Whether you’re a singleton or one half of a sickeningly loved-up couple, Valentines Day is a special day that can’t be missed
From luxury cinema experiences and decadent pyjama parties to all-out marriage proposal services at The Shard, you’re sure to find something in London to suit your taste, budget and preferred levels of commitment below…
1) Have a Tipsy Tea Party at Mr Fogg’s
Mr Fogg’s of Mayfair doesn’t just have a gorgeous website it also hosts a Tipsy Tea party every weekend, which thankfully means that this year it will be happening on both the 13th and 14th February. Offering a selection of champagne and gin teas alongside the usual afternoon tea fare of sandwiches, cakes and dainty macaroons, the cost is a pretty reasonable £38 per person. Book you’re places soon though, this place is super popular.
Dates– 13th or 14th February
Cost– £38 per person
2) Lose Your Cherry and Your Inhibitions at Kettner’s.
The Head Bartender at Kettner’s of Soho has created two exclusive cocktails for 2016’s Valentine’s period. Available only between the 6th and the 15th of February, ‘Lost My Cherry’ is a tasty martini with a sunken cherry and handmade pink sugar rim, while ‘The Old Soho Fox’ offers a special take on the ever-popular ‘Old Fashioned’. If you’re feeling flush (and probably rather flushed!) afterwards, you can then treat yourself and your partner to a 3-course meal in the restaurant. Or just yourself. We’re not here to judge.
Dates– 6th to the 15th February
Cost– £49.50 per person for the 3-course menu
3) Snuggle up at The Electric Theatre
Hire a comfortable sofa on the front row at the Electric Theatre for this one-day only event; “Morricone In Love”. Described as ‘a fusion of live music and cinema’, we’re struggling to do justice in explaining the rest, so you’ll have to check out the website if you want to know more. Prices start at £35 for an adult armchair and £70 for a front or back row sofa.
Date– 14th February
Cost– £35 per person or £70 for a shared sofa
4) Embrace the traditional night in!
Everyone says that roses and chocolates are so overdone… and yet listening to the same Christmas music and eating the same Easter chocolates every year is entirely acceptable! This year, break tradition by embracing the traditional and do Valentines Day the good old way. We’re talking Milk Tray, a cheap bottle of supermarket bubbly and a trashy rom-com. You’ll save a fortune and might just have your best Valentines Day yet! Or, if this sounds appealing but you fancy making it a bit more special, book a Clarendon apartment for a month and relax.
Date– any night you fancy!
Cost– whatever your budget allows
5) File High with friends at MW Nails
A great solution if you’re single or planning to spend the big day away from your partner. The awesome MW Nails in Old Spitalfields market is decked out inside like a first-class plane cabin, complete with real First Class airline seats from Air France and interiors from an ex-American Airlines Boeing 737. Oh, and don’t think this a treat just for women- there are three high-class grooming options for the guys too. Clarendon has apartments a 5 minute stroll away.
Date– any day you fancy!
Cost– from £15
6) Propose at The Shard (or just have a quick drink…)
If you like the term ‘award-winning’ attached to your Valentines plans, this is the place for you. The View at the Shard won the Mills and Boon Romantic View of the Year in 2015, so naturally this year it’s going to be a popular choice for London’s most loved up! Oh, and in case you’re hiding a ring somewhere in the house at the moment, the marriage proposal concierge service can help you out. Yes, really.
Date– any night you fancy, though might we suggest the 14th for proposals, perhaps?
Cost– from £25.95, or £33.95 with champagne
7) Be Enchanted at a Decadent Pyjama Party
Named ‘the most beautiful small hotel in the world’ by German Vogue, 40 Winks hotel in London have been running their “Bedtime story nights” since 2009. Hosted by a team of storytellers, musicians and actors, these monthly pyjama parties infuse cocktails, canapés and stories, all enjoyed in your most glamorous and decadent nightwear. This year’s theme isn’t Valentines but Seance, so it makes a welcome escape for those a bit sick of red balloons and fluffy teddy bears. And, at just £30 per person for a 3-hour+ experience, it’s a pretty decent price too.
Date– 18th February
Cost– £30 per person
8) Hire an Exclusive Couples Spa Suite
Tucked away inside The Langham hotel on Regent’s Street, the Chuan Spa VIP Suite offers a seasonal fruit platter and Chuan 5 Element tea to enjoy alongside your selected spa treatments. There is also a twin Ofuro Bath, and if you book the suite for an hour or more, a 1-hour complimentary treatment is included in the price. Book the suite for half a day and this goes up to 2 hours of complimentary treatments, or a full day for 4 hours of treatments. The suit, though perfect for couples, is also available for singles; who says the loved-up have to have all the fun, anyway?!
Date– any day you fancy
Cost– 1 hour 30 mins Off Peak £230, Peak £280
No matter which event you fancy most, our vast portfolio of high-quality Clarendon Serviced apartments across London are the perfect place to both get ready and head back to once you’re Valentines fun comes to an end. Take a look at our locations here.
6) A Sleepover at London Zoo
Regent’s Park – From £378
Launching in 2016, ZSL London Zoo will be hosting one night stays in a Gir Lion Lodge, said to be within roaring distance of the zoo’s lions! The package, while not cheap, includes two days entry to the zoo, meals in the evening and morning, sunset, torchlight and morning tours and accommodation in luxury lodges inspired by India. Both family-friendly and adults-only nights have been scheduled, making this a wild (sorry) gift experience for everyone.
7) A 2-Day London Pass
Various – From £75
Boasting free entry to 60+ London attractions and tours, including Hop on Hop Off Bus Tours, fast-track entry and other special offers, the London Pass doesn’t just give the receiver of your gift one special experience, it gives them dozens! Choose from 1 day to 10 days, with optional extras including Oyster travelcards and cheaper passes for children.
8) A Tour of London… with a difference!
Various – From £45
Take in the sights of London from a traditional Routemaster bus, with a cup of tea and two tiers of cakes and pastries at hand! The BB Afternoon Tea Tour Bus takes in 90 minutes of sights, including Notting Hill, The London Eye, Buckingham Palace and The Royal Albert Hall. Worry not if your buying for a friend or family member on a Gluten free diet, as this option is available also.
9) An evening at Rooftop Film Club
Peckham, Shoreditch, Kensington and Stratford – From £14
Give the gift of cinema. The Rooftop Film Club allows guests to watch the sun set on London while an old classic or a new blockbuster plays on the big screen. In four locations across London, the showing you will go on come rain or shine, so tell your friends or family to arrive prepared! That being said, soft and snuggly blankets are provided free of charge, as are wireless headphones so your neighbours snacking on popcorn won’t disturb you.
10) A Cocktail & Chocolate Making Master Class
Islington
One for the grown-ups! Guests at the Cocktail and Chocolate Making Master Class at MyChocolate London are instructed in making a Vanilla Almond Daiquiri and an Old Fashioned whisky cocktail, followed by truffle making! Everyone takes home a box of at least 15 chocolates, and the fun lasts up t 2 and a half hours.