman wears a white shirt and braces, there’s a wine bottle with a red rose on every table, and the tables themselves are upturned barrels. The cocktail menu is extensive, and everything is exquisitely presented. I went for girly drinks, but I would recommend it just as easily as a date location .

Words don’t do it justice – just go there and see for yourself!