This article is sponsored by Heineken.
To coincide with their new video The Date, Heineken asked us if we had any suggestions for places to impress a first date. Watch the video, then see if our suggestions can compare.
Somewhere high: Sure, you can splash out and take your date to the posh skyscraper bars at the Hilton Park Lane and Tower 42, but there's an inexpensive alternative with comparably good views. The Heights bar can be found in St George's Hotel in Langham Place. Whisk your companion into the dedicated lift, and up you go to the 15th floor. As the hotel is right next to Oxford Circus, you get stunning views of the West End. It's also right next to BBC Broadcasting House, so celebrity spotting is an almost inevitable bonus.
Somewhere geeky: Combine style with brains by visiting The Book Club in Shoreditch. An inventive events programme mixes music, tech, craft, and literary stuff over two floors. Check out the incredible light bulb ceiling in the basement bar.
Somewhere unusual: Franks Cafe and Campari bar is now an established summer fixture, opening each year on top of a multistorey car park in Peckham. Lead your date through a sculpture park to the top floor where you'll find Frank's bar. With spectacular views of the City, there are few better places in London to watch the sunset together.
Something nautical: A trip on the Tate to Tate clipper combines riverine pleasures with arty sophistication at either end. Or why not take a clipper to Greenwich and enjoy a G&T from the boat's bar.
Something romantic: The V&As weekly Lates evening is hard to beat for a combination of music, wine and beautiful things. Wander over any given Friday and enjoy the museum until 10pm.
Something traditional: Afternoon tea can be a bit stuffy for some. The Berkeley's Prêt-à-Portea offering comes with a trendy twist. Enjoy all the trimmings – impeccably served and beautifully presented – echoing this season's fashion trends. Spring/Summer 2011 brings you sandwiches, cakes and fancies inspired by Victoria Beckham, Miu Miu and Tom Ford.
Somewhere cinematic: Going to the movies is the clichéd first date. But London's cinema scene is so inventive at the moment – with pop-up screens in unusual locations, secret cinemas, fancy dress screenings and even a cinema made from refrigerators – that there's plenty on offer for a memorable evening. Our tip is the Queen of Hoxton roof, which screens much-loved blockbusters and cult classics throughout the summer. Tickets go quickly, so keep a close eye on the site for new announcements.
