Top 15 Tips to Date British Men

Top 15 Tips to Date British Men

*Originally published by  Emma Starr on April 2020 and Updated by Vanessa on April 2023  and Updated by Vanessa R in February 2024

You’re in England – and you might want to start dating…

Males are an interesting species – am I right, ladies? Although almost all men have certain characteristics and traits in common, there are cultural differences that can make navigating the dating world fairly tricky. Especially if you are in England.

Image: Wikipedia

Sure, the Brits love to drink. They’re pretty loud. They’re really fun. And they have an abundance of men who seem to be single. Wonder why… Anyways, we’re going to give you some tips on how to date British men. There are positives and negatives to dating an English lad, and we’ll be sure to give you a good idea of both before throwing you out into the world of London Tinder.

1. Avoid subtleties – they most likely won’t get it. Sorry lads…

Marriage forgiveness – By LearningLark / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)

One thing about the English so they’re not very reserved. They don’t really respond to subtle cues and quieter people. If you want a man to know something, you’re probably going to have to say it. In England, if a guy is interested in you while you’re out at a bar, he will probably wait for some cues of interest from you as well. So try and go against everything you’ve ever been taught, like batting your eyelashes and pretending not to be interested – if you do this, they really will just move on. Show some interest so his ego isn’t hurt (if you’re interested too, that is), so he’s willing to strike up a conversation.

2. Another thing about the British ego – they don’t love being told what to do 

London – by Robert Bye – Unsplash

Something about England is that the men are pretty prideful people. They wouldn’t respond too well to being told what to do. If you say something along the lines of, “Well, you should do….” then they will probably come back with some sarcastic retort as to why you are in charge. Just avoid this situation at all costs. Wait until you’re actually dating to start telling him what to do. 

3. If you make it to the stage of meeting his family, be choosy if you want more food or not

Prepare to be bowled over by pasta at these 5 Best Pasta Places in London. Image of Bucatini with Cornish mussels and seaweed butter sourced from Bancone official website.

You know when you go to someone’s house and they ask you if you want more food and you say no, trying to be polite? Typically, if you do that in England they will just take the answer and go with it. As I said, the English are pretty straight-up and blunt people. So if you say you’re not hungry, then they’ll take that as the truth. Don’t blame your English boyfriend for when you’re hungry one hour after dinner.

4. An English guy will drink – a LOT

Carlsberg beer, image sourced from Pixabay

Okay, so we all know this. The English and Irish are drinkers. They flock to the pubs, they order massive amounts of pints, and they just sit there all day and all night, loving every minute. English lads are brought up to go to the pub for any reason – if they’re sad, they’re happy, or anything at all interesting happens. Or if nothing happened at all, and they’re bored. Therefore, they are accustomed to drinking a lot, from a very young age. You better get used to your English man having Smithwick’s on the regular.

5. Please, PLEASE don’t try and act British

England flag – By Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15541

Your man has started dating you because he likes YOU – not because he likes you, but wants you to be British. That’s weird.  So, for the love of God, please don’t try to say British slang terms, speak in a slight British accent, or pretend like you know English childhood traditions. Just be yourself.

6. Humor is very important

I gotta say, the Brits are hilarious. Any event can turn into a night to remember with this lot. They are loud, they’re funny, they’re not afraid to say what they mean, and they are witty. If you don’t have a sense of humor, then your conversation with a British man will only last a  few minutes. If you can’t give back the banter they’re giving you, then they’ll most likely get bored.

7. Try and actually listen to what he’s saying instead of just his accent

Yes, we know. The British accent is very cool. We love just hearing British men talk – we really don’t care what it’s about. However, when you first start dating, be sure to actually listen to the meaning of the words coming out of his mouth, instead of just the way he says your name.

8. London blokes are stylish

London – by Clem Onojeghuo – Unsplash

If you are going to date an English man from London, then you’re in luck. They usually dress very well, keep up to date with the current styles, and enjoy looking put-together. Men will usually spend more time than girls getting ready – well, maybe not with the amount of makeup that English girls wear, but it’s a pretty close race. If you’re into a well-dressed man, look no further.

