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Each Day is Valentine’s Day (My Funny Valentine: lyricist Lorenz Hart)
This is the year we prove that romance is not dead. That the heart is not so weary from the last couple of years that we can’t find memorable things to do on Valentine’s Day. So whether you’re looking for a place to pop the question, or a gift to mark the day, here are some suggestions from London. Paris might be the city of light, but London is always the city of hope.
Eat, Drink, Give
There’s nothing quite like a good restaurant or a seductive bar for a bit of theatre come Valentine’s Day. So here’s an alphabet of desirable places to share with your Valentine.
Amazónico
10 Berkeley Square London, W1
Amazónico in Berkeley Square has topped off a lot of restaurant lists recently, and not just because of the letter ‘A’. The design is as exotic as the food. Rainforest chic, but glamorous. Booths in the centre of the main dining room, a lounge with a gilded bar. Lush.
Aster Restaurant
150 Victoria Street, London, SW1
Brings a little bit of Paris to Victoria – only ten minutes walk from Buckingham Palace, close by two famous theatres (Wicked and Hamilton staged here). Dine in a restaurant described as “all gold, marble and sexy light fittings… an authentic taste of French cuisine” (The Sybarite). Excellent bar too. Private dining available.
Bar Américain
20 Sherwood St, London, W1
Classic cocktail menu, and an elegant lounge with original authentic art deco fittings. It is simply gorgeous. Still operating on a walk-in basis. Take a chance. Located within Soho’s Brasserie Zédel.
10 Berners St Fitzrovia London, W1
A handsome building, classic features and lots of paintings. Cosy booths. Michelin starred chef Jason Atherton. Rich and distinguished menu.
Berners Tavern (interior)
400 Oxford Street, London W1
Deco inspired design, all mirrors and gold, plus a double height glazed wall with a view; a Pegasus statue designed by Damien Hirst (24 ft tall, studded with crystals). Elevated dining in Selfridges like you wouldn’t believe. Eclectic menu (including vegan and vegetarian) and a gold leaf ceiling. Private dining too.
Eve, Covent Garden
34-35 Southampton St, WC2
“Resist everything except temptation” says the neon script just inside the entrance to Eve, that popular, seductive basement bar with its innovative cocktails and artwork–adorned walls (also live music and DJs). It’s subterranean and sultry, the cocktails are bold and aesthetically pleasing, brought to you by Adam Handling of The Frog.
Eve Bar (neon)
The Ivy
1-5 West Street London, WC2
Of course there’s always The Ivy in Covent Garden. Self-effacing from the outside, probably because it’s very confident of its reputation. This is the heart of Theatreland, offering romantic cocktails tailored to reflect your relationship (no Bloody Mary’s please).
Kitty Fisher’s
10 Shepherd Market, Mayfair London W1
Pink booths downstairs, a romantic setting in Shepherd Market. Modern British cuisine. Galician beef said to be the tops. Beetroot and Dorstone Goat’s cheese for veggies.
Momo
23-25 Heddon St London W1
A bit of Morocco in Mayfair. Apparently Madonna once threw a party there. Recently redecorated, and owned by Mourad Mazouz (founder of the unashamedly PINK and very popular Sketch). Fine, traditional and contemporary takes on Moroccan cuisine. “An unexpected joy” The Guardian.
@momolondon (Instagram)
85 Leonard St, London EC2
Shop and Bar. Meet Luca Dusi, your host: wine trade supremo and guide to the grape. He is the driving force behind this establishment and its 320 varieties of wine. As for the bar, Dusi and his team make recommendations based on your mood and whether you are eating. Apparently Dusi likes to surprise even hardened wine nerds with something a little special.
Proud Embankment
Proud Cabaret and circus acts (burlesque, aerialists, fire breathers) plus cocktails and fine dining (Asian-fusion and vegan). Love Island and Soap Stars, drag brunch; celebrity guests. The home of cabaret turns up the temperature for its slice of Valentine’s Day. Pure tabasco.
Searcys at the Gherkin
Is offering a Valentine’s weekend, no less. Champagne afternoon tea at the top of The Gherkin, special dining menus and cocktails – and a reach-for-the-sky romantic view. Helix restaurant and/or Iris bar, plus private dining rooms available in Valentine’s season from Friday 11 to Monday 14 February: 360º sunsets at high altitude (180m above the ground). Knock out.
9 Conduit St, London W1
Celebrated pink decor. Instagram special. Glade bar recommended, with its romantic pink cocktails (e.g., Peach Melba with Ciroc vodka, peach puree, egg white, lemon verbena, hibiscus tea, honey with vanilla raspberry and pink praline). Then food. Then seek out alternative themed bars around the restaurant. Plus ‘egg capsule’ toilets.
Skyline London Rooftop Restaurant and Bar
100 Minories, EC3
Situated within Tower Suites this stunning roof terrace with views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the River Thames provides authentic Italian cuisine, drinks stirred or shaken by experienced mixologists, and panoramic views with space left to stare into each others’ eyes.
The Gift
Valentine’s gifts: how well do you know your beloved? The clue might lie more in the kind of TV they watch than the books on their shelves. But flattery always works…
Flannels on Oxford St
161–167 Oxford St, W1
His and hers luxury retailer, contemporary fashion and accessories.
Great Marlborough Street, just behind Oxford Circus.
His and hers gifts. But for the arty girl in your life: Lanthe Valentine ‘hand’ porcelain tray for jewellery or keys. Modestly priced (unless you also supply the jewellery). Inspired by a 1949 Liberty scarf by designer Valentine.
Lanthe Valentine jewellery tray (porcelain) from Liberty, based on Liberty scarf design by Valentine.
John Lewis on Oxford St
300 Oxford St, W1
Is offering Aqua di Parma scented candles – embossed crest from this Italian purveyor of perfumes and colognes. Masculine, woody scent, 60 hours of burn time. Lots more to discover.
Selfridges on Oxford St, W1
Treat her like a Queen: from Selfridges comes some right royal jewellery from Vivienne Westwood. Mayfair orb rose gold–toned brass stud earrings (£75). His and hers gifts to explore.
Vivienne Westwood earrings from Selfridges. Mayfair orb, rose gold-toned brass stud earrings
McQueens Flowers
29 North Audley St, W1
Gorgeous floral creations from this florist and floral school. Near Bond St Station off Oxford St.
Jo Malone
101 Regent St, W1
Scented candles, creams and perfumes. Favourite scents: English Pear & Freesia; Pomegranate Noir; Lime Basil & Mandarin; Myrrh & Tonka. AND: The Rose Collection (which sounds good for Valentines Day). Red Roses Cologne, Rose & Magnolia, Rose Blush and Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense.
The Microsoft Experience
253–259 Regent St, W1
On the corner of Oxford Circus. Tech heaven.
Regent Street, W1
Iconic British brand. Plenty to covet in its flagship store, now dedicated to more sustainable fashion.
Hamleys
Regent St, W1
You are never too old for THE toy store on Regent Street. Find the perfect whimsical present in the oldest toy store in the world.
Bottletop
Regent St, W1
For the eco conscious in your life (that should be everybody). THE zero waste store; find accessories from the finest sustainably sourced materials.
No 1 New Bond St, W1
Flagship store. The name speaks for itself.
Boodles
Bond St, W1
A very British way with gems. Jewellery fit for a royal. Literally.
39 Brook Street, W1
Between Regent St and Grosvenor Square. Flagship boutique
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