A few Saturday nights ago, I took a leaf out of Beautiful Man's book and tried out The London Club for a date venue. Set beside the river amongst the old wool stores in trendy Teneriffe, The London Club has obvious potential to be a perfect location for a perfect date. The verdict? I wouldn't rate it as perfect but I will give my discerning nod of approval. The great advantage about this place is that you can seamlessly incorporate several 'stages' to the date. After all, 'going to dinner' does not a date make. It's going to dinner. The key is to combine several cool and exciting things to do to transform just 'dinner' into a legitimate, fun and memorable dating experience. ...
The London Club's luxe interior.
Stage 1. We kicked off the evening with a few drinks at the bar inside, which always helps to get the conversation flowing. Inside is a luxe establishment adorned with plush furniture and an air of sophistication. Some might be averse to the decadent decor but keep in mind we want to feel like we're in Kensington or Chelsea, not Hackney.
It can get pretty busy with others dining at the bar and for that very reason we were unsubtly ushered to a table outside for dinner, also known as Stage 2. On summer evenings, the verandah is an ideal setting for alfresco dining beside the golden Veuve Clicquot umbrellas and immaculately cut hedges. From the tapas and dinner menu, we shared the tomato bruschetta, the clam and scallop risotto and one of the stone baked pizzas. My personal pick was the risotto - simply ah-maze.
It can get pretty busy with others dining at the bar and for that very reason we were unsubtly ushered to a table outside for dinner, also known as Stage 2. On summer evenings, the verandah is an ideal setting for alfresco dining beside the golden Veuve Clicquot umbrellas and immaculately cut hedges. From the tapas and dinner menu, we shared the tomato bruschetta, the clam and scallop risotto and one of the stone baked pizzas. My personal pick was the risotto - simply ah-maze.
Outside on the verandah is a perfect spot for alfresco dining.
 I'm pretty sure the dating rule book says that gelato is a winner on any date. | Finally, stage 3. Passione Gelateria and Dessert Bar is oh-so-conveniently two doors down from The London Club so the next stage after dinner couldn't be orchestrated more perfectly. You can choose to dine in and share a dessert here (Chocolate Fondue for Two, anyone?) or take away some of the award-winning organic gelato. I can't help but be sceptical when a place unsubtly plugs its awards all over the walls, but in fairness the gelato here is amazingly good. We went for the latter option and took our amazingly good gelato for a stroll down the river walk. Romantic, much? |
| As for the date himself, the future surgeon was an absolute gentleman with charming conversation and dreamy blue eyes. A typical McDreamy, if you will. But unfortunately there's no sequel to this date as the said McDreamy has since departed to the UK for a research project on some kind of medical discovery. Honestly, people who aspire to save lives can be so selfish. The London Club Address: 38 Vernon Terrace, Teneriffe Phone: 07 3252 8188 Website: http://www.thelondonclub.com.au/ Passione Address: 36 Vernon Terrace, Teneriffe Phone: 07 3257 2111 Website: http://passione.com.au/ |  Doctors. They love you and leave you. |
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