About Time: You had FUN on Valentine’s DayBy Rishma Dosani

It’s February 14th. AKA Valentine’s Day. AKA the most romantic day of the entire year. A LOT is riding on today, but if you want to give your loved one a day they’ll never forget, or spend some quality time with your best friend, we’ve got some better ideas than a bottle of warm wine and some petrol station flowers.

Intrigued? You should be…

1. Sing your heart out: Lucky Voice

What: Want to unleash your inner Mariah, sing about how Crazy In Love you are, or tell that one ex that you’re never, ever, ever getting back together? Head down to Lucky Voice and grab a microphone – they’ll sort out the rest. Those lovely folks have got a menu just for Valentine’s Day – 2 pizzas plus a sharer cocktail – and the most incredible chocolate raspberry martini known to man. There’s seriously nothing better than belting out your favourite songs after a drink or 4.

Where: If this sounds like your kind of Valentine’s Day, get yourself over to Lucky Voice in Soho (52 Poland Street, W1F 7NQ), or Islington (173 – 174 Upper Street, N1 1RG) for a night of fun!

When: February 14th, obviously. And if you’re not convinced by all of this, they’ve got a 2 for 1 offer on those delicious specialty cocktails all weekend. Visit their website for more information. 

2. See the sights: Up at The O2

What: If you want to plan something more extravagant than a meal at a nice restaurant, why not head up at the o2? Could you imagine anything better than seeing the most stunning views of London, with a glass of champagne and your partner? Up at The O2 is inviting couples to take part in their new ‘Celebration Climb’, so if you’re adventurous, this is perfect for you! And if you’re not, just think of that selfie.

Where: The O2, in Greenwich.

When: Climb up one of the most iconic buildings in London on February 14th, between 11:30am until 4pm. Trips cost £45 per person, which includes a glass of bubbly and a souvenir photo. Click right here to book. 

3. Have a drink: Quaglino’s

What: Cocktails. Got your attention? Thought so. Quaglino’s, in Mayfair, has thought up a collection of cocktails to celebrate romance, and their menu is the definition of perfect. We don’t want to spoil it all for you before you get there, but there’s a sweet ’50 shades of Blue’ drink and it’s lush. If you can’t pick, there is a ‘His & Her’ option so you can both share. Amazing.

Where: Quaglino’s, at 16 Bury Street, SW1Y 6AJ, is one of our favourite places in London – if you haven’t been, you seriously should, just for the bar alone.

When: The Valentine’s cocktails will be running from the 13th – 14th February, so make sure you pay them a visit. Have a quiet drink before, during or after dinner, you won’t regret it! Book a table by clicking here.

4. Spin the wheel of Temptation: The Savoy hotel

What: Would you prefer a sweet treat (or 6) this Valentine’s Day? The Savoy has launched a temptation wheel, a dining experience featuring our favourite course – desserts, chocolates and cocktails. What more could you actually need? The most perfect thing about this menu is that you can have whatever you want, and so can your partner – so if you want to have a few cocktails, while they load up on cakes, that’s ENCOURAGED!

Where: Want an extravagant celebration? Get to The Savoy Hotel, WC2R 0EU. Their Southern Rose cocktail will change your life.

When: Spin the wheel of temptation this weekend – the Chocolátl needs to be tried to be believed. Check out the menu and book yourself a table here.

5. Get illuminated: Chinese Lantern Festival

What: Want a seriously beautiful way to spend the most romantic day of the year? Head over to the first ever London Chinese Lantern Festival, as Chiswick House Gardens will be transformed into a dazzling array of lights, culture, art and cuisine. There are also life-size flamingos, elephants and zebras nestled among trees – it truly is an illuminated wonderland.

Where: If this is up your street, and it should be, head over to Chiswick House Gardens, W4 2QN.

When: The festival is running from Wednesday, February 3rd until March 6th, and tickets in advance are £16. Visit their website here for more information.