New Malden is a suburban area in South-West London, located in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. It is known for its numerous parks and green spaces, including the historical old Malden Park. It is also a popular area for its diverse range of amenities and a lively café culture.
1. Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
If you and your date are looking to spend some time outdoors, New Malden has some of the most picturesque parks and nature reserves in South-West London. For a romantic walk, try exploring some of the paths in the historical old Malden Park, a 41-hectare area of woodland, grassland and marsh with many species of plants, birds and animals. If you prefer a more adventurous walk, the Chessington and Hook Nature Reserve offers over 6 kilometres of pathways and trails, with plenty of wildlife to spot. There is also Berrylands Nature Reserve and the ‘secret garden’ of Richmond Park.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in New Malden
New Malden is renowned for its vibrant café culture, so it offers plenty of options for an intimate coffee date. The ‘Brew & Brownie’ offers artisanal coffee, signature brownies and an array of scrumptious cakes to choose from. With its modern décor and large windows overlooking a peaceful green space, it is the perfect place for a relaxed afternoon. If you’re looking for something a bit different, the ‘Rainy City Coffee’ focuses on serving specialty coffees in a unique atmosphere. For a spot of outdoor seating, the ‘Lemon Drops Café’ offers outdoor seating with views across the park.
3. Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
New Malden is home to a number of galleries, museums and exhibitions. The ‘Kingston Museum’ is one of the top attractions in the area and features a range of fascinating exhibits and displays spanning centuries of history. There is also a ‘Kingston Art Gallery’ which showcases some of the best contemporary artwork created by local, national and international artists. For a unique experience, take a visit to the ‘Feng Shui House’ and learn about the Chinese art of Feng Shui.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite Your Date To in New Malden
New Malden has some great venues for live music and entertainment. The ‘Hoo Ha Bar’ offers live music every night and has a wide range of beers, ciders, spirits and cocktails. The ‘Balls Brothers’ is another popular spot, serving up a selection of craft beers, wines and spirits alongside an ever-changing line up of live entertainment. For a more relaxed atmosphere, the ‘Open Mic Night’ at the ‘Park’s End Pub’ provides the perfect atmosphere for an intimate evening of music and conversation.
5. Pubs, Bars or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
New Malden has plenty of options for a first date drink or food. The ‘Earl of Essex’ is a charming local pub offering a warm atmosphere and a great selection of traditional pub food. If you’re looking for something a bit more special, the ‘Basilico’ is a popular Italian restaurant serving up delicious pizzas and pastas. The ‘George and Dragon’ is a popular gastro-pub offering a variety of beers, ales and ciders, with a selection of delicious dishes on offer.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in New Malden
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, why not try an evening of bowling or a night of comedy at the ‘Frog & Bucket’? There is also a number of cinema’s in the area, such as the ‘Odeon’ or the ‘Vue’ where you can relax with a movie and a box of popcorn. Alternatively, for a more active date, you can head to the ‘Merton Park and Leisure Centre’ and take part in a range of activities such as trampolining, rock climbing or swimming.
