Very inviting first date cafe in London?
 

What are some suggestions on a good cafe or tea spot for a first date in London??? I just need somewhere easily accessible by tube, and maybe closer to the west end.

There are MANY (hundreds) - what sort of price range are you looking for?

Something near earl's court and under 20 pounds for two people----just a nice spot for tea.

If you want a nice but casual afternoon tea on the west side, I might choose a Patisserie Valerie or the Orangery in Kensington Gardens.

There are branches of Pat. Valerie in Brompton Rd, Sloane Square and Kensington Church Street. I'm pretty sure they would be less expensive than the Orangery

I second the Orangery at Kensington Gardens. Great place, not a bad price.

Are you meeting a Fodorite? ;)

No, I am not meeting a Fodorite...although I would be open to seeing what some of the faces behind these handles actually look like!

If you like Italian style gelato and hot chocolate there's always Rendezvous in Leicester Square... a touch pricey and staff aren't exactly charming but it's well located and like I said, yummy ice cream...

Sorry, but it sounded great at first until you mentioned the price. The place has to be very clean and very budget/frugal friendly.

Some hot cocoa sounds good right about now......

Does it need to be pretty?
Sometimes I meet friends at the Jen Cafe in China Town which is basically a cheap chinese tea shop that also does diner style chinese food. It's just on Newport Place near Leicester Square tube station. Not particularly private though and you couldn't sit there for hours. But would be somewhere to meet, have an inexpensive drink (somewhat interesting options on the menu) and then go for a walk around the area?

jen cafe is a good place...they make the dumplings right in the window. however, it is a very small place and often very crowded. several of the tables are large and must be shared when crowded. the customers are generally quite bubbly (not quiet), young chinese students. a fine and fun atmosphere but maybe not what you want for a first date.

but as kavey says, if you want a quick place to just meet and go from there, sure why not?

Walkinaround, you a London bod too? :D