Introducing The Date Edit, our newest column of date inspiration and itineraries, so you don’t have to do any thinking. Perfect. Find all of our curated queer date itineraries for queer women & their crushes. Enjoy our first instalment below.
This one’s for the soft-launch stage: brunch, flowers, and a cheeky mezcal nightcap in Hackney. For when you’re not officially dating, but you’re already sharing playlists and half your wardrobe. It’s the kind of day that feels easy – no overthinking, no big gestures, just good food, good chat, and the low hum of potential. You’ll spend most of it pretending not to care while caring deeply. Classic.
Vibe: Wholesome, soft launch, brunch-to-banter
Area: Bethnal Green
Best For: Second date energy
Budget: ££
Length: 4–6 hours
The Day Thing
Brunch at Bistrotheque
Industrial, minimal, and full of people who look like they have creative jobs. Bistrotheque’s been around long enough to feel like a staple, not a trend. One of East London’s most classic brunch spots. Order the pancakes or the steak and eggs, depending on whether you’re trying to seem chill or interesting. The Bloody Marys are solid, one and you’re flirting, two and you’re accidentally holding hands under the table.
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Closest Tube: Bethnal Green
Price point: ££ (brunch mains around £14–18)
The Afternoon Thing
Columbia Road Flower Market
After brunch, wander over to Columbia Road, at a normal walking pace, it would take about 15 to 20 minutes. It’s loud, colourful, and slightly chaotic – the perfect backdrop for pretending you have a shared aesthetic. Buy a small bunch of something pretty and pretend it’s for your flat. It’s not. It’s for the story. Note, don’t go on a Saturday, the stalls and the flowers won’t be there.
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Tip: Stop by Lily Vanilli’s Bakery for a coffee and a pastry if you need to regroup.
If It Goes Well
La Camionera, Hackney Wick
Next, take the bus or overground and end up at La Camionera Hackney’s queer home base. It’s a short walk from Homerton station. Think candlelight, decent cocktails, and a crowd that always looks like they could start a band. It’s unpretentious but still feels like a moment. Order something with mezcal and sit by the bar; the energy’s good enough to do the rest.
Drink order: Something with mezcal. Trust us.
Closest Station: Homerton
If you want to read more on the vibes of La Camionera, read our article “Everyone Is Hot Here!”: My Queer Night Out In La Camionera.
Wrap-Up
It’s not a grand declaration kind of date, more of a “let’s just keep doing this” vibe. Enough space for awkward silences, enough spark to make them feel deliberate. Whether it ends with a kiss or a casual see-you-next-week, you’ll both know it wasn’t just hanging out.
See you next time for our next instalment of The Date Edit
Nonchalant x
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
