It’s never easy trying to think up something to do for a first date. After all you don’t know them too well, hence it’s a first date, but don’t worry I’m here to give you some top ideas and basically do all the hard work for you.
Following my failsafe ABC formula for a first date, A for activity, B for booze and C for chat, we’re looking at Plonk Crazy Golf as a first date idea.
Plonk Crazy Golf have venues all around London, offering challenging, fun and vibrant courses. They have courses in Walthamstow, Dalston, Brixton, Hackney and Battersea.
Some of these are outdoors, ideally situated in beer gardens perfect for that beautiful summer weather (it’s due any day now, I’m sure of it).
I’m going to look specifically at Dalston’s Plonk course which has recently had a brand-new eye-popping UV makeover.
Now whether you’ve never played golf before or you consider yourself a pro, it’s not going to matter, believe me. This is crazy golf, and crazy fun. Exactly what you want for a first date, no need to worry about how good you are or feeling embarrassed, it’s just a chance to enjoy yourselves.
The aim of the game is straightforward, well straight-up the hill, down the drainpipe and in the hole-forward.
Each hole has its own set of challenges including drainpipes, ramps and there’s even a chance you might land in the shrubbery (I had to get a few balls replaced) which will be sure to keep you on your toes.
You will of course get a card for you to keep your score, and I’m not going to lie the scores will be high (mine were at least).
Plonk Dalston is in the back garden of Efes Bar which is a great bar with top quality selection of beers, ales and spirits so you can have a drink while waiting for your tee-off time.
Now, while they do accept walk-ups, pre bookings will receive priority. If it’s a date, play it cool and book in advance. This can be done online.
I booked an 8pm tee-off time, which allowed us time to grab a drink and catch up before we started. It also meant we could make up some rules of our own, like if by some stroke of magic, one of us was to get a hole in one, the other person had to buy the next round (I should mention you can go around the course accompanied by your beverage).
With 18 holes to play you can have a different dare or consequence for each hole so you can be as creative as you want. The over all loser on our date had to pay for dinner on the second date.
At £9 each for two rounds of 9 holes, this wacky, fun and very bright crazy golf course is a sure-fire way to have a great first date. Just remember, Plonk is drowning in UV lights so pick what you wear wisely.
I didn’t think this through and found my white socks to be very eye catching, so I decided to tuck my jeans into my socks and go all out old school golfer.
Find out more at http://plonkgolf.co.uk
WORDS BY STUART GRAHAME
Stuart is one of our regular hosts and over the years has become something of an expert in dating. Watch out for his regular posts full of dating tips and advice.