Shane Scanlon

Everyone has been on one of these at least one in their lifetime, either you’re the one that came up with the idea of going on a date or you were forced on the date. You can either be a serial dater and have lots of practise and experience or a first timer that has no idea on what to do. It doesn’t matter what one you this can give you some life saving tips. Here are ideas on what to do for a range of dates so that you can get the perfect date!

First dates are what gets the ball going, it’s the first step of an relationship, nothing is worse than having nothing in common with the other person and you just sit there in complete silence, awkwardly but on the other hand the first date is what gets the relationship moving, you both might have the best time ever and want to progress to the second date and so forth. Some examples of what you can do on the first date are…

1. Meet up at a coffee shop: here you can see their preferred coffee (so on dates to come you can be cute and surprise them with it). Coffee shops are a chilled and relaxed environment as well so there is no rush and no pressure for anything. Here you can have a general chat to get to know each other better and see if any sparks are there.
2. A classic first date is take them out for dinner: No matter what your budget is you can take them out for dinner. To a classy, expensive restaurant up in London or a cheap and cosy local restaurant you might know. Either way it is the thought that counts and they should appreciate that. Here you can talk and to break up any awkwardness there might be, there is food and drink to take away any tensions.
3. Take a cooking class together: this is a fun ice breaker and is good if you two haven’t know each other for long as it’s a laugh and can see what the other person is like under pressure and can see how well they are at cooking! This is great for an easy chat without feeling awkward.

No one likes boring, serious dates where you feel like you are being interrogated and judged. You like to feel appreciated, loved and also to have a laugh with the person you like or love (depending on how long you have been together for).  So here are a few ideas for a fun date!

1. If you are feeling adventurous then perhaps have a hiking date: Great for couples that can’t stay still together, or busy and are always on the move. This gives a chance to have a break from the real world. Taking a hike gives you fresh air and quality time with your partner while you hike and see some breath-taking views if you live near hills.
2. Take a road trip: take a simple drive to explore near where you live or go further if you want, maybe make a weekend of it. Make fun memories with your partner while you see what the world has to offer with new experiences and new food.
3. Maybe make a picnic: a simple idea which you can do anywhere and anytime! Surprise you partner with a picnic, make their favourite foods such as sandwiches, cocktail sausages or treats they may love even add a bottle of bubbly if you want to.

It doesn’t matter what your budget is, you can always have a date! Here are a couple of ideas of what to do if you don’t have a lot of money but still want to spend quality time with your loved one.

1. Watch a romantic sunset together: take a little walk to the beach or to a pond or river near you. Get a couple blankets and wait till its time for the sunset or even the sunrise. This is a beautiful view for you both to watch, while you are waiting it gives you time to talk about how you both are feeling and how your week was.
2. Stay in and watch movies: Perfect for when it is raining, snowing or just cold outside, this is the time to snuggle down together while watching new movies you both wanted to see. Doesn’t mean you have to talk non-stop while your partner is trying to watch it but is time to just to cuddle and spend some private time together without anyone around.
3. Cook or bake: A fun idea for when you both don’t know what to do and to also work on your teamworking skills, look in your cupboards or run to the local corner shop to get the ingredients you need.   Either cook a nice, relaxing dinner for you both to enjoy in the evening or make a cake or brownies if you’re in the mood for something sweet.

Double dates… you either hate or love them. Girls usually come up with the idea to go on a double date with their friends, so their boyfriends can meet, or you get dragged along to one because you are the only single one out of your mates and they need someone else.

1. Go to brunch: gives both “couples” the opportunity to talk to each other and get to know each other more. If it turns out awkward you always have your mates to rely on, to keep the conversation going. There is also food and drinks available for ice breakers.
2. Go and see a play or film: Go to a theatre to see a play or cinema to see a new movie out. This means you don’t have to talk all the time just before and after the film and if there is no chemistry there you can just sit there and watch the play when it starts.
3. Visit a museum or gallery: if you prefer not sitting still all the time and would rather explore well this is the place for you. While visiting a museum or gallery it also gives you both something to talk about if you find something interesting.

Hope you all had fun this weekend and enjoyed the bank holiday! Here are 7 things you need to put on your bucket list immediately to keep the memories flowing... With a wide range of things to do to suit everyone’s needs and wants. From tours to learn history to nature walks and pools to enjoying chocolate!

1. Punt along the backs- Cambridge.

The River Cam runs through the heart of Cambridge, so enjoy the amazing views in a traditional Cambridge Punt. Some of the famous Cambridge landmarks you can expect to see during this 45-minute tour is the Bridge of Sighs, King's College Chapel, The Wren Library at Trinity College and many more sights in Cambridge from a river point of view.

