Valentines Day 2012
Here it comes again! Yes, it's The Great Date Guide's favourite day of the year, for what better excuse is there to treat yourselves to a fantastic date (and to those "Valentine's Day is a commercial swindle" sceptics amongst you, we say - who cares?!)
To help you plan the perfect day / evening, we've put together a list which we hope has something for everyone. For those with cash to spare, we'll help you find a great way to blow it, whilst those with tighter purse strings will still be able to impress. Whether you're single and in need of a decent way to spend the evening, wondering how to play Valentine's Day in the early stages of a relationship, or perhaps even ready to pop the question…(girls, this is your chance!) look no further for your inspiration.
1) THE EARLY DAYS VALENTINE'S DATE
The only remaining outdoor ice rink in London at this time of year, a spot of skating at Canary Wharf makes a wonderfully relaxed but seriously entertaining date. Skating is a brilliant 'ice-breaker' (ahem...), allowing you to shake off any early awkwardness and really enjoy yourselves together. In truth, it's probably gets more amusing as a date the worse you are at skating, so please don't be put off if you're not a born Torvill or Dean. What's more, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, if you buy 2 glasses of wine at the 'Moose Bar', they'll give you the rest of the bottle for free. Now THAT's more like it!
(Adult ticket £13.60 - book tickets here)
Offering a more informal alternative to 'dinner a deux', how about attending a chocolate tasting at the wonderful Mount Street Deli? It's being run in association with Original Beans, fairtrade chocolate producers, and for every 100g bar you buy, a new cocoa tree will be planted by local farmers. Delicious and ethical, what more could you want? (Tickets £10)
Mathematics of the Heart - Theatre 503
Hot off the heels of a hugely sucessful premiere at the Brighton Fringe, this funny and moving story has come to the fabulous Theatre 503 in Battersea. You'll find this low key, informal theatre the perfect spot for an early days Valentines, and with tickets just £14 a person, it's not going to break the bank either!
2) THE 'LONG TERMERS' VALENTINE'S DATE
Hush - Classics in the Courtyard
As a real Valentine's Day treat, head to the wonderfully laid back, comfortable but chic, Hush, where they will be screening 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' in their gorgeous courtyard. Cosy up with the specially provided blankets, order a 'winter warmer' cocktail or two and perhaps even sample some of the extraordinarily flavours of popcorn on offer (Goats cheese & black pepper?!). There's also an a la carte menu available for those of you with more sizable appetites.
Dean Street Town House - Soho Sleepover
We just LOVE this concept. Order your dinner after 11pm at night and you will be offered the opportunity to stay in one of their beautiful hotel rooms (subject to availability) for just £50 per room. You're given a 'morning after' kit with all those essentials (including alka seltzer...) so there's no need to spoil the sponteneity by coming prepared. Definitely only for long termers please, we'd hate to be seen to be encouraging a seedy stopover....!
Paradise by Way of Kensal Green - Dinner & Song
A budget friendly (£45) 5 course dinner, packed with every aphrodisiac under the sun (including Oysters and Champagne on arrival) followed by a spot of private Karaoke (on the house) should the urge to serenade take over. You'll even get a rose with your reservation - it's win win!
3) PROPOSAL TIME?
Romantic Richmond Cycle & Winter Picnic
When it comes to popping the question, you've simply got to pull out all the stops. Thankfully, however, that need not mean re-mortgaging your house. What matters is the amount of thought and effort that you've put in to creating the perfect proposal plan, so if your beloved is a romantic, gather together a feast of goodies and head to the beautiful Richmond park. If you don't have your own bicycles you can hire them near the Roehampton Gate. Don't forget plenty of blankets, some cushions and some bubbly!
To really wow, book yourself a Valentine's Cupid Capsule on The London Eye. With a private capsule, priority boarding, a bottle of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne, Charbonnel et Walker pink champagne truffles and a red rose, the scene is well and truly set...
4) SOMETHING FOR THE SINGLETONS!
GIRLS: Single & Fabulous - Hush
If you're a single girl or just can't quite face taking a date out on Valentines night itself, head to the wonderful Hush where you can immerse yourselves in the very best of being a girl! Tickets (£35 in advance, £40 on the door) include a cocktail on arrival, canapes, a mini manicure, 4 or your favourite Sex & The City episodes and an exclusive Single & Fabulous goodie bag. WOW.
BOYS: Lovestruck Comedy & Quiz night Valentines Special
Join our friends at Lovestruck for a night of flirtatious fun with some of the finest stand up comedy and a seriously entertaining quiz. The good news for you boys is that the female tickets have already sold out, so you're sure to find plenty of fish in the sea, so to speak. You have to be a Lovestruck member to book your ticket, but since that's free, there's simply nothing to stop you!
