First Date Expectations: Where to go on a first date Birmingham and Solihull

First Date Expectations: What Modern Daters Really Want — A Guide by Love Speed Dating

Love Speed Dating where to go on a first date in Birmingham and Solihull

At Love Speed Dating, we’ve helped thousands of singles across Birmingham and Solihull make genuine connections—and one question comes up time and time again:

“What do people really expect on a first date?”

The truth? Most daters want something simple, sincere, and enjoyable. Whether you met someone at one of our popular events or matched online afterward, here’s what sets the stage for an unforgettable first date.

First Date Expectations: Where to go on a first date Birmingham and Solihull

1. Be Real, Not Perfect

When you meet someone for the first time, they’re not looking for perfection—they’re looking for authenticity.

At Love Speed Dating events, we see sparks fly when people:

• Relax and show their true personality

• Share their real interests

• Let go of the pressure to impress

It’s okay to be nervous. It’s okay to be quirky. The real you is what creates real connection.

2. Clear Communication Sets the Tone

Before the date, simple clarity goes a long way:

• Confirm the time and place

• Suggest a spot that suits both of you

• Be open to preferences

Whether you’re meeting in a stylish Birmingham cocktail bar or a cosy Solihull café, clarity creates comfort—and comfort leads to chemistry.

3. Punctuality = Respect

Arriving on time is a silent but powerful gesture. It shows:

• You value the person

• You respect their time

• You’re genuinely interested

A quick message if you’re running late is always appreciated.

First Date Expectations: Where to go on a first date

4. Choose the Right Location

The Birmingham and Solihull dating scene is full of brilliant first-date spots. Some favourites among singles from our events include:

In Birmingham:

• The Botanist (Temple Street): Perfect for cocktails and relaxed conversation

• Medicine Bakery (New Street): Great for a laid-back brunch or coffee date

• Marco Pierre White’s Sky Bar: A more elevated option with stunning city views

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In Solihull:

• The Beech House: A chilled but stylish option with great atmosphere

• Ocho Tapas: Ideal for sharing plates and creating a fun, flirty vibe

• Touchwood’s Coffee Shops: Perfect if you prefer something simple and comfortable

Pick a location that feels comfortable, not pressured. A relaxed setting helps both people open up.

5. Respectful Behavior Is Non-Negotiable

This is the top expectation for daters today. Respect shows up through:

• Polite conversation

• Kindness to staff

• Active listening

• Avoiding overly personal or negative topics

At Love Speed Dating, we see the best connections grow when kindness leads the interaction.

6. Genuine Curiosity Builds Attraction

Ask questions that show real interest, not interrogation:

• “What do you love doing on weekends?”

• “What’s a place you’d travel to tomorrow if you could?”

• “How did you get into your job/hobby?”

Balance is key—share, listen, and let the conversation breathe.

7. Emotional Intelligence Is the New Must-Have

Modern daters value emotional awareness just as much as looks or lifestyle.

This includes:

• Being present (phones down!)

• Staying positive

• Respecting boundaries

• Avoiding oversharing too soon

A first date should feel safe, enjoyable, and easy.

8. Chemistry Doesn’t Need to Be Instant

You don’t need fireworks on the first date. Many great Love Speed Dating couples tell us their connection grew gradually.

So don’t write off someone just because the spark isn’t immediate. Look for:

• Comfort

• Conversation flow

• Shared values

• Potential chemistry

Sometimes the slow burn lasts longest.

9. Be Considerate About the Bill

There’s no universal rule anymore. Modern daters appreciate:

• A willingness to treat

• A willingness to split

• A simple conversation about what’s comfortable

Fairness and thoughtfulness always win.

10. End With Clarity and Confidence

No matter how the date went, people appreciate honesty.

If you’d like to see them again:

• “I had a lovely time—shall we do this again?”

• Send a follow-up message later that day or the next morning.

