Richmond in the evening is for people who want romance without the fuss. It’s river views, great lighting, and that smug little feeling that you’ve escaped London… while still absolutely being in London. This is a zero-proof date that still feels like a proper one.
Vibe
Richmond-after-dark energy: river air, warm lights, “I’ve got my life together” delusion.
Best for
An evening date that feels romantic and coherent.
Budget
££–£££ (Richmond will try to upsell you on ambience, let it.)
Duration
3–6 hours, with a very plausible “one more stop” bonus round if it’s going well.
The Day Thing
Kiss the Hippo (Coffee Start)
The Richmond spot is right on George Street (so it’s an easy meet near the station), and it’s proper speciality coffee energy, the kind of place that says you picked it on purpose, not because it was the nearest place with chairs.
They talk about ethical sourcing/roasting and describe themselves as carbon negative, plus they’re very “award-winning” about it (in a way that’s actually reassuring when you’re paying £4+ for a coffee).
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Bonus: if you want a treat but you’re not doing booze, detour to Knoops Richmond for elite hot/cold chocolate behaviour.
Price: £
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The Afternoon Thing
Richmond Walk
Start with the view that makes Richmond feel unfair: walk up to Richmond Hill / Terrace Walk and drift down through Terrace Gardens (formal flowerbeds, sloping lawns, full “this is actually gorgeous” propaganda). The view is famously protected by an Act of Parliament, which is the most romantic thing Parliament has ever done.
Then drop down to the river and do an easy loop: Richmond Riverside → over Richmond Bridge → along the Thames Path toward Petersham Meadows → turn back when the conversation gets good. You’re aiming for scenic and flirty, not a step count personal best.
If you want one “we did an activity” moment without making it intense, take the bus/taxi or do a longer walk into Richmond Park for Isabella Plantation, it’s open year-round and feels like a secret garden inside the park.
Price: Free
If It Goes Well
Petersham Nurseries Teahouse
Two strong plays:
- Petersham Nurseries Teahouse for an easy, pretty stop that gives you a wholesome moment (walk-ins are welcome). You might be thinking, “A F*CKING NURSERY??” But it is worth it, check out the picture above.
- Afternoon tea, if you want to commit to the bit, Petersham Nurseries’ Garden Afternoon Tea runs Fri–Sun/Bank Holidays with bookings, or go classic at The Petersham Hotel with river views.
This is also the moment where you can do the low-key gift move: pick something small from a bakery/coffee stop to share on a bench. Swit-swoo, aren’t you thoughtful?
Price: ££
The Dinner Thing
Tapas Brindisa Richmond
Tapas Brindisa Richmond is basically built for flirting: intimate booths if you want privacy, and counter seats facing the open kitchen if you want something to look at when the conversation doesn’t flow so much. It’s on Whittaker Avenue (TW9 1EH) in that pretty riverside stretch, and in warmer months, there’s a terrace with water views that makes the whole thing feel like a mini holiday. There’s also a proper Bodega Room situation for cheese/ibérico/wine tastings – hello sophistication.
You may also like: The Date Edit: Peckham – alcohol-free edition
Price: ££-£££
Wrap Up/Bonus Round
The Roebuck
End with a pub that’s still nice even if you’re staying zero-proof: The Roebuck is a classic Richmond pub with great atmosphere. It’s cosy and old-school (think: nooks and low lighting).
And crucially, it’s not a “sad lemonade” pub. They actively push a full alcohol-free line-up, 0% wines, alcohol-free gins, and no/low beers, plus alcohol-free cocktails, so you can still do the post-dinner drink ritual without actually drinking.
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.
