First Dates is back on Channel 4 tonight (Tuesday, August 6), with more hopeful singletons looking for love under the watchful eye of the camera. Maitre d' Fred Siriex and his team are ready to ensure the blind dates run smoothly, provide comforting advice to anxious diners or simply wince at an uncomfortable encounter. Joining Fred are bartender Merlin Griffiths and waitress Cici Coleman, along with other members of the waiting staff including Aoife Smyth, Kofi Yeboah-Mensah, Francesca Martusciello and Jamie McCleave.
First Dates has travelled across the UK, filming in various eateries, but has settled into a new home for the last two series. It's a stunning restaurant that will have you itching to visit and plan a weekend getaway to one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the country. Here's where you can find the First Dates restaurant and how you can reserve a table there.
Where is the First Dates restaurant? The current filming location for First Dates is The Botanist Bar and Restaurant in the heart of Bath city centre. Situated on Milsom Street, the venue is housed within the Grade II-listed Octagon Chapel, built in 1766 and known to be a favourite spot of Jane Austen. The 8,000-square-foot bar and restaurant boasts three entrances, each as pristine and grand as the next.
Merlin Griffiths, who has been a mixologist for over two decades, is particularly fond of what's on offer. The Botanist, which opened its doors in 2019, boasts an 8,000 square foot bar and res.