Atypical-Date-In-England Ideas: 5 quirky attractions for couples with a sense of humor

Atypical-Date-In-England Ideas: 5 quirky attractions for couples with a sense of humor

April 11, 2025

Looking for a date idea that will go beyond the pattern of a candlelit dinner and a walk in the park? England hides some real gems for couples with a sense of humor who want to experience something truly original. From piano bars where guests decide the repertoire, to mysterious Victorian-style venues, to bars with 1980s slot machines, these places guarantee that your date will be the topic of conversation for weeks to come. Get ready to discover five of the most quirky yet captivating attractions for lovers in England that will turn an ordinary outing into an unforgettable adventure full of laughter and surprising moments.

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Musical madness and Victorian mysteries

The first stop on the map of unusual dates in England is London's The Piano Works in the Farringdon neighborhood. It's a venue that completely redefines the concept of live music. Imagine a spacious industrial-style venue with two pianos as the centerpiece, and around them a band of musicians ready to play virtually any song you ask for. Yes, you read that right - the guests decide the repertoire! The history of the place dates back to 2015, when the first venue, The Piano Works, opened, quickly gaining cult status among Londoners.

What makes this place perfect for a date? First of all, the unique atmosphere. When you walk in, you can feel the energy of the music played live, which fills every inch of the space. You can write the title of your other half's favorite song on a napkin and hand it to the musicians - a gesture that is sure to be appreciated. Prices at the establishment are at an average level, but the experience is priceless. It's worth noting that on weekends The Piano Works is bustling until the early hours of the morning, so if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, go there during the week.

Moving from London to Birmingham, we come across another gem - The Lost & Found. This establishment is a real trip back in time to the Victorian era, combined with a touch of mystery and eccentricity. The restaurant is housed in a historic bank building dating back to the 19th century and impresses with decor inspired by the Victorian era. Every element of the décor has been carefully selected to transport guests back to a time when Britain was at the height of its colonial power.

The Lost & Found has a fascinating history - the establishment was designed around the fictional character of Professor Hettie G. Watson, a Victorian botanist and explorer. Her 'mementos' and 'discoveries' adorn the walls of the establishment, creating a unique narrative. A particularly intriguing feature is a hidden passageway leading to a secret bar - finding it can be great fun for couples looking for adventure.

The menu at The Lost & Found is another reason to visit this place on a date. It offers creative British cuisine with modern touches, but the real star is the cocktails. Inspired by the Victorian era and served in unusual vessels, they are not only a feast for the palate, but also for the eyes. Prices are on the average level, but the quality and originality of the experience fully compensate for this.

Comparing The Piano Works and The Lost & Found, it's worth noting that the former establishment relies on an energetic, loud atmosphere and interaction with the musicians, while the latter offers a more intimate atmosphere, ideal for holding conversations while enjoying the unusual surroundings. The Piano Works is the place for couples who like to dance and enjoy music, while The Lost & Found will attract lovers of history, mystery and refined flavors.

Botanical wonders and retro entertainment

Leaving Birmingham, we head to Coventry, where The Botanist Bar & Restaurant awaits - a place that takes the bar concept to a whole new level. As the name suggests, the establishment is inspired by the world of botany and gardening, which is evident in every detail of the decor. The interior is reminiscent of a hothouse or greenhouse of a Victorian botanist, with plenty of plants, rustic pieces and gardening tools turned into decorative elements.

The history of The Botanist is fascinating - the chain was established as a tribute to Victorian explorers and botanists who traveled the world in search of new plant species. In the 18th and 19th centuries, botany was not only a science, but also a fashionable hobby among the English aristocracy. The Botanist draws on this tradition, creating a space where nature meets gastronomy.

What sets this place apart from other bars? First of all, cocktails served in pots, watering cans and other unusual vessels. The drink menu is inspired by herbs and flowers, and many of them contain ingredients you won't find in regular bars - like lavender syrups, rose essences or herbal infusions. For couples who like to experiment with new flavors, The Botanist offers mixology workshops, where you can create your own botanical cocktails with expert guidance.

The food also follows the theme - dishes are served on boards, in pots or stylized boxes. Particularly recommended are the 'hanging kebabs' - shish kebabs suspended on special racks, from which the sauce flows onto the fries lying below. This is not only tasty, but also a spectacular dish, perfect for a date. Prices at The Botanist are average, but the unique experience is worth every penny.

