Welcome back to The Date Edit, ready-made routes for queer women (and allies) who want a good night out without doing admin. One area with a tight shortlist of places.
This one’s Soho: compact, easy to walk, and simple to keep flexible. It works for first dates because you can keep moving and keep it light, and it works for long-term dates because you can let it run late if you’re having a good time.
Vibe: Late-night, buzzy
Area: Soho
Best For: Weeknight date that can turn into a proper night out
Budget: ££–£££
Length: 3–6 hours (plus “one last stop” time)
The First Drink Thing
SOMA Soho
At SOMA Soho you come in through an unmarked entrance and go downstairs, and it immediately feels like you’ve stepped out of Soho rather than deeper into it. The room is stripped-back and slightly industrial, anchored by a long brushed stainless-steel bar (the whole place is basically built around it), with soft curtains and deep inky tones taking the edge off the metal.
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It feels intimate: low light, a soft glow overhead, and a couple of cosy corners so it doesn’t feel like one big room.
Best thing to have
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Pick one from their “classics” list – They take classic drinks and add a few interesting twists.
Price: ££
The Second Drink Thing
Disrepute
A basement bar under Kingly Court that’s dim, plush, and easy to settle into. Think rich colours, soft lighting, and a slightly private feel that’s perfect for a second stop. It gets busy, but it doesn’t feel rushed.
Best thing to have
Martini (tell them how you like it – they’ll get it right).
Negroni because it’s strong and delicious.
Price: ££
The Main Event Thing
Kiln
It’s “theatre” at Kiln because the room is basically built around the cooking. You’re in a narrow, busy space with a long counter facing an open kitchen, so you get a front-row view of charcoal grills and clay burners while chefs move fast in a heat-and-smoke rhythm. The atmosphere is loud in that Soho way, not polite dining-room quiet, which is why it works for dates: you’re not stuck filling every gap in conversation because there’s always something happening in front of you.
The signature claypot glass noodles with pork belly and brown crab is the obvious anchor order, then add one grilled dish and something sharp/green to balance it out (plus rice, always).
Quick tip: Make sure you book.
Price: £££
If It Goes Well
Three Sheets
It’s small and sleek, more calm glow and good design than dark-and-gimmicky. Expect cosy booths, dark wood, and a proper counter where you can sit side-by-side and watch the drinks being made. The whole place runs on the Three Sheets signature: cocktails that look simple but don’t taste it.
Price: £££
See you next time for the next instalment of The Date Edit.
Nonchalant x
Babs heads up Logistics and Product here at Nonchalant Magazine.
