whats a good first date?

i need a place to go for a first date, anyone have any ideas?

i need a place to go for a first date, anyone have any ideas?

i need a place to go for a first date, anyone have any ideas?

i need a place to go for a first date, anyone have any ideas?

Wetherspoons, student union, coffee place, smoothie place, park, tourist attraction, mutual friend's dinner party.

A restaurant, and I don't talk about the ones with fast foods, but with candle light. A cafe is a good alternative.

I like to think of a first date as a bit of a threesome... OK, enough about their best-friend
OK, what I mean here, is that you need to have something that's going to provide a focal or talking point. I mean somewhere that has some kind of activity that you can do together. The best examples are based on your own hobbies and interests... but the bowling suggestion earlier is a good one; an alternative could be at a quiet pub with a feature like a pool table. Bowling and pool are two sports that it's OK to be a bit rubbish at (between mates), but if you're any good at them, then it gives you a chance to shine. An added bonus is that bowling and pool will allow you to discretely "check out their form".
Alternatively, something like a pub quiz could work if you don't fancy doing a physical activity... again it doesn't matter if you're not very good at it (just try to get at least a couple of right answers, and don't come last lol). If you're a "cutesy" type you could go to one of those places where you design and make your own teddy bears. Or just show them whatever you like to do in your spare time; after all, the date is supposedly a chance to show off what a great catch you are (allegedly your honour)
I would avoid Wetherspoons, Student Unions or any other lively place for a first date. I mean, Wetherspoons is fine for getting tanked up with your mates for a big night out, but wouldn't work as a first date when you're trying to get to know someone new and see if you're compatible. In fact, I would avoid anywhere that's "clubby" or "fun-pub" as:-I don't think this is a good idea for a first date. Far too formal (IMHO) and you're likely to be seated for anything up to two hours... and there's just too much chance of uncomfortable silences to develop. in waiting for the meal courses to be prepared. Not to mention, there are some foods that are very difficult to eat in a dignified manner (e.g. meat off the bone). Also, he / she may be judging you on what or how much you're eating. IMHO, a dinner date is more suited for a 3rd or 4th date, when you know a bit more about each other, and can see where the relationship is going.
I like this idea... fully in-line with what I call the "Kis- Kis" philosophy... 'Keep it simple, keep it stupid!' That way there's less stuff that can go wrong, and it's the sort of thing that can easily be abandoned / cut short if the date is going badly (or well )

I like to think of a first date as a bit of a threesome... OK, enough about their best-friend
OK, what I mean here, is that you need to have something that's going to provide a focal or talking point. I mean somewhere that has some kind of activity that you can do together. The best examples are based on your own hobbies and interests... but the bowling suggestion earlier is a good one; an alternative could be at a quiet pub with a feature like a pool table. Bowling and pool are two sports that it's OK to be a bit rubbish at (between mates), but if you're any good at them, then it gives you a chance to shine. An added bonus is that bowling and pool will allow you to discretely "check out their form".
Alternatively, something like a pub quiz could work if you don't fancy doing a physical activity... again it doesn't matter if you're not very good at it (just try to get at least a couple of right answers, and don't come last lol). If you're a "cutesy" type you could go to one of those places where you design and make your own teddy bears. Or just show them whatever you like to do in your spare time; after all, the date is supposedly a chance to show off what a great catch you are (allegedly your honour)
I would avoid Wetherspoons, Student Unions or any other lively place for a first date. I mean, Wetherspoons is fine for getting tanked up with your mates for a big night out, but wouldn't work as a first date when you're trying to get to know someone new and see if you're compatible. In fact, I would avoid anywhere that's "clubby" or "fun-pub" as:-

I don't think this is a good idea for a first date. Far too formal (IMHO) and you're likely to be seated for anything up to two hours... and there's just too much chance of uncomfortable silences to develop. in waiting for the meal courses to be prepared. Not to mention, there are some foods that are very difficult to eat in a dignified manner (e.g. meat off the bone). Also, he / she may be judging you on what or how much you're eating. IMHO, a dinner date is more suited for a 3rd or 4th date, when you know a bit more about each other, and can see where the relationship is going.
I like this idea... fully in-line with what I call the "Kis- Kis" philosophy... 'Keep it simple, keep it stupid!' That way there's less stuff that can go wrong, and it's the sort of thing that can easily be abandoned / cut short if the date is going badly (or well )

"I would avoid Wetherspoons, Student Unions or any other lively place for a first date. I mean, Wetherspoons is fine for getting tanked up with your mates for a big night out, but wouldn't work as a first date when you're trying to get to know someone new and see if you're compatible. In fact, I would avoid anywhere that's "clubby" or "fun-pub" as:-
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1) You need to be able to talk to each other in a calm comfortable manner. You don't want to be competing with the bassline of the latest Taylor Swift song to get their attention.
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2) Chances are either you or your date will be distracted by all the hot scantily clad totty in the place... the other person will spot this and think less of them."
Most of the time when I go to Wetherspoons I drink orange juice or water and my date drinks coffee.
There's no music in Wetherspoons. as their general policy. It's something they're famous for. There is the odd exception to this - on Friday and Saturday nights in some 'Spoons. But nearly all of them / nearly all the time, they're a canned music free zone.
If I walked into a Wetherspoons for a date and they had music on, I'd say "I'm sorry this isn't what I was expecting. Let's go someplace else."
What sort of a moron has roving eyes on a first date? The sort of person that doesn't deserve a 2nd date.
It's easy to act with class and manners on a first date. You just avoid doing really dumb stuff.

