#date spots

- Aquarium

- Coffee Shop

Running low on cash for dates in Kuala Lumpur? Don’t worry budget-conscious romantics, we’ve got you covered! Love doesn’t have to cost a fortune as we’ve uncovered KL’s best-kept secrets for planning unforgettable dates without breaking the bank.   15 Budget Friendly Date Spots To Check Out In KL 1. Bookstore Date @ BookXcess, REXKL (Free Entry) @alexleephotographer (IG) Starting off, take your…

The Spot:

With this unassuming facade, one might walk right past this 2-storey chicken and beer place.  Nestled among clothing retailers, high-end designers, cafes, and Korean BBQ places it would be easily overlooked.  The name isn’t evident (it just says Bottle & Tap House), so trying to grab a map for the post wasn’t the easiest.  I’m not even 100% certain this is a CraftBros location (their Facebook page says they’re in Banpo).  I’ve included a map to the location on the card which was given to me last week when we visited.

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The rows on rows of beer bottles are impressive (and slightly overwhelming)!  The craft beer bottle shop stocks a variety from across Asia as well as the United States, Russia, and Belgium (Dubbels and Tripels are my favourites).  We decided to go local and try the Gangnam Pale Ale.

The Beer:

The taps are pretty cute at this crisp and clean Apgujeong bar!  The Gangnam Pale Ale was perfectly hoppy, but wasn’t heavy.  I typically venture for less hoppy beers because my stomach feels unsettled after a robust brew.  This one hit the spot and didn’t linger.  I had my standard Dubbel for my second drink and was exactly as expected: rich, smooth, and sweet.

The Food:

We decided to share the double portion of fried chicken.  Excuse the image above.  I was pretty ravenous after the gym and dipped in before snapping!  I liked that there wasn’t any breading on the fried chicken.  It came with honey mustard sauce, coleslaw, and raddish.  This was a pretty standard chimaek spread, but the chicken was tasty and the beers were great.  The double portion of chicken was KRW 12,000 and our beers must have been pretty cheap because even going splitsy we only ended up paying about KRW 10,000 each.  Pretty cheap for an Apgujeong bar!

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The Verdict:

While the staff didn’t speak too much English, they tried their best to make us feel welcome and at home.  They even gave us each a set of calendars after dinner!  They are designed by either the owner or one of the staff members (I’m pretty sure).  Although we weren’t stuffed we were pleasantly satiated.  For a cheap and cheerful Apgujeong bar and a great after work environment I’d definitely head back.  The verdict?  Go for the beers and the vibe, stay for the chicken.

Location:

656-11 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Why indeed?!!

Picnic Perfect - 

Make the most of London's open spaces this Summer with an outdoor adventure, perfect for a relaxing date and an al fresco lunch in the Sunshine. Whether you're after a secluded spot, a hub of activity or a hidden historic gem - we got your back. To help you choose a great spot for a romantic hideaway, we’ve put together our pick of tip top green spots in the Capital: 

Holland Park / Kyoto Garden -  

One of the finest green spaces to be found in London, Holland Park makes an interesting visit for history buffs and horticulturalists alike. The park surrounds a Jacobean mansion (Holland House), which is named after its second owner, the Earl of Holland. These days, dahlias are still grown within the 55 acres of Holland Park and hidden inside is London’s most impressive Japanese-style Kyoto Gardens, complete with koi carp, Japanese maple trees and a waterfall. In Summer, open-air theatre and opera are staged in the park, making it the perfect place to venture, whether you’re in search for a humble picnic or cultural conquest.

West | 112-114 Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA | Find out more >

Postman's Park -

Tucked away from the hungry gaze of tourists is Postman's Park - a small patch of public green space in Central London. Situated just around the corner from St Paul's cathedral, the park acquired its name due to its popularity as a lunchtime garden with workers from the nearby old General Post Office. Here, you'll find a remarkable Victorian memorial which commemorates men and women who died while heroically trying to save others. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the high street, Postman’s Park is a great place for a quick lunch time or post-work date spot. 

Central | St Martin's Le Grand, London EC1A | Find out more >

St Dunstan's in the East -

There are few more gardens more dramatic than that of St Dunstan's in the East, a medieval church near Cannon Street which was reduced to an empty shell by bombing in the Second World War. Today, the ruin has been transformed into a charming scene with imaginative wall shrubbery and a fountain covered with climbing plants. St Dunstan’s is an beautiful example of a small City space turned into a hidden gem. Tucked away on a secluded side street half way between London Bridge and the Tower of London, the park has long since been dwarfed by the modern steel and chrome structures of the city, yet it still remains one of London's best kept secrets.

East | Dunstan's Hill, London EC3R 5DD | Find out more > 

The Horniman Museum and Gardens -

The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a fascinating attraction that can be found in South London's Forest Hill. An anthropological museum set in 16 acres of landscaped gardens, the Horniman has a traditional natural history gallery – dominated by a bizarre, overstuffed walrus – where the exhibits are displayed in traditional cases with no computer touch-screens in sight. There's also an aquarium, a permanent gallery dedicated to African, Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian art, and a collection of around 1,600 musical instruments. Whether you fancy venturing off road on a nature trail or checking out the history museum, The Horniman Museum and Gardens has something for everyone.

South East | 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ | Find out more > 

Clissold Park -

When the sun peeps out in Stoke Newington, stroll down to Clissold Park. A compact ample space for locals to hang out in, Clissold Park is undisturbed, yet big enough to get lost in. The park also has a cute mini-zoo nestled in its centre, with rabbits, chickens, goats and deer. The butterfly tunnel and aviary next door aren't open very often, but when they are, they're worth a look. For light refreshments, head to Clissold House's café which serves fairly priced nibbles from paninis to Sunday roasts. Or you could just take your own?

North | Green Lanes, London N16 9HJ | Find out more >