Will you be my Valentine

So yes, it’s that time of year again. To some it’s slightly dreaded, to others it’s all just another opportunity to sell us stuff and whilst it’s true us Brits certainly don’t take Valentine’s Day quite as seriously as the Americans, we can still enjoy some of the perks that come with this occasion.

But gone are the boring and predictable dinners where each table is adorned with a measly rose. yawn.. Whether you’re single and dating or in a relationship here are my top picks for doing something a bit different in London this Valentine’s Day.

Date Ideas…

VALENTINE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP

 

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Hosted by Betty Etiquette why don’t you and your date head down to Liberty near Oxford Circus and learn the art of calligraphy. You will learn basic letter formation using a dip ink pen and then put your newly acquired skills to good use as you can make your special someone a Valentine’s Day card to remember. Now that’s much more fun than popping into Clinton’s last minute and buying something with a lame card with a bear or flower on it… (yeah don’t do that).

  • When: 7th Feb, 10am – 1pm

  • Where: Liberty London

  • Price: £40 per class

  • VALENTINE'S DAY COOKERY CLASS AT BILLINGSGATE SEAFOOD SCHOOL

If you’d rather opt for cookery than calligraphy than you might prefer to do a cookery class at Billingsgate Seafood School. This one-off class gives couples real hands on experience preparing and cooking a fabulous 3 course meal to enjoy in the comfort of your home. Once you’ve both mastered your meal you’ll be able to take it home and pop it in the over ready for a romantic evening for two.

Get greeted with Prosecco and pastries, lean how to prepare and cook fish and shellfish and understand how to pair wine with fish/shellfish.

  • When: 14th Feb, 9.30 am for 5 hours

  • Where: Liberty London

  • Price: £250

69 COLEBROOK ROW

If you’re more into your drinking than your eating why not head to one of London’s best and award-winning cocktail bar. Located on a quiet street in Islington 69 Colebrook Row has become synonymous with some of the most deliciously different cocktails London has to offer including the ‘Death in Venice’ and the ‘Fig Leaf Collins’. It’s definitely worth a try.

  • When: Anytime but best to book in advance as it’s pretty popular

  • Where: Islington

  • DUKES BAR

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For a truly quintessential British experience Duke’s bar is up with the best. Situated in St. James’s the legendary bar can be found within Dukes hotel, a luxury and sophisticated hotel only five minutes from Buckingham Palace. It’s known for its famous martinis of course. Order one and prepare for theatrics as a trolley comes out bearing their very own vermouth.

It’s romantic, it’s decadent and it’s the perfect ambiance for good conversation.

  • When: Anytime

  • Where: St James’s

THE DECK VALENTINES RESTAURANT

Opening to the public for one night only The Deck at The National Theatre is being transformed into a stunning pop up restaurant for Valentine’s Day. With stunning views of the London skyline this could be a really fun and different way to treat your date. The ticket includes welcome drinks and a four course dinner.

  • When: 14th Feb

  • Where: Southbank, SE1

  • Price: £75 per person

BROKEN HEART AND PROMISES

This rather fun popup takes place in Bloomsbury House, a lovely townhouse in London where you can enjoy cocktails, dancing and a screening of True Romance while you’re at it. There’s also a ‘kissing photobooth’, heart shaped piñatas and a cinema lounge. Aimed at people wanting to bring their friends, foes or lovers this is ideal if you fancy doing something a bit different.

  • When: 14th Feb from 7pm

  • Where: Bloomsbury Townhouse

  • Price: £25

If You’re Single…

 THERE SHE GLOWS

If you’re single and want to make sure you’re not cooped up at home on Valentine’s Day why don’t you love yourself, spoil yourself and do a workshop that’s all about YOU. There She Glows is a designed to make you feel fabulous by indulging in a two hour session on how to create all natural, non-toxic homemade skin products. You’ll go away from the workshop having created 4 indulgent valentine themed products including body wash, body oil, leg shaving lotion and illuminating face highlighter.

  • When: 14th Feb

  • Where: Leonard Street, EC2

  • Price: £20

DOWN WITH DATING

If you’re single and rather fed up with dating this one is for you. Described by people who have previously attended as ‘delightfully hateful’, ‘Down with Dating’ is a hilariously different and fabulously British way to enjoy Valentine’s Day.

This anti-dating night promises the most alternative way to meet people. Events include ‘speed-hating’ and ‘blind hate’. Taking place at the Pheonix, Cavendish Square this could be a lot of fun.

Asprey Introductions