Ideas for Valentine's Day 2008 in London

Like it or not, Valentines Day is here and without all the cheer and wonder of a national holiday, it’s probably the only other date on the calendar that gets almost as much widespread hoo-haa as Christmas. So if you’re one of those fortunate souls whose other-half willingly flaunts their irreverent attitude to doing something public on this ever-fateful day, then you can quite happily ignore our guide or, better yet, do something out of joy, love, passion… not weird obligation…

For those who are promised some expectant foot-tapping come February 14th, here’s a quick background on one of the reasons why we put ourselves (or are put) through this every year.

Legend has it that way back around 270 AD, Emperor Claudius II of Rome decided that single men made generally better fighters and decreed that marriage be illegal for young men. So up steps Valentine, seeing the injustice of this, and begins conducting secret marriages of young lovers – the pious rogue! Needless to say, Valentine got found out and promptly put to a grisly death

So with that out of the way, here are a few ideas of what to do in London to get you both in the mood:


Take a walk…

Frolick in Hampton Court Palace’s garden maze. Get lost, lose yourself, find each other: you know the score!

Leisurely late evening stroll through Kew Gardens, followed by an exquisite four course meal and unlimited drinks. Not cheap but should do the trick


Be serenaded…

Valentine’s Day Love Classics at the Barbican. Hear true classical greats like Tchaikovsky’s Suite from Swan Lake, Debussy’s Clair De Lune and more. Get into a cosy, cultured mood. Free rose for every couple

or

The Vauxhall UK Beatbox Championships at the Islington Carling Academy. Loud, fun and impressive human beatbox masters battle it out in the London heat of this national tournament. No pressure, no sentimentalism…


Be entertained…

Watch an open air screening of Brief Encounter outside the National Theatre on the Southbank. Noel Coward’s celebrated story of repressed 1940s passion on Milford Junction railway station, perfect for getting warm and cosy with a blanket…

Check out the Eye Love London Eye makeover, seeing is believing


Do something slightly different…

Loss; Hendrick’s Valentine’s Day Ball. With a dress code of ‘decaying beauty’ this might not quite be everyone’s night on the town. A different Valentine’s option, definitely worth having a look

Knock back complimentary cocktails on the 12th Feb at the Monkey Shoulder Appreciation Society and pick up some pre-Valentine's witty tips on the Art of Seduction with bestselling author and Guardian columnist Guy Browning


Have a drink…

Rhodes24 – ultra-modern cocktail bar with unparalleled views over the city. Very NYC.

Le Quecumbar – perfect for a romantic, atmospheric drink. 20s Parisian swing bar with live music every night

Go out dancing at Lost Society – Clapham’s most dazzling late-night bar restaurant


Have a meal…

Beach Blanket Babylon Shoreditch – Notting Hill’s slice of Gaudi-inspired indulgence comes to the ‘ditch. Decadent enough to impress…

No.5 Cavendish Square – sophisticated restaurant, bar and members nightclub housed in a stunning Georgian building…

Margarita Loca – Light, upbeat and welcoming place serving up notorious cocktails and first-rate Mexican food

Floridita – Classy Cuban-inspired restaurant with exceptional Valentine’s Day menu:


…And if it all goes wrong

Nothing says “Wow I really ballsed it up this time, but damn I’m sorry” like a beautiful bouquet. Check out Interflora’s special selections for Valentines Day...


Or get out of the city with our Valentine’s Day guide for the rest of the UK

Chris Lord, MyVillage, 22nd January