2. Go in the thermal waters in Bath.

So how it all happened: well the water fell as rain about 10,000 years ago and then sank to a depth of about 2km. Here it is then heated by high temperature rocks below the ground before rising back up through one of the three hot springs in the centre of the City, the Cross Spring, Hetling or King’s Spring, which supplies the Roman Baths. The thermal waters also contain over 42 different minerals, the most concentrated being sulphate, calcium & chloride. This is a luxury bath to relax your body and mind while you soak up all the minerals.

3. Climb up the O2.

Are you are feeling adventurous? Do you love views? Then this is the one for you! Climb up the O2 with a tour guide, this will get you blood pumping while you ascend the great O2 arena. At the end it is all worth it as you get to see a picture-perfect view of London like no one has seen it.

4. Take a tour of parliament.

This gives you a chance to see behind the scenes of parliament. Experience what it’s like to stand in the House of Commons and Lords. See the art in the hallways, the architecture. This is the perfect way to find out how laws are made, ask as many questions as you like to the tour guides. Learn the history behind Parliament.

5. Tour of Buckingham Palace.

This is great to see how royalty lives while you explore the rooms in Buckingham Palace. From the ballroom to the throne room and state rooms, see the treasures that lay hidden in Buckingham Palace. Roam in the well-kept gardens behind the Palace and see what plants are kept there.

6. Visit the Fairy pools in Isle of Skye.

Do you love nature and walking? Well this is the trip for you, take a walk to get to the fairy pools! This first Waterfall marks the start of the magical pools. Some of the pools make great swimming, but rarely get warm. The first waterfall is the highest fall and also the deepest pool. For the courageous only there are some great high jumps. On the other side of the river from the path it is possible to jump into deep blue pool (around 10 meters high).

The next pool up is properly the most famous of the lot, a beautifully clear blue pool ideal for a relaxing swim. It features a natural arch, with an exhilarating under water swim though the arch.

7. Indulge yourself in Cadburys world.

Do you love to eat chocolate? Then visit Cadburys world in Birmingham! Take a walk down the history of how Cadbury’s came about, the adverts and take a ride of the Cadbury’s world very own roller-coaster (don’t worry its just a little one, no heights or flips). Enjoy the taste of the chocolate as you get to try some and witness how it is made! This is not to be missed off your bucket list.

So, we are back, ready for more places for you to visit! This time we got some astounding and luscious cocktail bars for you to visit for any type of occasion. Whether you are on a first date, meeting up with work colleagues for drinks after work to let of some steam after a long, hard day, having a weekly gossip with your good, old friends or catching up you’re your family.  Even if you just fancy something different than your old, regular pub. Keep on reading to find out where you next adventure will be!

1. Fu Manchu Bar:

Located at Clapham, 15-16 Lendal Terrace, London.

These cocktails are inspired by the Sax Rohmer book titles and are made from a unique blend of Asian spices and Chinese teas.  Enjoy drinking these sublime cocktails while listening to live music. DJ is there till 3AM so you can dance the night away (or until your feet hurt). Click HERE for more information.

2. Burlock:

Located at Marylebone, 31 Duke Street.

This venue if for the history lovers as it takes inspiration from the roaring 1920s, Burlock is also one of the largest rum houses in the UK (perfect for the rum lovers as well). Authentic Cuban and Caribbean food is served as well to try with paired cocktails, are you daring enough to try it? Click HERE for more information.

3. WM Barker & Co:

Located at 202 Bishopsgate, Shoreditch.

This is a secret underground cocktail and craft beer bar; this stylish hideaway uses unique and unusual ingredients to make their scrummy cocktails by doing so the menu changes seasonally to create a menu suitable for the next upcoming season with fresh new ingredients for your taste buds! Click HERE for more information.

4. Tropicana Beach Club:

Located at New London Theatre Parker Street, Covent Garden.

This is perfect for the holiday lovers or people wishing they were on holiday. This venue is a trip to paradise with a ‘lagoon pool’ style dance floor, palm trees and over 500 decorations to make the place look like a tropical beach party. There are also cabaret style performances with live music as well. The Tropicana beach club also serves around 50 cocktails! From classics to new and flavoursome cocktails. Also selling beach style grills from across the Southern Hemisphere… Click HERE for more information.

5. Aeronaut:

Located at 264 Acton High, Acton.

This is a cool and quirky place, this isn’t a normal venue but a unique and exciting experience, if you’re looking for something different this is the place for you. Get special circus performances by professionals, Ariel acrobats, swing dance classes and live music from DJs. What a way to get a drink while watching a spectacular show! Click HERE for more information.

6. Ice-bar London:

Located at 31-33 Heddon Street, West End.

The temperature is -5 degrees Celsius, it is the only cocktail bar in the UK that is permanently frozen solid. Before entering guests are kitted up with thermal caps and gloves and then go inside for a 40-minute slot. This venue also undergoes a yearly transformation so that it is always different and is never the same. Click HERE for more information.