Now that we’re living in West Hampstead we’re struggling not to eat out all the time and try all the new places!

One restaurant we find ourselves drawn to repeatedly–because it’s scrummy and because it’s not breaking our budget–is J. It’s not fancy but I love love love the pizzas and they have a two for one offer on mains (pizza, pasta, etc) in the evenings that makes it a great value. Last Friday we shared a bottle of wine, two filling pizzas and a tiramisu and it came to £34 before tip–not too bad.

My one suggestion is no matter how much you think you like spicy pizza, think twice before ordering J’s version of the American Hot (I can’t remember the name). They are generous with the Bird’s Eye Chilies and you may find yourself, like I did, in tears!

J’s doesn’t have a website and a quick google search tells me there is at least one other location in Primrose Hill. The West Hampstead one is at 218 West End Lane. Here are some other reviews.

I’ve mentioned the Geronimo Club before. If you live near one of their pubs, you’re just mad not to join–all they do is send you great offers on scrummy food and drink!

This week I got an email with all of these brilliant vouchers:

• Free bloody mary and bacon butty for every guest the morning after a Christmas party hosted by a club member
• Free mulled Aspalls cider or mulled wine the hour before the kickoff of international rugby matches
• Two for one main, starter and pudding on Tuesday 10th November
• Free entry for a team of four to your local quiz the week commencing 16th November

Sign up, you just can’t go wrong…

If you’re a Cineworld Unlimited member like E and me, I’ve got good news for you.

With your membership card and this voucher you’ll get two mains for just £10 at Zizzi through 15th November.

Yep, there are some terms (no meals from the pesce and carne section of the menu) and date limitations (Sunday through Thursday only), but hey, they’re giving the discounts they can make the rules.

Let me also just say that if you like to go to the movies at least twice a month and live near a Cineworld, the Unlimited pass will save you money. It is £13.50/month outside of London West End and £16.50/month (we signed on when it was just £15/month though, and I’m wondering when they’ll catch on) if you want to go to Chelsea, Fulham, Haymarket, etc.

The Telegraph’s annual ‘Dine Out from £10‘ promotion is running now through April 2010. For £10 and up you’ll enjoy two courses at more than 650 restaurants nationwide.

To take advantage, search by postcode from among “pubs and cosy inns to chic, city hotel dining, modern diners, curry houses and some nationwide brands that you know and love.” Then book your reservation, print your voucher and surprise your sweetie with a night out!

Unfortunately this isn’t really one for Londoners as the closest restaurants included are in Cambridge and Braintree.

Brasserie James in Clapham has a fantastic offer on Mondays and Tuesdays.

For £6 per person you’re treated to six lovely courses in a classy, upmarket atmosphere making it a can’t miss.

Don’t forget to pre-book for this one! 020 8772 0057

A great thing about living in London is that some of the world’s best museums are free. To truly take advantage, plan an evening visit away from the hordes of tourists and school field trips.

One of our favourite cheap dates is wandering around the nearly empty exhibits at the Tate Modern on a Saturday night and then treating ourselves to a glass of wine. The members bar has a lovely view so if you have any friends with memberships see if you can borrow their card!

Here is a clip ‘n save guide to late night hours at London’s museums (click for large size):

It’s not fancy, but My Old Dutch has one of the best Date Night deals around with its Monday Madness offer. From 11 to 11 every Monday you can get any pancake (off the menu, no make your owns) for only £5. That means you can each have a savoury pancake and split a sweet pancake for less than a tenner a piece. Scrummy!

Browns has a great deal where if you join their loyalty programme by becoming a Friend of Browns, they’ll give you a fantastic voucher for dinner for two that includes two courses and a bottle of wine for £29, any night between Monday and Thursday. You choose off of the Friend of Browns menu, which is not limited in the least, and includes their popular fish cakes. Make sure you join up within a few days of the day you’d like to have your date night, because the voucher will only be good for a couple of weeks after you join.

If you feel like an additional splurge, Browns also has a fun ongoing special called Martini Nights. Sunday through Wednesday from 4pm on, all signature cocktails are £3.50.

I think date night is important for mums and dads, especially when you’re watching your budget, which can be stressful. If you’re diligent about searching for vouchers and special offers, you can even have a posh night out on the town without breaking the bank. The latest night out deal we found in London was at Sophie’s on Fulham Road, which is offering steak and chips plus a glass of wine for £9.95, any night of the week except Saturday if you come by before 7pm.

For afterward, sign up for the Geronimo Club and get a voucher emailed to you for a free drink at any one of their pubs, including the Builder’s Arms nearby.

Enjoy!