Don’t get me wrong — I am a big fan of dinner. But sometimes, you’re just in the mood for the careless flirtation of a cocktail date.
The cocktail date is, to my mind, a relative of the lunch date, and is closer in tone to its daytime cousin than to the evening spectacle of the dinner.
Sitting at the bar, chatting to the bartender, sipping a negroni… so effortless. So chic.
Whether we are at the bar or in a dimly-lit corner, a cocktail date is a chance to loosen up a little. To play footsie on our bar stools. To cosy up in a quiet booth.
Let’s sit at the bar and get too many tacos and I will order a modelo but also drink most of your pineapple margarita 🍍🌮 💛 pic.twitter.com/61bH86S6NQ
— Rachel Fox 🇬🇧 London + FMTY (@RachelFoxLondon) February 20, 2024
You can have a lot of fun in a three- or four-hour cocktail date.
The perfect length for a cocktail date is three to four hours.
But even if you only have two hours to spare, grabbing a cheeky martini (gin, twist, clean and dry) and giggling into it together is such a fun way to start a date. Afternoon, evening — whenever!
And just because it isn’t technically dinner, don’t think we won’t be ordering off the bar menu. You know how I feel about nibbles.
Nibbles and giggles with you? Always a pleasure 💋 pic.twitter.com/jyI6pQwqZg
— Rachel Fox 🇬🇧 London + FMTY (@RachelFoxLondon) February 15, 2024
A cocktail date is my favourite introduction for couples, too.
A cocktail date can really take the pressure off, and calm any first-time jitters.
It’s a bit easier, somehow, when you’re nervous, to sit down at a little table in a dimly-lit bar and order a few cocktails to break the ice. It is always my suggestion for first-time couples!
Bottoms up ✨ pic.twitter.com/IBxLyMTGg9
— Rachel Fox 🇬🇧 London + FMTY (@RachelFoxLondon) February 8, 2024
Need a few cosy and convenient cocktail bar suggestions? I’ve got you.
Some of my favourite London bars just so happen to be attached to some of my favourite London hotels — handy, hey?
Thirteen at Chateau Denmark, Soho
Refuel at the Soho Hotel, Soho
Waeska at the Mandrake, Fitzrovia
Mandarin Bar at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park
Donovan Bar at the Browns Hotel, Mayfair
Rivoli Bar at the Ritz, Mayfair
Nickel Bar at the Ned, City of London
Couple of cocktails with a couple of faves 🍹 pic.twitter.com/9eZHQ7yIAY
— Rachel Fox 🇬🇧 London + FMTY (@RachelFoxLondon) March 18, 2024
I’m always up for champagne and charcuterie 🥂 pic.twitter.com/uSGpPlA18d
— Rachel Fox 🇬🇧 London + FMTY (@RachelFoxLondon) March 7, 2024
No alcohol? No problem!
The cocktail date is really a state of mind.
It’s more about the idea of it: giggling at the bar, sharing small plates, eating too many olives. It isn’t about the consumption of alcohol. Plus, there are so many fantastic alcohol-free options these days.
So there really is no excuse not to ask out your favourite London brunette… (or me, you know, if she’s not available).
After all, if you want to have some fun, shouldn’t you buy me a drink first?
What can I say — I’m an old fashioned kind of girl…
Rachel