From Coventry we move back to London, this time to the Peckham neighborhood, where you'll find Four Quarters, a bar that will take you straight back to the 80s and 90s. Four Quarters is a paradise for retro game lovers - the walls of the establishment are filled with classic arcade machines such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Street Fighter. For one pound you get a token that allows you to play one game - just like in the arcades of three decades ago.

The history of Four Quarters is tied to the growing popularity of retro culture and nostalgia for the 1980s, and the bar's founders, being gaming enthusiasts themselves, decided to create a place that combines fun with classic games and quality bar offerings. Since opening in 2014, Four Quarters has become an iconic spot for date nights and social gatherings.

What makes Four Quarters a great place for a date? First of all, the element of competition and fun, which helps break the ice and create a relaxed atmosphere. Nothing brings people together like laughing together at your failures in Donkey Kong or celebrating your victory in Mario Kart. The bar also offers a wide selection of kraft beers and cocktails named after classic games. Prices are affordable, making Four Quarters an ideal date spot for couples of all ages, especially those who grew up in the era of the first consoles and slot machines.

Comparing The Botanist with Four Quarters, there are clear differences in atmosphere and target audience. The Botanist offers a more refined, relaxed experience, ideal for couples who value aesthetics and taste. Four Quarters, on the other hand, focuses on fun, nostalgia and interactivity - a place for couples who want to fool around and compete in a friendly atmosphere. The Botanist attracts with its decor and menu, while Four Quarters tempts with the possibility of returning to the carefree days of childhood and youth.

Artistic soul in a former public toilet

To conclude our tour of unusual places for a date in England, we visit the Bermondsey Arts Club - a venue that proves that even the most mundane places can be transformed into something special. This elegant cocktail bar is housed in a... a former public restroom from the 1930s! Yes, you read that right - what once served as a simple public bathroom has been transformed into one of London's most stylish and original bars.

The history of the place is fascinating and shows the creative approach of the British to the revitalization of urban space. The art déco era public toilets, which had stood unused for years, were bought back by an entrepreneur with a vision, who saw potential in their distinctive architecture. After an extensive renovation, preserving original elements such as the tiles and some fixtures, an intimate bar was created, which quickly won praise among Londoners.

What makes the Bermondsey Arts Club the perfect place for a date? First of all, the unique atmosphere. The interior is in an art déco style, with dark walls, brass details and dim lighting, which creates an intimate, mysterious atmosphere. The bar regularly hosts live jazz performances, which adds to the romantic nature of the place. It's an ideal space for couples who want to have deep conversations accompanied by good music.

The Bermondsey Arts Club's specialty is cocktails inspired by the Prohibition era and the 1920s. The bartenders approach their work as an art, creating drinks that are as beautiful as they are tasty. The menu changes seasonally, using fresh ingredients and unconventional flavor combinations. Prices are on the higher end, but the quality and originality of the drinks fully justify it.

It's interesting to note that the Bermondsey Arts Club is not the only bar in London housed in a former public restroom - it's part of a broader trend of adapting these spaces for dining and cultural venues. However, it is the Bermondsey that stands out for its artistic character and attention to detail.

As we conclude our tour of the five most original places for a date in England, it's worth considering which one best suits your preferences. If you are a lover of music and energetic atmosphere, The Piano Works in Farringdon will be a hit. For couples who appreciate mystery and a Victorian atmosphere, The Lost & Found in Birmingham offers an unforgettable experience. Lovers of nature and original cocktails will love The Botanist in Coventry, while nostalgics and video game fans will find paradise at Four Quarters in Peckham. Finally, for couples looking for an elegant, intimate venue with soul, the Bermondsey Arts Club is the perfect choice.

All of these venues have one thing in common - they offer much more than just food and drink. They provide stories you will tell your friends, experiences you will remember for a long time, and moments that will bring you closer together. Because at the end of the day, the best date is one that leaves you with a smile on your face and a desire to return - whether to the place or the person you visited it with.

It's worth noting that each of the venues described has its own unique pricing - from the affordable Four Quarters, to the mid-priced The Piano Works and The Botanist, to the slightly more expensive The Lost & Found and Bermondsey Arts Club. As a result, couples of all budgets can find something for themselves. Likewise, the atmosphere ranges from loud and energetic at The Piano Works, to playful at Four Quarters, to more refined and relaxed at Bermondsey Arts Club. Whatever your preference, England offers unusual date spots that are sure to make you smile and turn an ordinary evening into an unforgettable adventure.

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