We all know from experience that every relationship is different. That’s why on Valentine’s Day, deciding on the perfect date for your perfect mate can get a bit complicated. That’s where we come in.
We’ve come up with our Top Ten suggestions for celebrating Valentine’s Day in London, designed to suit any duo, from the traditional lovebirds to the more playful pair. And if you happen to be single, don’t write off February 14th just yet. With all that love in the air, it’s one of the best days of the year to meet someone new, or celebrate some of the other relationships in your life (like the friends who supported you through that last breakup, maybe?).
So help Cupid do his work and make this your best Valentine’s Day ever, using our guide below. Don’t forget to indulge your taste buds on this holiday as well—remember, nothing says, ‘I love you’, quite like a fantastic meal.
THE FUN ONES
- Get 1920s Glamorous at a Cabaret: This V-Day, Holborn’s burlesque and cabaret club Volupté is hosting a fantastic party for all the soldiers and sailors returning from the First World War. Yes, you read that right. This is a ‘Blitz Party’, the kind with costumes—men are expected to wear vintage military uniforms while women make a splash in 1920s bombshell attire. There will be a 3-course dinner, as well as air raid sirens, a black out and performances inspired by the decade. The cocktail bar opens at 4:30pm. The party is priced at £75 per person. http://www.volupte-lounge.com/.
- Pucker For Your Tucker: At global food restaurant Giraffe, Valentine’s Day is a chance to show off your best kissy-face. Fans are asked to “pucker for their tucker” and upload a photo of their best pout via twitter—tweet @giraffetweet and #puckerforyourtucker—or on facebook.com/girafferestaurants from 6th until 13th February. The best air-kissers have the chance to win a free Valentine’s Day dinner for two at Giraffe. The restaurant has a special menu for the day, making it a great place to bring a date. www.giraffe.net
THE SINGLES
- Meet Your Match Over a Glass: Wine says a lot about a person. If your taste buds match up with someone else’s, who knows what else you’ll have in common? On the 13th of February, The Avalon in Clapham is hosting a singles wine tasting. The wine will be divided into four groups—fizzes, whites, reds and sweet stickies, and guests will be able to rank their favourites from each category. If two singles’ top choices match, they will win a date at The Avalon on Valentine’s Day. Pricing is set at £10 per person. www.theavalonlondon.com.
- Toast to Your Drama-Free Life: Romance? Who needs it? If all of the cuteness of Valentine’s Day makes you feel ill, feel free to embrace that sentiment at Renaissance Pubs Loathe It event. Quote “Loathe It” while making a reservation at a Renaissance Pub on February 15th and 16th, and receive a complementary bottle of sparkling wine. Go with your friends and poke fun at the holiday all you want. Just don’t be surprised if you meet a like-minded group of good-looking individuals. Cupid has his little tricks. http://www.renaissancepubs.co.uk
THE SWEETHEARTS
- Become a Chocolatier: Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like chocolates. Knowing this, British Chocolatier William Curley is sharing some of his expertise, teaching a masterclass at his workshop in Belgravia. Guests will learn the history of the sweet treat, taste award winning Couture Chocolates, make their own chocolate heart filled with framboise truffle, and finish with a glass of Curley’s special Champagne. The masterclass starts at £100 per person. http://www.williamcurley.co.uk.
- Enjoy Chocolate and a Movie: If you’d rather eat chocolate than make it, here’s the perfect way to spend your Valentine’s Day. Hotel Chocolat is hosting a luxurious chocolate tasting at various Picture House cinemas in London, including those in Stratford East, Clapham, Greenwich and Hackney. The tasting, presided over by chocolate experts, will be followed by a screening of the charming French film, Romantics Anonymous. The film (fittingly) follows the story of a chocolate shop owner and his assistant on the path to love. The event starts at 6:30pm on the 14th of February. http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/.
THE HOPELESS ROMANTICS
- Indulge in an Incredible Meal: Be still, my beating heart. Michelin Chef Marcus Wareing has conjured up an incredible 8-course meal especially for Valentine’s Day. At The Berkley in Knightsbridge, Wareing will be serving up a feast sure to encourage the romance in any relationship. With dishes like Cumbrian lamb with sweetbread, quince, and leek, and homemade Banoffee pie as one of two dessert courses, this dining experience will be one you and your sweetheart will never forget. The evening is priced at £215 per person. www.marcus-wareing.com.
- Find Romance Along the Thames: Looking to have your very own Titanic moment this Valentine’s Day? (Pre-Iceberg, of course.) Hop aboard The Symphony for a Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise along the Thames, and witness some of the most beautiful views in London through the all-glass structure. This comfortable and elegant river-cruiser is a romantic place to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one. Guests will receive a glass of champagne on boarding, a four-course meal and selected beer and wine options. There will also be live entertainment, and a single red rose and souvenir photograph per couple. Prices start at £150 per person. http://www.thamesdinnercruise.co.uk/.
THE OLD SOULS
- Learn About Love From a True Romantic: If you ask us, romance is nothing without good food. That’s the theme being explored at The Food of Love, an exhibit at John Keats’ house near Hampstead, London, on February 12th from 2-4pm. Guests will have the chance to learn about the foods considered to be aphrodisiacs throughout the ages and even give them a try. There will be cooking demonstrations, as well as a display of ingredients and recipe books for reference. Sure to please history buffs or fans of the poet (or fans of food), this is a fun, Valentine’s Day-inspired idea for a date. Event is free with admission to house. http://www.keatshouse.cityoflondon.gov.uk/
- Dance Back In Time: St. Katherine’s Dock is going medieval this February 14th with a Valentine’s Masquerade Ball. The historic Medieval Banquet Hall will be home to this one-off special event, which offers guests a five-course meal interspersed throughout the evening with ballroom dancing and imaginative, themed entertainment (think troubadours, contortionists and jesters). Dress up in your finest costume, and don’t forget your mask. The masquerade will kick off at 6:30pm, and will also feature a bottle of sparkling wine per couple. Priced at £60 per person. http://www.medievalbanquet.com/.
Written By Meghan Perri
Date posted: 10/02/2012
Category: News.
Tags: 14th february, Valentine's Day.
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