Looking for a fun, affordable Saturday date idea in central London? This itinerary takes you through Soho’s best spots, from a scenic stroll around Piccadilly Circus to live stand-up comedy, authentic Italian food, and Latin dancing. The whole day costs under £50 per person, and you’ll have enough memories to last all week.
1:00 PM — Explore Piccadilly Circus and Soho
Start your Saturday date with a leisurely walk around Piccadilly Circus. Take in the iconic billboards, the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, and the energy of one of London’s most famous junctions. From there, wander south into Soho along Shaftesbury Avenue or cut through to Carnaby Street for independent shops and street art.
Soho is compact enough to explore on foot. Highlights include:
- Carnaby Street — independent shops, murals, and the Liberty department store around the corner
- Berwick Street Market — vinyl records, street food, and vintage finds
- Seven Dials — a short walk into Covent Garden for boutique shopping
- Chinatown Gate — just off Wardour Street, great for photos and a quick bubble tea
This part of the day is completely free and sets the scene for what’s ahead.
3:00 PM — Lunch at Kingly Court
Head to Kingly Court, a three-storey open-air food court tucked behind Carnaby Street. It’s one of Soho’s best-kept secrets, with over 20 restaurants covering everything from Japanese ramen to Mexican street food to wood-fired pizza.
Good options for a date:
- Dirty Bones — comfort food and cocktails with a relaxed vibe
- Shoryu Ramen — rich tonkotsu broth, perfect for sharing
- Whyte & Brown — chicken-focused British menu with a cosy setting
Budget around £15-20 per person for food and a drink. The courtyard seating is especially nice in warmer months.
4:00 PM — Live Comedy at JK Comedy Club (from £7)
After lunch, walk two minutes to JK Comedy Club at the Spice of Life on Moor Street for our Saturday afternoon comedy show. The show starts at 4:00 PM, doors open at 3:30 PM, and runs for about 75 minutes.
You’ll see 3-4 professional stand-up comedians plus an MC, many of whom have appeared on TV shows like Live at the Apollo, Taskmaster, and Netflix specials. The intimate basement venue seats under 100 people, so you’re right up close to the action.
Tickets are £13 per person — one of the most affordable live entertainment options in the West End. Book tickets online to guarantee your seats (unreserved, so arriving early gets you the best spots). The venue has a full bar, and the show is 18+.
Over 1,000 five-star reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, and DesignMyNight make this one of London’s highest-rated comedy venues. Check our reviews to see what audiences say.
5:30 PM — Pizza at La Porchetta
After the show, walk one minute to La Porchetta on Old Compton Street for authentic Italian pizza. This family-run restaurant has been a Soho staple for years, serving generous portions at reasonable prices.
A pizza and a drink comes to around £12-15 per person. The atmosphere is casual and lively — perfect for debriefing your favourite jokes from the comedy show. If Italian isn’t your thing, Old Compton Street and the surrounding streets have dozens of alternatives, from Thai to Lebanese to burger joints.
7:00 PM — Latin Dancing at Salsa Soho
Round off your date at Salsa Soho on Charing Cross Road. Whether you’re experienced dancers or total beginners, the Saturday night sessions are welcoming and high-energy. Expect salsa, bachata, and merengue with live DJs.
Entry is typically free before 9 PM, with drink prices similar to other Soho bars. Even if you’ve never danced before, the informal vibe means nobody’s judging — and laughing together on the dance floor after a comedy show makes for a genuinely memorable evening.
Your Saturday Date Budget
| Activity | Cost (per person) |
|---|---|
| Piccadilly Circus & Soho walk | Free |
| Lunch at Kingly Court | £15-20 |
| JK Comedy Club show | £13 |
| Pizza at La Porchetta | £12-15 |
| Salsa Soho (entry) | Free before 9 PM |
| Total | £40-48 |
Why This Date Works
This itinerary combines free sightseeing, great food, live entertainment, and dancing — all within walking distance in Soho. You don’t need to take the tube once after you arrive, and the total cost is less than two West End theatre tickets.
The comedy show is the highlight for most couples. There’s something about laughing together in a small room that creates a connection you don’t get from watching a film or sitting in a restaurant. Read our reviews to see how many date nights we’ve improved.
Ready to plan your Saturday? Book your comedy tickets and build the rest of the day around it. Shows sell out, especially on weekends, so booking in advance is recommended.
