The Crabtree, Fulham

We feel that there's no greater acclaim from us here at The Daterbase than to say a venue fits into your afternoon or evening's plans at absolutely any stage. The Crabtree, by the river in Fulham, is one such place. Go here as a meet-point for your date in Fulham, Hammersmith, Putney or beyond or end your night here after an afternoon of lazing in Bishop's Park. Hell, even spend your whole date here! It really is that good. A classic date venue given how relatively unknown it is and how great the food and drinks on offer are. OK, it's a little off the beaten track (and a little hard to find, if we're honest) but don't let minor details like that put you off!

If you've ever been to The Coat & Badge in Putney, you'll know how popular the semi-smart, spruced up gastropub is in these parts. Well, meet The Coat & Badge's friendlier and prettier younger sister. No pushing past a gauntlet of baby buggies in the garden here, and no red-socked, Gant-pullovered Hugos talking too loudly about next month' trip to Courchevel (OK, there's one or two: you are still in Fulham, after all).

But you needn't fret. The beer garden here is big enough to hide yourself away from the real world for a while. Go here in the summer months and there's a good chance you'll find the chefs behind the BBQ in the middle if the garden. If they are, you're in luck. The Greek salad here is one of the best we've tasted (admittedly, we've not tasted that many) and will make the perfect accompaniment to the excellent burger and chips also on offer (we have tasted a few of those).

The food on the "proper" menu isn't bad, either. So, they might not be reinventing the wheel with the gastropub classics on offer, but you'll be surprised at how great simple food can be given the right setting (and the right company, of course).

If wine's your thing, the wine list here is another weapon in its armoury. Knowledgeable staff will help you make the perfect decision, so need to panic and blurt out the only pronounceable name. Your date will think they are here with the next Oz Clarke, but better still you will have a nice tasting drink to suit your mood.

But, for us, the jewel in the crown is the array of beers and ciders on offer - isn't it always? - and the perfect excuse to spend longer in here than you may have originally planned. As with many of London's real ale pubs, The Crabtree have tried to keep their guest ales on a strict rotation policy, and increasingly popular IPAs and craft beers are becoming a regular feature. What better excuse to come here, then?

At The Daterbase we think that this place is perhaps best enjoyed as the perfect pit-stop on a lazy stroll along the river from Hammersmith or Putney bridges, but don't let us be the judge and jury here. This is one place you simply have to try for yourself!

Oh, and try to avoid during the football season whenever Fulham are at home. It gets busy...