9. He will love football – no, not the NFL

Frank Lampard – By Frank_Lampard.jpg: Wonker from London, United Kingdomderivative work: Lando09 / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)

English Premier League football is a huge part of the English culture. It’s more of a way of life than a hobby. Men flock to the pubs to watch the games at all hours of the day, and proceed to get pretty drunk to their favorite team playing in the background. Get on board with the football, or don’t go with him to the pub. And don’t tell him that you don’t like this favorite team – trust us. Especially not a Liverpool fan.

10. British men will always keep you entertained

Fox on the Hill pub, Denmark Hill – By By Jwslubbock – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fox_on_the_Hill_pub,_Denmark_Hill,_London.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77414639

A combination of their humor, their accent, their drinking shenanigans, and their fun nature with you and with friends will keep you interested in your British men for a long time. Try dating, try playing the scene, and try to just have fun while potentially finding someone to settle down with. 

11. Try and understand the British culture

He will reveal more about himself as long as you express curiosity. The British continue to call cookies “biscuits,” spell “favourite” like “favourite,” and continue to have a queen and princes. Try to become interested in this even if it may seem like some very bizarre and insane things to do. You might discover some unexpectedly intriguing cultural tidbits.

12. They are very subtle with their advances 

The majority of the time (unless when they’re drunk), British men are not so obvious when it comes to flirting. They’re likely to be more modest in their advances rather than swoop in and make a move, aggressively flirt, or be very clear about their intentions. When a British guy likes you keep an eye out for additional subtly expressed signs of his interest in you. In order to find hints, you’ll need to pay closer attention to his body language.

See how he looks at you and if he tries to look for little justifications to touch you are two examples of what he’d probably do.  An affectionate British guy will also be just as likely to gently tease you as he is to admire you. But only because humour plays such a significant role in their personalities.

13. Be prepared to split the bill

Cost sharing is very common with British men so don’t expect that he should pick up all the bills around, he may pay for your first date but there’s a chance that he’ll expect that you should offer to pay for his drink. It can be viewed as a little bit princess-like or high-maintenance behaviour when ladies don’t dig deep into their money and don’t offer to pay a bill or if you expect to be reimbursed.

14. Not all British men have the queens English so don’t insist 

We’ve already talked about you being fascinated by his accent but we didn’t also tell you that they all have different accents depending on where he’s from. In some places, particularly Scotland, Wales, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Liverpool, the accents can be rather strong. Although there are a number of different accents around the United Kingdom, many visitors from abroad anticipate hearing the Queen’s English (grammatically accurate and with a posh accent). In some places, particularly Scotland, Wales, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Liverpool, the accents can be rather strong.

If the British man you’re dating doesn’t have a very neutral accent, be ready to occasionally struggle to understand what on earth he’s talking about.
The British, Australian, American, Canadian, and New Zealand varieties of English all differ significantly from one another, even if English is your first language. For instance, British people employ phrases that aren’t used in other English-speaking nations.

15. Don’t expect a label 

Do you know how as a woman you’re always expecting a man to give you a label? he sorta has to define your relationship right? Well, don’t rush a British man into telling you that you’re finally an item because chances are, he will not give you the talk. You have to read between the lines and finally see that he’s committed to you, after that, you should automatically know that you’re in a relationship, take it or leave it. 

The positives and negatives of dating British men are for you to weigh against each other – but hey, at least we gave you some foolproof tips…

10 First Dates Perfect for Rain or Shine in the UK

1. Artsy Alcohol Inks Date

Location: Central London

Why paint and sip when you can create art using alcohol?! This innovative painting class takes you and your date on a creative journey, using isopropyl alcohol and techniques like ink washes, stippling and color lifting to forge gallery-worthy abstract masterpieces.

Significance beyond boozy bliss? It’s essentially two dates in one – half hands-on art class, half mini museum visit! Who needs cocktails when you’ll be intoxicated by imagination?

2. Soothing Soy Candle-Crafting

Photo by a l on Unsplash

Location: Central London

Prefer to get your hands dirty crafting more 3D artwork? Try this experiential candle-making class, perfect for artsy couples. Peruse an aromatic array of seasonal scents, then prepare and pour soy wax into bespoke vessels.

As your candle sets, join an inclusive group moment of mindfulness and meditation. Finally, relish complimentary drinks while admiring your handcrafted candle – a transportive memento of this enlightening arts excursion.

