Dates usually come with a side order of nerves, but young people have resorted to a tall glass of fun instead of a pitcher of beer.
Alcohol has been a focal point for social interaction for decades, mixing itself into casual catchups, celebrations, parties and dates. Alcohol, also sometimes referred to as ‘liquid courage’, has always been seen as an easy way to loosen up, as it reduces anxiety and gives people a confidence boost in nerve-wracking situations, like a first date.
However, Gen-Z (people born between 1997 – 2012) have noticeably been decreasing their alcohol consumption in recent years, turning away from the liquor bottle in favour of creating genuine human connections and being “sober curious”, a cultural movement that focuses on reducing drinking and prioritising mental and physical wellness. Drinkaware states that one in four Gen-Z adults do not drink alcohol at all and 49% of young adults choose low, or no alcohol drink alternatives.
According to Hinge’s 2025 D.A.T.E Report, 67% of Gen-Z said that they wanted to build a romantic connection without the reliance on alcohol, and only 21% of Gen-Z would drink on a first date. This change is moving young people away from drinking culture and into a sober society.
Many places all over London offer non-alcohol and fun workshops and events weekly, allowing people and their date to enjoy themselves without reaching for alcohol. LoveLens has picked out a few date night ideas that are welcome to everyone and sure to keep you and your date entertained.
Candle Making Masterclass by The London Refinery
Spend a relaxing evening in a fun and relaxing 2-hour candle interactive workshop. You and your date will learn about fragrance creation, wick selection and scent profiling. You can create your own special scent blend by choosing from over 30 pure essential oils options for you very own 180ml 40-hour burn time scented plant-based soy candle. This would make a perfect and calm date night activity for those who do not enjoy big crowds or loud noises.
Blending equipment, mixing jug, whisk and glassware are provided.
Location: Notting Hill. Frequently held at The Elgin on Ladbroke Grove
Price: £65 per person
Duration: 2 hours
Times: Saturdays and Sundays (11am or 2:30pm)
More information here.
Glassblowing Workshop by Samantha Sweet
If you want to go the distance (literally and financially), then glassblowing is an interesting and unique date idea for you. Samantha had over 20 years of experience and will guide you and your date through the basics. Using traditional tools, you will start off with creating a solid piece (like a paperweight or a candle holder) before doing a blowing piece each, either a glass or a small vase. You can decide the shape of your creations, and even the colour, from a range of coloured glass frit.
Tea/coffee offered on arrival and safety equipment is provided.
Location: East Finchley (5-minute walk from East Finchley Underground Station)
Price: £180 per person (£360 per couple)
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Times: Flexible. Choose own dates and time
More information here.
Chocolate Truffle Making Workshop by The Cook and Craft Collective
A delicious date idea for chocolate lovers! Led by instructor JoJo, you and your date will learn how to make ganache, roll and shape your creamy chocolate truffles into “perfect little spheres”. You will then put them in a cocoa coating before decorating your creations with sprinkles and cocoa nibs.
Location: Holloway, Islington, North London
Price: £42 per person
Duration: around 2 hours 30 minutes
Times: Varies
More information here.
Graffiti Workshop by Leake Street Arches
Have a 2-hour hands-on graffiti art experience where you will learn spray painting techniques from Leake Street Arches’ artist in residence, Marc Craig. You will go on a tour of the London Graffiti Tunnel and get expert tips on lettering, shading and blending before creating your own ‘Graffiti Galaxy’ canvas piece, which you can take home and impress your date with.
Spray cans, masks, overalls, gloves and other essentials are provided.
Location: Leake Street Tunnel (also known as Banksy Tunnel) beneath Waterloo Station
Price: £50 per adult. £40 for under 18s
Duration: 2 hours
Times: Thursday – Sunday (times varies)
More information here.
Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Making Class by TT
Shake and mix your way through the night! Guided by professional mixologists in this interactive workshop, you will create four of your very own mocktails behind a full equipped custom-made bar, using specialist bar equipment and premium alcohol-free spirits.
The session will conclude with a fun competition, where your team will create mocktails from a variety of juices, syrups, mystery ingredients and more.
A complimentary non-alcoholic cocktail is provided on arrival.
Location: TT Liquor in Shoreditch
Prices: £75 per person for public classes
Duration: 2 hours
Times: Private and public classes times varies
More information here.
Fairgame
Bring out your inner child with nostalgic fair games and street food at Fairgame, an adult only indoor fairground. Play whack-a-mole, basketball hoops, water pistol shooting, skee-ball and more. Play against your date and keep track on digital leaderboards or have a relaxing time and win them a stuffed bear.
Location: Canary Wharf
Prices: £15 per person for 75 minutes
Duration: Varies based on price
Times: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (11:30 am-12am), Thursdays and Fridays (11:30 am-1am), Saturday (10:30am-1am), Sunday (11:30am-12am). Closed on Mondays
More information here.