Dinner and a film is fine. But London has candlelit vaults, rooftops with views over St Paul’s and alleys that look exactly like they did 300 years ago. Here are some of my favourite ways to spend a romantic evening in the city, most of them with a glass of wine in hand.

1. Catch the sunset from a rooftop

Start high. The City of London has several rooftop terraces and bars with views over the Thames, St Paul’s and the skyscrapers. Go around sunset in summer, or straight after work in winter, when the lights come on across the skyline.

Sunset over the London skyline from a rooftop

2. Head underground to a candlelit cellar

Once it’s dark, go down. London’s oldest wine bars live in cellars and vaults: low ceilings, candles stuck in bottles, wine served from the barrel. It’s hard to think of anywhere more romantic, and the acoustics mean you can actually hear each other.

Candlelit wine bar in a former Victorian water tunnel under London

3. Share a wine flight

Instead of a bottle, order a flight of three small glasses and compare notes. It turns a drink into a game (who can spot the oak? who prefers the Burgundy?) and it’s a great way to discover something new together. Not sure where to start? See our guide to wine tasting in London.

4. Walk the river and the alleys

Between drinks, walk. The stretch from Fleet Street down to the Thames, across the Millennium Bridge and along Bankside is lovely at night, with St Paul’s lit up behind you. The City’s alleys and courtyards are almost deserted in the evening and feel like a film set.

5. Finish somewhere cosy

End the night in an elegant townhouse bar or a wood-panelled wine bar with a last glass and something sweet. Look for places with armchairs, fireplaces and a good dessert wine list.

Date night tips

  • Book ahead on Fridays and Saturdays, especially in December.
  • Midweek evenings are quieter and more romantic.
  • Stay within one area so you’re walking minutes between stops, not taking the Tube.
  • Wear shoes you can manage stairs and cobbles in.

Let us plan the date

Our Secret Wine Bars of London tour is basically the perfect wine date, already planned: skyline views, cheese in London’s oldest wine bar, a tasting in a former Victorian water tunnel and sommelier-chosen flights in a townhouse bar. It runs at 6 PM, lasts around three hours and groups are capped at six, so it never feels like a crowd. Want it just for the two of you? Ask about a private tour.

Planning a special evening? Book the Secret Wine Bars of London tour.