If you don’t feel the connection:

• Be kind, be clear, but don’t ghost. A simple thank-you message is all it takes.

🌆 Top 10 Date Spots in Birmingham

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

• A lush, peaceful escape from the city centre — perfect for a relaxed stroll, good conversation, and a chance to connect in nature. Malmaison+1

• Ideal for first dates if you want something calm but memorable.

  
  

Brindleyplace & the Canals

• A romantic walk along the canals followed by drinks or dinner — canal-side ambience makes it feel special. CrossCountry Trains+2Secret Birmingham+2

• Great for a casual, low-pressure first date or a chilled evening with good conversation.

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The Botanist (City Centre / Canalside)

• Stylish, atmospheric bar/restaurant — nice cocktails, good food, and a setting that’s both relaxed and a bit special.

• Works well if you want something more “date-night” rather than casual coffee or daytime stroll.

  
  

The Jam House (Live Music + Dinner)

• If you and your date like music — jazz, soul, live shows — this place gives atmosphere and entertainment.

• Great for a fun evening with energy, not just drinks or dinner.

  
  

Cannon Hill Park (Mini-Golf, Walks & Outdoorsy Vibes)

• If you’re going for a chill, outdoorsy date — boating, mini-golf or just a picnic — this park is a great choice. CrossCountry Trains+1

• Less formal, more relaxed; good for early-dates or when you want to keep things low-pressure.

  
  

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (Culture + Conversation Starter)

• Ideal if you share a love for art, history or culture — spending time exploring exhibits gives you natural conversation points. omghitched.com+1

• Also a more relaxed alternative if you’d rather skip bars or loud music on a first date.

  
  

Lickey Hills Country Park (Nature + Views on the Edge of the City)

• A little outside the city centre, but worth it if you want fresh air, beautiful views, and a quiet place to talk. Corkfield+1

• Perfect for a nature-loving pair or when you want a reset from city buzz.

  
  

NQ64 Arcade Bar (Fun, Casual & Playful Dates)

• Great if you want a fun, relaxed date — games + drinks = easy laughs and less pressure. Westmead Hotel+1

• Sometimes a playful date breaks the ice better than a formal dinner.

  
  

The Distillery Birmingham (Gin Tasting / Drinks for Something Different)

• If you both like drinks and want something a bit different — gin tasting canal-side offers a fun yet classy alternative to standard bars. Westmead Hotel+1

• Nice for a date that mixes activity with relaxed vibes.

  
  

Sky By The Water, Resorts World (Rooftop View + Cocktails for a Special Night)

• Great for a more upscale, “special occasion” date — skyline views, classy drinks, and a bit of glamour. Birmingham Speed Dating+1

• If you want to impress or make the date memorable, this is a strong pick.

  
  

🎯 How to Choose Based on Your Mood / Stage

What you want	Go to...
Easy conversation + relaxed vibes	Botanical Gardens, Brindleyplace canals, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Playful, fun date to break the ice	NQ64 Arcade Bar, The Distillery, Cannon Hill mini-golf
Romantic and classy dinner or drinks	The Botanist, Sky By The Water, The Jam House
A bit of nature and calm outside city hustle	Lickey Hills, Cannon Hill Park
A mix of fun and unique experiences	Gin tasting, arcade + cocktails, canalside strolls

Final Thoughts from Love Speed Dating

First Date Expectations: Where to go on a first date A first date isn’t about performance—it’s about possibility.

At Love Speed Dating, we believe the best connections come from:✨ Respect✨ Authenticity✨ Kindness✨ Curiosity✨ Comfort

Whether you’re meeting someone new at one of our Birmingham or Solihull events or taking the next step with someone you clicked with, remember: first dates are the beginning of the story, not the final chapter.

For more dating tips, check out our blog pages here. Ready to dip your toe into dating with Love Speed Dating Singles nights? Check out all the upcoming dating events in Birmingham and Solihull here.