3. Wild & Whimsical Mini Golf

Location: Various London Locations

Craving an energetic winter date that warms your heart, not just your hands? Say “fore!” to Swingers Crazy Golf – mini golf made marvelously madcap thanks to inventive courses + potent rum punch delivered on-demand as you play!

Navigate neon windmills or giant wheels while strategizing bank shots to impress your date. Even better? Hole-in-ones score bespoke booze vouchers in this wacky wonderland.

4. Stroll through Borough Market

Jeremy Keith from Brighton & Hove, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Location: South London

Few casual winter dates rival the simple delight of wandering a cozy market, especially vibrant Borough Market! Just a hop from London Bridge station lies this haven for heavenly food and drink.

Kick things off by sharing snack-sized charcuterie or bao buns, then let hands and eyes wander the myriad stalls, brimming with artisan wares and unique holiday gifts for browsing and buying. Cap your afternoon ambling and nibbling with a hearty meal of fresh seafood, Italian sammiches or a savory roast dinner.

5. Go for ice skating

Location: Central London

Speaking of quintessential London winter dates – sipping bubbly whilst ice skating at Somerset House is a sure crowd-pleaser! Having reopened mid-November, tickets remain available through January to experience this postcard-perfect scene. What’s the skating allure?

Beyond Instagrammable backdrops, it allows for hand-holding help on the ice, plus fireside snuggles once your skates come off! Even non-skaters will swoon for Somerset House’s skating splendor and signature hospitality.

6. Shaking It Sky-High

Location: South London

Prefer boogieing to bundling up? Try this sky-high silent disco date! Sip posh cocktails whilst gazing out floor-to-ceiling windows 72 stories above London’s iconic skyline in The Shard’s open-air Observation Deck.

Then don your headphones and bust moves to 3 dueling DJs, glimpsing unparalleled views of London ablaze in nighttime radiance. Talk about sweeping your date off their feet!

7. Candlelit Concerts

Location: Various London churches

For a more relaxed but still one-of-a-kind music date, think about going to a candlelit tribute show. These events happen weekly in London and honor many performers, from Vivaldi to pop stars like Taylor Swift. So no matter what tunes you and your partner like, there’s a candlelit concert for you!

If you go to a show, be sure to enjoy the dreamy mood created by candlelight and the beautiful acoustics of the music. For extra romance, pick tribute events at London churches, like Southwark Cathedral or St Martin-in-the-Fields. And couples who love the holidays should check out their Christmas series, with songs from movies like Love Actually and Home Alone. Or for a classic option, attend a concert featuring tunes from The Nutcracker ballet or timeless Christmas jazz hits.

8. Cocktails & Chocolates

Photo by Ash Edmonds on Unsplash

Location: Central London

What’s better for a delightful winter date than chocolate, cocktails, and class? London’s Chocolate Cocktail Club started as a temporary pop-up, but visitors were so crazy for the creamy cocoa and mixed drinks that the spot became permanent. Now in Farringdon, it’s a sweet paradise where you can buy tickets for tasteful 90-minute sessions.

Your ticket includes a complimentary Chocotini, Chocolate Espresso Martini, or Strawberry Shamzing cocktail. (CCC also serves Prosecco, wine and beer if you get your fill of sugary sips.) You and your date can then sample yummy tiny sandwiches, petite cakes, and rich chocolate fondue, taking tempting pics the whole time.

9. Go for brunch at Mariah vs Michael Bublé 

Location: Central & South London

If chocolate cocktails aren’t your cup of tea, hit up the Mariah vs Michael Bublé Christmas Brunch! Hosted Saturdays & Sundays at trendy brunch bars in Covent Garden and Southbank, you’ll feast on loaded brunch plates and bottomless Christmas cocktails while debating who reigns supreme as the “Queen or King of Christmas.” Expect tongue-in-cheek tunes, balls-to-the-wall brunch fare and bantering hosts at this raucous holiday meal you won’t soon forget!

10. Visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Wanderings

Location: West London

Last but never least, no list of London winter dates is complete without Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland extravaganza. Open late-November through January, the UK’s biggest seasonal event transforms Hyde Park into a magical playground brimming with holiday cheer.

From ice sculptures, rides and an open-air ice rink to circus shows, Christmas markets, and lip-smacking food and drink, WW is wildly wonderful. Top your evening by sidling up with spiked hot chocolates atop the giant Ferris wheel, watching London dazzle beneath a dusting of snow and glittering lights.