Valentines and Visions
I’ve always been a little Valentine’s ambivalent. On the one hand, do I enjoy almost any opportunity to put on a silly little outfit, go for dinner, drink a cocktail or three and then get up to terrible things in a beautiful hotel room? Yes, without question.
But on the other hand, I’m a firm believer that declarations of love and showing appreciation for the ones we care about should be a year round thing, and designating one specific day as the time for romance means we miss out on opportunities to do this all the time. Kiss your friends more! Reject the boundaries of romantic love and send flowers to people you’ve only had one date with! Embrace love in all its forms!
So with that in mind, you can take this list of romantic spots to head to this February 14th as a guide for EVERYONE in your life. Take your best friend! Take your secret lover! Take you grandma! Or take me! Obviously I’m biased, but I make an excellent Valentine’s date - I look great in red, I can hold my martinis, and I almost always put out, if you play your cards right.
Restaurants to hold hands in
The Devonshire, Soho - I can’t believe I still haven’t made it hear, given the rave reviews I’ve heard from everyone and their dog, especially regarding the sticky toffee pudding. An elevated Soho pub is genuinely my idea of the perfect date, especially in combination with a really good bottle of wine.
Berenjak, Borough/Soho - from the interiors to the food, I just can’t get enough of this place. Amazing bread, beautiful decorations, and yes, the hummus really is as good as people say. But so is everything else, really!
One Club Row, Shoreditch - similarly to The Devonshire, this place just has that truly magical combination of atmosphere, delicious food and all-round impeccable vibes. It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what it is I love about it - I just know that every time I go, I have a solidly good time. Where better to start an evening?
Bars to kiss passionately in
Bar Lina, Shoreditch - it’s been a while since I went to a bar with quite so many dark corners. It’s like they want our hands to wander a little (or a lot). Plush velvets, great drinks and low lighting - the perfect date spot. Just make sure you book, so we don’t get sat at the bar - it’s cute, but a little public for the type of date I have in mind.
Rita’s, Soho - there are two very good reasons why I’m obsessed with this place: jalapeño popper gildas and a mini martini. Was there ever a combination more perfectly designed to lure me in, and then keep me firmly seated with a glass in my hand? No. The other cocktails are fantastic as well, and the vibe is just FUN which is exactly what I want on my Valentine’s date. Or any date, really.
Discount Suit Company, Aldgate - I’m old enough to remember when London was awash with these vaguely speakeasy type places, and whilst they once felt a bit exciting, most have really not stood the test of time. However, DSC is one of the few ‘hidden’ bars which I have a lot of time for, because of the quality of their drinks, the excellent music, and the very sexy interiors. Just don’t ask me for a password…
Hotels to [redacted] madly in
Broadwick, Soho - Understated, it is not. But who wants that on Valentines? I want over the top glamour, silliness, camp - and this place has it in spades. From the staff in leopard print blazers to the onslaught of colour in the rooms, this hotel in the heart of Soho feels like a bit of an acid trip, in the best way possible.
The Twenty Two, Mayfair - Occupying a real sweet spot between elegant and deeply cool, this hotel delivers on all fronts. Any hotel which doubles as a private members club is a win in my book - I’ve had some great nights here, and I’m very keen for more.
The Zetter Townhouse, Marylebone - eccentric elegance and great cocktails - I have such a soft spot for The Zetter Townhouse. I have never been one for minimalism and this hotel shares my commitment to more. The afternoon tea is also actually very good, especially if accompanied with a glass of champagne or two.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s or avidly avoiding anything red and heart shaped for the next two weeks, I think we can all agree that as the winter drags on, it’s important to get out of the house and up to no good. I hope these suggestions help you to do just that. Ideally with me as a plus one…