Channel 4 and Twenty Twenty Productions have announced that the iconic First Dates restaurant will be relocating to the picturesque city of Bath for its upcoming series. The romantic hotspot, known for its role in the BAFTA-winning dating show, will find a new home at The Botanist bar & restaurant, located in the heart of Bath.
After a decade of matchmaking on screen, maître d’ Fred Sirieix and his team of cupids are eager to ignite sparks between a fresh lineup of blind daters. Filming for the new series will take place this summer, capitalizing on Bath’s status as the UK’s most romantic city and its reputation as the country’s most beautiful city. Bath’s charming period architecture, historic Roman baths, and its association with renowned author Jane Austen add an extra layer of allure to the setting. The Botanist restaurant is housed within the Grade II listed Octagon Chapel, a building from 1766 that Austen is believed to have visited.
The move to Bath not only brings a new ambience to the show but also signifies Twenty Twenty Productions’ commitment to regional production. The company’s new regional hub in Bristol will serve as the base for the First Dates casting team, as well as members of the story and editing teams. Channel 4’s involvement in expanding production outside of London and supporting Bristol’s growing number of productions also underlines their commitment to nurturing talent and fostering the industry’s growth in the region.
First Dates, which premiered in 2013 and has garnered a dedicated following, has undergone various transformations over the years. The tenth anniversary season promises a format refresh, new cast members, and unforgettable dating moments. The programme has earned numerous awards and nominations and has inspired local versions in over 20 countries worldwide. The popularity of the show even led to the creation of a spin-off series called First Dates Hotel, where hopeful daters travel to luxurious hotels in France and Italy in search of love.
Fred Sirieix, the charismatic maître d’, expressed his excitement about the new series, stating, “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 it’s true, so what better place to set the scene for romance to blossom than there!”
James O’Reilly, Creative Director at Twenty Twenty, shared his enthusiasm for the new location, highlighting Bath as an ideal backdrop for the 10th-anniversary season. He emphasised the company’s commitment to producing content in the region and supporting talent in the southwest.
Rita Daniels, Channel 4 Commissioning Editor, expressed her delight with Bath becoming the new location for First Dates, confident that the city’s charm will captivate and enchant the daters, ensuring a special evening filled with romance.
Fans of the show eagerly anticipate the new series set in Bath, where love may blossom against the backdrop of this enchanting city.
