Maida Vale is a residential area of west London, located in the London Borough of Westminster. It is bounded by the Regent's Canal to the south, Paddington Recreation Ground and Kilburn to the north, St John's Wood to the east and more of the borough to the west. It has a tranquil village-like atmosphere with leafy tree-lined streets, Victorian mansions, Edwardian and Art Deco apartment blocks, and its high street is alive with a mix of independent and traditional shops, cafes and restaurants. Maida Vale is the perfect place for a first date – with plenty of green spaces and interesting things to do.
1. Maida Vale parks and places for a walk on a first date
Maida Vale is full of great parks for walking and enjoying the outdoors with your date. Paddington Recreation Ground is the biggest park in the area and has plenty of walking trails and open spaces. There's also Little Venice, a picturesque canal-side area where you can get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and stroll along the banks of the Regent's Canal. If you're looking for a romantic spot, Primrose Hill is a must – it boasts a stunning view over the city skyline. Or take a stroll through the grounds of St John's Wood where you are sure to find a secluded spot.
2. Places for a coffee date in Maida Vale
Maida Vale has plenty of cafes and coffee shops to choose from. The Bunga Bunga cafe is a great place to start your date – it's a laid back, fun spot with a large selection of cakes and savoury dishes. For a more traditional coffee date, there's the ever-popular Antipodean Cafe, where you can pick up a latte or cappuccino and watch the world go by. Or for something a bit more special the Chai Ki Cafe offers a delicious selection of Indian-inspired street food.
3. Maida Vale galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
Maida Vale is home to some great galleries and museums for you to explore on your date. Why not take a wander through the Wallace Collection and take in some of the stunning artworks on display, or explore the fascinating touring exhibition at the Museum Of Brands. The Museum of Childhood is also a great option, with its ever-changing exhibitions. For something a bit different, you could visit the St John's Wood Clipper, which houses a fascinating collection of historic ships, models and artefacts.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Maida Vale
For a night out of live music and entertainment, Maida Vale has plenty of options to choose from. The Finsbury is a great place to start, with its eclectic mix of live music, comedy and cabaret. Alternatively, you could check out the Comedy Store for a night of stand-up and improv. And for a truly unique experience, head to the Devonshire Arms for live jazz and blues from some of the best musicians in London.
5. Maida Vale pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
Maida Vale has a great selection of pubs, bars and restaurants to choose from. For something classy and romantic, head to The Salusbury, which has a great selection of cocktails and craft beers. For a pub that oozes British charm, try The Warrington – it's a traditional local that serves up delicious gastro pub grub and real ales. Alternatively, for something more informal and laid back, you could check out The Malt House, a cosy bar with a great selection of beers, wines and spirits.
6. Other date ideas to try in Maida Vale
For something a bit different, why not try something a bit more active on your date? Maida Vale is home to some great leisure centres, including the Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, where you could take a swim, play a game of squash or take part in some other fun activities. Or check out Some Like It Yacht, a unique sailing club based on the Regent's Canal, where you can hop on board a classic wooden boat and explore the city from the water. If you're feeling adventurous, there's also the London Kayak Company, where you can take to the waters of the Grand Union Canal for an exciting day out. Or, if you're both into movies, why not try a night of classic cinema at the historic Electric Cinema, one of the oldest cinemas in the UK.
