We understand that London can be a bit daunting when it comes to deciding where to go and what to do – especially when trying to impress someone special for Valentine’s Day. That’s why we’ve rounded up a whole host of fun and quirky date ideas for you and your loved one this February.
But first, be sure to join us on February 14th to enjoy the soulful sounds of Blue Rose Jazz. Enjoy all your favourites performed in a new and innovative way, while still honouring that wonderful sound of the golden era of Hollywood. Blue Rose Jazz will take you on a musical journey through the jazz repertoires of the past 100 years.
Before we delve into more date night ideas, let us tempt you with our Valentine’s menu at Mr. White’s English Chophouse. To start your night, take advantage of our 2 for 1 offer on Grey Goose French Martini cocktails. Our delicious menu consists of three tempting courses, from a 28-day aged Chateaubriand to share or a Lancashire hotpot served with Boxtree braised red cabbage. If that isn’t tempting enough, we’re sure our delicious trio of desserts certainly is.
If you’d like to make a weekend of it, then don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. From the 13th – 17th February, enjoy a Valentine’s Stay here at the New Road Hotel. Our special offer includes a romantic overnight stay for two with a three-course Valentine’s dinner and breakfast included – all for just £179. We’ll even decorate your room to create the perfect romantic ambience.
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If you and your partner are early birds rather than night owls, our Weekend Brunch makes the perfect date. Enjoy your favourite breakfast dishes from our selection of irresistible sweet treats and mouth-watering all-day breakfasts. Plus, why not add on bottomless drinks? 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco, Bellini’s, mimosas and bloody marys for just £19.95. Mocktails are also available if you’d prefer, for just £9.95.
Fed up of awkward cinema dates? Well, this is unlike any cinema you’ve ever visited. Based in London, Secret Cinema specializes in bringing television and films to life with interactive performances in exciting purpose-built sets. The founder, Fabien Riggall, has said that his company quite literally came from a dream he had as a child, asking “what if you could live in a film?” If that isn’t intriguing enough, the latest franchise to receive the Secret Cinema treatment is modern cult-favourite Stranger Things. The beloved Netflix series will be brought to life until the 1st March – plenty of time to take an avid Stranger Things fan out for a truly memorable experience.
Let’s be honest, even the best of us suffer from first-date nerves – who doesn’t? From the paranoia of whether you have Bolognese sauce around your mouth to worrying if the top you’re wearing is a bit too much. Well, Dans Le Noir will – quite literally – switch off those worries.
Perfect for a unique and romantic dinner date, the main concept behind this restaurant is that eating a meal in pitch-black darkness will heighten your other senses – allowing you to appreciate the taste, texture and smell of the food a lot more than you usually would.
London has a lot to offer when it comes to its museums and galleries – free entry, interactive displays and most of them even have late closing times. It’s also a well-known fact that London can be very expensive, so why not make an evening of it with your loved one and have a wander around the city’s renowned museums for free?
Whitechapel Gallery is one of the many galleries in London open till late, offering a research centre, films, talks, performances and free Curator’s Tours until 9pm on Thursdays – perfect if you’re looking for a simple and romantic evening with a bit of culture. The Whitechapel Refectory will also be open for food and drink until 11pm if you start to feel a bit peckish by the end of the night.
Sometimes, less really is more. If you’re looking for a simple but sweet date idea, then a stroll along the Columbia Road Flower Market would be perfect for you. Located in the East End every Sunday, Columbia Road is transformed into an ‘oasis of foliage and flowers’ and the air is filled with a beautiful floral scent along the street. Columbia Road is also known for its row of sixty independent shops, from cupcake bakeries to English and Italian delis for you to browse and explore throughout the day.
Looking for something a bit more thrilling? Modern Fables Escape Rooms will certainly tick that box. Described as a ‘borderline immersive experience’, the award-winning escape game will push your imagination with an intriguing storyline for each room. There are three main escape rooms to choose from: The Oracles, Hypersomnia, and The Escapist. Each escape room has a different storyline, from investigating mysteries questioned by mankind for many centuries to solving the unexplained disappearance of a bar owner in the 1920s. Located near Broadway Market, in Hackney, the escape rooms are close to numerous pubs and restaurants for you to visit before or after your experience.
Genesis Cinema is a local favourite. Located in the heart of East London, Genesis has much more of a luxurious feel than your average cinema. Lounge on armchairs and sofas while you enjoy the latest flicks. There are even blankets available, just in case you wanted to snuggle up with your loved one during a film. Upstairs, in the heart of the cinema, visit Bar Paragon, where you can sip on your favourite cocktail whilst watching enjoying a weekly live music night.