Avoid McDonald's For First Dates

Attending a funeral ranked as a better idea than a restaurant first date (Picture: Getty Images/Tetra images RF)

The perfect first date is dependent on a number of factors; how well you click, whether your interests match up, and what kind of mood you’re both in to name a few.

The location is also imperative. You want an element of buzz so you can comfortably chat, but nowhere that’s too loud or doesn’t allow you to make a quick exit if need be.

According to people across the UK, there are some spots to avoid for a first-time rendezvous – McDonald’s being one of them.

Tombola asked 11,000 of their players what their idea of the worst first date is, with 20% rating the cinema as their ultimate no-go.

It makes sense given there’s no opportunity to talk to your date, or even to properly look at them in the darkness of the theatre.

Jessica Alderson, the CEO and co-founder of dating app So Syncd, commented: ‘The goal of a first date is to work out if you both feel a connection and want to continue investing time in each other, and the cinema doesn’t allow for that.’

Teenage boy pretending to yawn in the cinema

The cinema is best avoided (Picture: Getty Images)

Up next was McDonald’s, with 13% of respondents saying the fast food joint was their idea of dating hell – despite the fact 46% of us have had a date there in the past.

‘McDonald’s has a reputation for being cheap and convenient, which gives the impression that someone doesn’t care about impressing their date,’ said Jessica. ‘Not only that, but the lighting is bright, it can be noisy, and there are often kids around.

‘All of these factors aren’t conducive to a romantic atmosphere that enables you to feel a sense of intimacy.’

The worst first date locations, according to Tombola members

Going to the cinema – 20%
McDonald’s – 13%
Staying home – 7%
Going to a parent’s house – 4%
Visiting a restaurant – 4%
Going to a pub/bar – 4%
Swimming – 3%
Watching a football match – 3%
Attending a funeral – 2%
Going to the park – 2%

The ubiquitous ‘Netflix and Chill’ date ranked as fourth worst, with safety concerns around going to someone’s home playing into choices.

Visiting a restaurant appeared as the fifth worst date idea, while going to the pub took sixth. However, attending a funeral surprisingly ranked in ninth place, suggesting it is a better option.

‘Some see [a restaurant] as too intense for a first date since it can be expensive, and you are expected to sit for an extended period of time without knowing if you will get on,’ explained Jessica.

‘With a drinks date, you can make a quick exit if you’re clearly incompatible but when food is involved, you have to sit it out.’

If you’re stumped on where to go, she said: ‘One of the most important aspects is to choose somewhere that enables you to talk and get to know each other.

‘It’s also important to show that you are making an effort by picking a venue that is special and memorable.

‘With that in mind, it’s a safe bet to avoid the worst first date choices from the survey, such as the cinema, McDonald’s, and staying home.’

Jessica advises not overthinking things, as you’ll have a better idea of what the other person enjoys after this initial meetup and can work from there.

She added: ‘Ultimately, even if the first date venue isn’t perfect, it won’t matter much if you both have a good time and hit it off.’

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