Soho for a Classic First Drink
Dean Street, Old Compton Street and the alleys in between have been London's after-dark playground for generations. Loud, central and a short walk from Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, so neither of you has far to come.
Shoreditch for the Late Crowd
Shoreditch and Brick Lane run later and louder, with bars behind shutters and a crowd that dresses like it means it. Save it for date two, when you already know you'll want to stay out.
The South Bank for an Easy First Hour
Walk the river from the London Eye towards Tate Modern and the view does half the talking. There's a bar or a bench every few minutes when you want to stop, with Waterloo at one end and London Bridge at the other.