Anniversary Date Ideas in London That Feel Like You
There’s a default anniversary script: book somewhere fancy, dress up, share a bottle of wine, say “can you believe it’s been X years?”
It’s fine. It’s nice. It’s also exactly what everyone else does.
The best anniversaries don’t just mark time — they reflect your relationship. Here’s how to plan one that actually feels like the two of you.
First: What Kind of Couple Are You?
Before searching “best anniversary restaurants London,” think about what you actually enjoy doing together.
The stay-in-and-laugh couple: You’d genuinely rather be on the sofa than at a Michelin star. No shame in that — but if you do go out, pick somewhere relaxed where you can actually be yourselves.
The adventure seekers: You’ve done the fancy dinner. Multiple times. Maybe this year is about doing something rather than sitting somewhere.
The romantics: You love the occasion, the dressing up, the whole thing. Nothing wrong with leaning into it — just make it personal.
The “we forgot until yesterday” couple: Honestly? Some of the best dates are spontaneous. Don’t let guilt push you into overcompensating with something neither of you actually wants.
Ideas Beyond the Fancy Dinner
Revisit Your First Date
Sounds cheesy. Actually works. Go back to where you first met, or recreate your first proper date. The nostalgia hits different after a few years together.
If the original place has closed (very London), find somewhere with a similar vibe.
A Daytime Date
Who said anniversaries have to be dinner? Some of the best options happen before 5pm:
- Brunch somewhere you’ve been meaning to try
- A morning at a gallery you’ve never visited, lunch in the café after
- A long walk somewhere new — Hampstead Heath if you’re north, Richmond Park if you’re south
The Progressive Evening
Instead of committing to one restaurant for three hours, split it up:
- Cocktails at a quiet bar you love
- Dinner somewhere casual (not the main event)
- Dessert or a nightcap somewhere different
More variety, less pressure on any single venue to be “perfect.”
Something You’ve Never Done
Anniversaries are a good excuse to try things you keep saying you’ll do:
- That tasting menu that feels too indulgent for a normal Tuesday
- A Thames clipper to Greenwich, dinner there, boat back
- A comedy show or gig you’d normally skip
- A cooking class if you actually cook together
The Overnight
If you can swing it, one night away hits harder than you’d expect:
- A hotel in a neighbourhood you never stay in (Shoreditch? Mayfair? Depends on you)
- A countryside pub with rooms, an hour outside London
- Even just a nice hotel in your own city with room service
The “we’re away” mindset changes everything.
The Actual Secret
The best anniversary isn’t the most expensive one. It’s the one where you thought about what you both enjoy rather than what you’re “supposed” to do.
Your partner knows the difference between a reservation made because it looked impressive and one made because you thought of them.
Want venue ideas that match both of you? Try Perfect Place free for 7 days — get recommendations based on your actual personalities, not generic “best of” lists.