Good point. What would you suggest for a first date then? walking through a park in summer to talk with each other?

I'd avoid spoons as they normally look a bit tacky. If your going for alcohol then select a nice bar.

The main point I was trying to make is that Weatherspoon's and similar venues have a reputation for being busy and lively places, and that there are a lot of potential distractions that can interrupt or interfere with your date; music and other totty were just examples, but they could be anything. Still, sticking with the whole "perving" thingy, it's not about blatant gawping or having "roving eyes" per se, you may go out with someone and you or they are momentarily distracted by another person... even if it's only for a split-second, it's still something their date may pick up on and deduct brownie points. It's worth noting, this works both ways and for both parties; safer for them and their date. Fair enough, you may find a quiet booth somewhere, away from the action... but there's no guarantee of that.
The "I'm sorry, this isn't wat I was expecting. Let's go someplace else" line may work with some people, but others may see that as poor judgement / planning on your part. This is why (IMHO) it's better to choose somewhere where you know the score... a quieter pub with a feature such as a pool table or a quiz night provides a safe focal point, and you know what you're getting; with minimal distractions. If you don't fancy pool or a pub quiz, there are a catalogue of other themes you can think of, that also show some imagination on your part (e.g. games night, cocktail night etc.)
Anyway, this is just my opinion on the matter.
I suggested a pub with some kind of feature / attraction... and other people have suggested things like bowling or coffee shops. These are good as there's no time pressure and can be cut short or extended, for whatever reason.
The summer walk can be a good idea; especially now Spring is just around the corner. Weather is getting better / warmer and the blossom is also nice to look at, and you can comment on how pretty the scenery is and how it's come to life after winter. Even better, if you both like dogs, take one for a walk if you can (also provides a talking point, and may show a maternal / paternal side to you).
Also, if you live in (or near) London, I think a walk along the Southbank can be a fun and cheap date. There's always lots going on and you go past some of the most famous sites in the world... You can start by Tower Bridge and see the Shard... past the Tate Modern then on past St Pauls Cathedral, by the London Eye, the London Dungeons and The Houses of Parliament etc, all within about 1/2 walk, and not to mention all the amusements / attractions along the way... you've got everything from live acts to skateboarding all along the way. That doesn't cost you anything... apart from maybe the cab / train fare there, and whatever snacks / refreshments you have whilst out.

That's half the point.
It's wise to put yourself in the lover frame and not the provider frame.
If you're going for alcohol it's better if it's not at a rip-off price - when compared to Wetherspoons.
If the other person turns their nose up at a drink and chat in Wetherspoons there's big question marks as to whether they're the sort of person you should be dating. So it's a test. If they're happy having a drink and a chat in 'Spoons, they pass the test.
You're not going out of your way to test them, but at the same time you're not going out your way to not test them.
I prefer to go by reality instead of going by reputation.
Distractions? In a Wetherspoons? There aren't any of any significance to a first date.
The split second looking at other people? That's another test. I wouldn't want to go on a 2nd date with someone that deducted brownie points for me looking at someone else for a split second.
A table in the middle of the pub is better than a quiet booth. As it gives the opportunity - when appropriate - to break the ice with people at nearby tables. Which is a nice demonstration of higher value when done right.
I think it's fair to say that my whole approach and whole mentality when it comes to first dates is very different to yours.
The going to a different pub, if the intended one is too noisy is a prime example of this. I'd be entirely comfortable with such a change of plans.
I'm not going to put any planning into a first date. It's just a first date!
And I'm entirely comfortable with being vulnerable and admitting I've made a mistake. It's a good way to get people to warm to you and feel comfortable with you. When you admit to a mistake and straight away take the right action to fix it.
It's the whole vibe. Relaxed. Spontaneous. And turning the most mundane events into an adventure.
Sometimes the easiest route - when you're clever about the easiest route - is the best route for success.

I agree that a first date should be something simple, and not overthought.... however, I still wouldn't go to a Weatherspoon's pub on a first date, unless it was part of something bigger (e.g. going for a quick quiet drink having done some other activity in town beforehand).
But, as you said, your style may be different from mine... so we can agree to disagree on whether "Weather's" is a good option for a first date lol.
The OP (and anyone else who's interested), can see what we've had to say on the matter, and draw their own conclusions.