Valentine's Day Activities in London
Where to go for dinner:
1. La Fromagerie
Convivial dining is done no better than at La Fromagerie. Guests dine on long communal tables where conversation and laughter is encouraged. The sumptuous menu curated for Valentine’s Day is inspired by the life of one of France’s most distinguished literary figures, Sidonie Gabrielle Colette. Featuring twice baked soufflé, coquilles St. Jacques and prune and Armagnac parfait, each course reflects the diverse cuisine of different regions of France in which she lived, taking you on a culinary journey around the nation not for its romantic flair. Expertly paired wines are included.
From £85pp – See more here:
2. Nobu
Why not try a delectable serving of world-class sushi this Valentine’s Day? Nobu’s incredible 7-course menu of the freshest fare, enjoyed in their extraordinary, contemporary dining room is bound to impress and can be found at their two Mayfair locations for both lunch and dinner.
19 Old Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1LB and
3. Trishna
For something really rather different, try Marylebone’s Trishna which takes classic dishes from around the UK and injects them with the rich flavours of India. Think Dorset crab with coconut and masago and pork belly roast with curry leaves and tellicherry pepper. The bar also serves up mouth-watering favourites inspired by the varying regions of the Indian subcontinent.
From £75pp
Theatre:
There really is no better gift than tickets to a West End show, and the range and talent is ever-growing.
1. All About Eve
With a limited run coming to the Noel Coward Theatre, you’ll want to get in there quick to secure some prized tickets. Telling the story of an ageing Broadway star and an ardent fan who threatens to overtake her stardom, this adaptation stars Gillian Anderson and Lily James, and is set to receive rave reviews. Starting from 2 February, the show will run through to 11 May.
2. The Grinning Man
A darkly comedic adaptation of Les Miserables, The Grinning Man has received several accolades for its outstanding score, set design and unexpected tale. This rather different way of spending Valentine’s Day is found at Trafalgar Studios which holds an intimate 380 spectators.
3. Cirque du Soleil Totem at the Royal Albert Hall
Prepare to be truly wowed. Yes, the world-famous gymnasts and acrobats are taking over RAH until the 26th of February, displaying inconceivable feats of agility and acrobatics. First appearing in 1996 at the Royal Albert Hall, the spectacle is back following a record-breaking, show-stopping tour around the world. Cirque du Soleil Totem is a triumph of remarkable choreography that will leave you agog at the sight of near super-human movement and dance.
Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
Florists:
1. Titania’s Garden
This oasis on the corner of Crawford Street and Upper Montagu Street is an inner city jungle that spills out onto the pavement. The company’s wistful carnations are sure to woo your other half.
25B Crawford Street, W1H 1LJ
2. Wild Things
In the heart of Mayfair you’ll find Wild Things, where the team arrange magnificent creations for an illustrious clientele. With ‘pure love for flowers at their core’, a Wild Things bouquet will certainly ignite passion.
3. Orchidya
Not far away from the Mandeville in aptly named Bloomsbury, you’ll find Orchidya. The floral academy puts together show stopping bouquets and arrangements that are will seriously wow your partner.
4. Equally, the Philippa Craddock stand in Selfridge’s packs a punch when perusing for posies!
Selfridge’s can be found at 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB
Activities:
Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams at the V&A
From its inception in 1947, the Parisian fashion house has forged an illustrious history, dressing Hollywood A-listers and royalty alike - the Dior brand is a household name. The couturier adored Britain nearly as much as his native France, and this exhibition demonstrates the various inspirations and adorations he drew from our side of the Channel.
Tickets between £20-24 2 February – 14 July 2019
V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL
Salted caramel truffle making – Rococo Chocolates Belgravia
Dainty chocolates are synonymous with Valentine’s Day gifting – but why not take that a step further with an expert course in making some of the finest confections found anywhere in the capital? Spend a romantic afternoon emulating the chocolatier supremoes and tantalise those taste buds with your own special creations.
With stores in Belgravia, Covent Garden, Chelsea, Marylebone and Notting Hill, you’re bound to come across the sweet scent wafting out of their doors on a romantic stroll around the capital. Their hand-painted milk chocolate hearts make a pretty parcel this holiday.
Rococo’s expert chocolatiers have even come up with a range for Veganuary if you’ve been following the trend and can’t wait until February to savour something sweet.
Romantic wanders:
Marylebone Lane
Whether window shopping or hunting out that perfect keepsake, winding Marylebone Lane is our choice for a leisurely stroll in the city that permits a little retail therapy. Dotted with independent boutiques, you’d be forgiven for losing a whole afternoon on this little street.
Regent’s Park
Any time of year, Regent’s Park is a favourite for a romantic walk. Including the boating lake, rose gardens, vast open fields and the famous London Zoo, this great green lung in London’s centre is cherished by locals and visitors alike. Make sure to stop by the weird and wonderful sculptures that dot the southern part of the park - the largest of the summer show’s stars have taken up permanent residency now.
And the evergreen Hyde Park
Brimming with leisure seekers whatever the weather, Hyde Park is perfect for an escape from the city, where you can lose yourself with your loved one in the labyrinth of woods waters and gardens.
The Serpentine Gallery is always worth a look in, with exciting exhibitions inside the pavilion and its surrounds.
Take a look here for what is on in February:
But if that all sounds too gentle and you’d rather a thrill, why not a scenic helicopter ride over the city? Follow this link for a romantic ride that will take you sky-high:
https://www.thelondonhelicopter.com