First Dates

Love is in the air in the UK’s most romantic city, Bath

Channel 4’s BAFTA-winning dating show First Dates has come to Bath to celebrate 10 years of match making.   

Britain’s favourite Maître d’ Fred Sirieix and his team of love experts arrived in Bath to film a brand-new series of First Dates at the charming botanical cocktail bar, The Botanist. Famed for its Roman and Georgian architecture, thermal spring spas, and exquisite food, it’s no wonder Bath has been voted the UK’s most romantic city. But will a new line-up of hopefuls find love here? 

The popular dating show was previously filmed in London and Manchester and the series has racked up a reputation as one of the UK’s favourite feelgood television shows, collecting an array of prestigious awards from around the world. 

The perfect spot for a date night, The Botanist is popular among locals and tourists alike – with stunning floral decor, live music, and the beautiful city of Bath right on its doorstep. The building sits inside the Grade II listed Octagon Chapel, built in 1766 and known to have been visited by iconic English novelist, Jane Austen.  

After a decade of love stories, Bath promises to be the perfect setting for the show. Channel 4 has hinted at some “exciting twists” to accompany the new location including a fresh cast, a format refresh and the most memorable First Dates moments yet. 

After appearing in 2023’s I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, Maître d’ Fred Sirieix expressed his excitement to play cupid in Britain's city of love. He said: 

“Making this new series feels special, celebrating a decade of bringing people together on the show, but there’s always more love to be found. They say Bath is the most romantic City in the UK and its true, so what better place to set the scene for romance to blossom than there!” 

Rita Daniels, Channel 4 Commissioning Editor, said:  

“After 10 years of love stories, I’m thrilled that First Dates has the stunning and romantic city of Bath as its brand-new location. I’m in no doubt that this special place will mesmerize and enthrall all our daters which in turn will ensure they have special evening full of romance.” 

First Dates production company, Twenty Twenty has pledged an ongoing commitment to nurturing talent in the South-West region, helping the industry expand outside of London. Some of the production team will be based in the company’s new regional hub in neighbouring city, Bristol and the offices will be used for the show’s casting, story and editing teams. 

James O’Reilly, Creative Director at Twenty Twenty, said: 

“As well as being the ideal place for our couples to fall for one another, Bath is right on the doorstep of our home in Bristol and reflects Twenty Twenty's commitment to producing programming here in the South-West." 

Fancy seeing sparks fly at the official First Dates restaurant in Bath? You can visit the Botanist website to book and find out more.