More than half of couples (62%) say the most meaningful date nights don’t involve dressing up or booking a restaurant. Instead, they agree that the best place to spend quality time together is at home.
According to a survey of 2,000 couples, the ideal date night dinner is a juicy steak, chosen by 30% of respondents. A chicken tikka masala followed close behind at 22%, with lasagne in third place at 20%. Other favourites included fish pie, macaroni cheese and spaghetti carbonara, each chosen by 12%.
Music plays its part too. One in ten couples (10%) enjoy a slow dance in the kitchen, with John Legend topping at-home playlists at 29%, followed by Elton John at 16% and Marvin Gaye at 11%.
Candles, romantic films and even a game of Scrabble all made the list of ingredients for a successful date night. Sharing a pudding mattered to 16%, while 14% said laying the table properly helps set the tone. For 13%, sending the kids to a sleepover is the finishing touch.
The survey was commissioned by Charlie Bigham’s to mark the launch of its new Brasserie range for two.
A spokesperson for Charlie Bigham’s said: “The results show that food really is the heart of the home date night. Couples are increasingly looking to recreate the restaurant experience at home – not just for special occasions, but as part of their date nights or monthly treats. Our Brasserie range offers restaurant-quality dishes designed to make these evenings effortless yet memorable. From hand-crafted Beef Wellingtons to indulgent Coq au Vin, the range has been created to bring that same sense of occasion into the home.”
For most romantic Brits, regular date nights matter. 77% believe they help keep a relationship strong, with three nights a month seen as the ideal rhythm. Staying in also makes it easier to talk for 51%, while 36% feel more relaxed at home and 56% appreciate saving money.
