Valentine’s Day: 8 ways to spend the most romantic day of the yearBy Rishma Dosani
1. Ryan Gosling: Hush London
What: If you’ve managed to keep reading after that ^, good on you! Those amazing lot at Hush London have come up with one of the most amazing Valentine’s Day experiences we can think of, apart from the other 9 below! They’ve transformed their famous courtyard into the ultimate outdoor cinema and have decided to show a special screening of The Notebook this Valentine’s Day! Take your other half to this luxurious hideaway, wrap up warm with bespoke blankets and enjoy a host of treats whilst Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams perform their iconic love story.
Where: Enjoy the show with delicious winter cocktails , gourmet popcorn, and dishes from the ’Ski Season’ menu. From a piping hot beef stroganoff to a truffled chicken kiev served on a bed of truffled cheese risotto. All at Mayfair’s Hush, 8 Lancashire Court, Brook Street, London W1S 1EY
When: Valentine’s Day (Saturday, 14th February!) The Notebook is screening as part of Hush’s Classics in the Courtyard, a winter programme complete with classic film showings. Tickets can be booked on 0207 659 1500, with a £10 cover charge per table. Enjoy it, we know we will be!
2. Attend a masquerade: Library London
What: How did people spend Valentine’s Day in the (sort of) olden days? Feasting and attending a masquerade ball of course. Now that it’s 2015, the great guys over at LIBRARY have decided to carry on these traditions with a masked ball. The theme is the greatest battle in history, Montagues vs Capulets. Upon entering guests will be given Black (Montague) or Red (Capulet) masks – pick wisely!
Where: For a ball with a difference, there’s only really one place we suggest. With live DJs, burlesque, and tasteful erotic photography on Juliet’s Balcony’, as well as food and drinks, what else would you need? Get on over to LIBRARY, 112 Library, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4BD!
When: See Valentine’s Day in the right way, on Friday February 13th. Tickets are £30 for the general public and doors open at 8pm.
3. Art for Lovers: The Tate Modern
What: This Valentine’s Day, why not treat that special someone to a romantic dinner at Tate Modern’s 6th Floor Restaurant, the perfect setting for an idyllic meal for two. Not only has the restaurant devised an exclusive four course tasting menu for the night but it boasts the most incredible views across London, making it one of London’s hidden gems for 14th February! Each dish comes with the option of a flight of wines carefully selected by award winning Sommelier Hamish Anderson, and the art isn’t too shabby either!
Where: The Tate Modern isn’t just an art gallery, with the restaurant curating mouth watering dishes, and wines to go alongside each course. And what’s more, the bar will also be available if you want to pop in and have a Valentine’s cocktail or two! Get yourself to Bankside, London, SE1 9TG, for something extra special.
When: The restaurant is open 7-days-a week, so head over any time. To book a table, call them on 020 7887 8888. Trust us, their food is exquisite and needs to be tried to be believed!
4. Yummy bespoke cocktails: The Warwick
What: If you want a bit of a ‘quiet’ celebration with your loved one, but still want to impress, can we introduce you to The Warwick? The stunning bar is nestled in London’s Soho, and is a real find! From lovely staff, a fantastic atmosphere and possibly the nicest Jelly Belly cocktails we think we’ve ever had the pleasure of drinking. The Warwick really is a fantastic place to spend Valentine’s Day, or any day really. We’ve decided the bar is officially our new local!
Where: The Warwick is a really great place to relax, unwind and enjoy a drink! They don’t try too hard to be cool, they radiate it. For a quiet but fun Feb 14th, get yourself down to 1-3 Warwick Street, Soho, W1B 5LR.
When: They’re serving their epic Jelly Belly cocktail for a while, but this is a Valentine’s guide so there’s really only one time we’re going to tell you to go there – VALENTINE’S DAY.
5. Champagne. Chick flicks. Fine cuisine. : Charlotte Street Hotel
What: Why not enjoy an evening of classic romance at Charlotte Street Hotel on the most romantic day of the year? Take your seats in the hotel’s state-of-the-art cosy private cinema, for a special screening of possibly the most romantic film ever made: CASABLANCA! Those lovely folks at the hotel have also sorted our your dinner, with a table for two at Oscar Restaurant after the film, with a special Valentine’s Day menu and champagne. Lush.
Where: To spend your day treating your partner to the traditional date of dinner, a movie and lots of bubbles, there really is nowhere better than the gorgeous Charlotte Street Hotel. Get yourself down to 15 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 1RJ for a great evening!
When: Valentine’s Day of course! The experience is £65 each, and completely worth it for the food alone! To make sure you don’t miss a minute of the film, or sip of the champers, head here and book your place!
6. Afternoon tea with a view: SkyLounge London
What: If you’ve got loads of things planned for the big V day, or nothing at all and need some inspiration, why not head to the stunning SkyLounge? They’ve got a pretty sweet afternoon tea and it is immense! Enjoy a sumptuous romantic feast, with sensual bites, and a luscious 50 Shades-themed cocktail, AND admire spectacular views of the city from Tower Bridge’s chicest rooftop bar. What more do you want?!
Where: SkyLounge in London’s beautiful Tower Hill, The rooftop bar has the most breathtaking views of the city, so grab your boyfriend, or anyone you love dearly and head on over to 7 Pepys Street, Tower Hill, EC3N 4AF.
When: The ‘All loved up’ afternoon tea costs £30 per person and is available throughout February. If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, there will be caviar, truffle mayo, cupcakes and something called a love boat! And their cocktails are to die for!
7. For the out of this world experience: Up at the o2
What: Want to give your girl/boyfriend a Valentine’s Day they’ll never, ever forget? Trust us, ditch the overdone flowers and chocolates, the overpriced and over packed restaurants and the cringeworthy over the top declarations. Take the person you love most to the top of one of London’s best landmarks! Our advice is to go at dusk for the most spectacular, unrivalled views of the city. Valentine’s Day has never been so exciting.
Where: The Millennium Dome. The o2 arena. The place where McBusted reunited and Beyonce held her epic tour. Whatever you want to call it, it’s the ultimate Valentine’s Day destination now. It’s at Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX.
When: Climbs take place everyday from sunrise, so basically whenever you want! Tickets are £33 each, and we’d book as soon as possible if we were you! To make sure you don’t miss out, click here and book your romantic date!
8. For the singles: #BarTinder
What: If you’re single, you’re probably not all that keen on Valentine’s Day, and just want to spend it with your single friends and getting pretty drunk. We’ve been there, done that and got the hangovers the next day. This year, why not try something different, and maybe more fun? Farringdon’s Barsmith is playing host to a special anti-Valentine’s Day event that will bring London’s singles together for the evening. Think Tinder in real life. If that doesn’t whet your appetite, there will be 2for1 cocktails all evening!
Where: For Valentine’s Day with a difference, grab all your single friends and head on down to 18 St John Street, Farringdon, EC1M 4AY. Cocktails, potential loves of your lives, and more cocktails. Sounds perfect.
When: Saturday, February 14th, obviously! Whether you’re single, taken or ‘it’s complicated’, the #BarTinder night looks set to be a great night for all. AND if you RSVP on their Facebook page, you get a free drink on arrival! What more could you possibly want?
