13 Things To Book This Valentine’s Weekend
It’s almost the weekend! Whether you’re celebrating with your loved one or your Galentine’s, we’ve rounded up the best things going on in and around the capital this weekend.
From Galentine’s brunches to photography workshops, date night bars to ping pong battles, here’s what to book.
See Connaught Village’s Valentine’s light installation
Celebrate the month of love to its fullest thanks to Connaught Village’s iconic Tree of Love, Joy and Hope installation.
Available to visit throughout February, the red, yellow, blue and purple light installation will be illuminating its boutique lined streets. This rainbow display provides the perfect photo opportunity, as well as offering us some light relief as we near the end of winter.
Alongside the technicoloured tree, there’ll be exclusive offers, hampers and gifting sets available from Connaught Village’s independent boutiques. Head down to reap all of the Valentine’s goodies.
When: Throughout February
Where: Connaught Village
Website: www.connaught-village.co.uk
Learn how to take the perfect snap at Pretty Little London’s workshop
Our favourite London Instagram account, Pretty Little London has teamed up with The Royal Exchange for an exciting exhibition and workshop programme.
Running from 17th February, the exhibition will feature a diverse selection of original, never-before-seen imagery of the City from the Instagram sensation, and will be displayed in the courtyard.
Those wanting to learn how to snap the perfect Insta, the artistic duo Sara Helen Santin and Andrea Di Pilippo will be hosting workshops this weekend, revealing how you too can take great shots in and around the world-famous building.
When: From 17.02 – masterclasses 17.02 – 18.02
Where: The Royal Exchange, Bank, City, EC3V 2LR
Website: www.theroyalexchange.co.uk
Celebrate Galentine’s Day with brunch
In search of some last minute Galentine’s Day plans? Look to AllBright for the ultimate way to ring in the celebration.
The females-only private members’ club is welcoming members and non-members alike to come and celebrate with their closest gals over brunch. They’ve launched a new Mediterranean brunch menu, with highlights including a rich, fragrant shakshuka with a tomato base and homemade focaccia.
Alongside, there’ll be Malfy Gin cocktails that guests can choose from the roaming gin trolley, all while a female DJ will be blasting the tunes.
Interested? Book via mayfairreservations@allbright.
When: 12.02.2022 (other non member dates include: 19.02 & 26.02)
Where: AllBright, 24-26 Maddox Street, Mayfair, W1S 1PP
Website: www.allbrightcollective.com
Perfect your blow dry at this workshop
Want to recreate a salon-worthy blow dry at home? Now you can thanks to Duck & Dry’s one-on-one workshops.
A space where you can book in for a masterclass with one of their senior stylists…
The perfect activity for a hen do or birthday bash, the popular hair salon has launched the Blow Dry Workshop, a space where you can book in for a masterclass with one of their senior stylists. Priced at £90 per person, the experience includes a tutorial, blow dry, glass of Prosecco and redeemable against two products.
Where: Various Locations
Book here
One To Book: Celebrate Nobu’s 25th Anniversary
This month sees Nobu London celebrate its 25th anniversary – Happy Birthday! To celebrate, you’ll find them serving up a selection of their most iconic dishes from the last two and a half decades.
All available for one-day-only for just £25 at lunchtime, the line-up includes Dover Sole with red chilli shisho salsa (16th Feb); Black Cod Miso (17th Feb); classic or veggie bento box (18th Feb); Carafe of Nigori Unfiltered Sake (19th Feb); and Toro Sashimi with jalapeño dressing and caviar (20th Feb).
The flagship restaurant will also be auctioning off an exclusive ‘Notting Hill Dining Experience’ to support its long-standing charity partner The Childhood Trust. All proceeds raised will go directly towards helping London’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable children. The auction will run from the 16th to the 20th of February with bids starting at £100. For more information and to place your bid, click here.
When: 16.02.2022 – 20.02.2022
Where: Nobu London Old Park Lane, 19 Old Park Lane, W1K 1LB
Website: www.noburestaurants.com
Book a cookery course
Looking to pick up a new culinary skill? Learn from the best and book in for a short course at Le Cordon Bleu London.
Held at their state-of-the-art facilities at Bloomsbury Square, their day courses will equip you everything you need to perfect your chosen skill of choice. Each class is taught by Le Cordon Bleu master chefs and lecturers, who are experts in their respective fields so you’ll be in the best hands.
Choose from classes such as chocolate tasting, cake decorating, vegetarian cooking, Easter baking and even sugar art techniques.
When: Various Dates
Where: Le Cordon Bleu London, 15 Bloomsbury Square, WC1A 2LS
Website: www.cordonbleu.edu
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with this celebratory afternoon tea
Looking for some last minute Valentine’s plans? You’ll want to book in for Lily Vanilli’s Regency-inspired afternoon tea experience.
From Thursday 10th to Tuesday 15th, Instagram’s favourite baker will be giving her famed tea a Valentine’s makeover. Available to enjoy in the Grand Saloon of Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the tea will be bursting with decadent pink icing, red love hearts and pink heart meringues adorning her sweet treats.
Plus, for a limited time only, bookings can be extended into the evening as the lights are dimmed and guests settle in for indulgence and romance. Bookings can be made here
when: 10.02.2022 – 15.02.2022
where: The Lane, Catherine Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5JF
website:www.thelane.co.uk
Book a table at one of London’s most romantic restaurants
Wondering where to spend the most romantic day of the year? We’ve got you covered with our edit of the best Valentine’s Day menus on offer around the capital.
From dining sky high at the Gherkin to singing, dancing and dining with live entertainment around you, here’s where to book in for.
Or, pull up a pew at one of these date night bars
Looking for a bar that’s set to impress and secure you a second date? Been left with the arduous task of organising Valentine’s Night but don’t know where to start? Luckily for you, we’ve got you covered with our edit of London’s most romantic bars.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere for a first date or a five year anniversary celebration, we’ve rounded up our favourite bars to head to for a romantic night out.
Celebrate the UK soul pioneers at the Jazz Cafe
Head to Camden’s Jazz Cafe this Saturday and celebrate the UK soul pioneers’ album launch.
Formed in 1972, The Real Thing are Britain’s longest-established black group in UK entertainment history – and this weekend sees them celebrate and release their first music in 40 years.
Expect it to be a night packed out with soul, funk and dance tunes.
When: 12.02.2022
wherE: Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7PG
Website: www.thejazzcafelondon.com
Book in for a ping pong battle
Need birthday plans? Grab your crew and challenge them to a ping pong battle at Bounce. The Bounce Games Gurus are officially back, helping to bring your party table bags of banter, oodles of energy and an endless supply of games.
Perfect for groups of 8 and over, Bounce’s Gurus will ensure every guest in your group will be able to get involved in a fun and energetic way. They can tailor your bookings completely to you, whether people want to run a tournament or split the group into teams.
Where: Old Street & Farringdon
Website: www.bouncepingpong.com
Curl up on the sofa with a film
If you’re staying in this Valentine’s weekend, why not curl up on the sofa and have a movie marathon? To help you decide what you stick on, we’ve rounded up our favourite – and in our opinion, the very best – romance films. From 10 Things I Hate About You to When Harry Met Sally, here’s what to watch. Pass the popcorn!
Enjoy an oyster and cocktail pairing
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, NOILLY PRAT, the original dry vermouth that’s crafted by the sea, has partnered with iconic London cocktail haunt Scarfes Bar, and newly opened Cadogan Arms to offer an exciting offering.
Head over to Scarfes Bar to try their limited-edition cocktail, embellished by a signature caricature featuring Prince, aka Mr. “Love Symbol”. Or, try The Cadogan Arms’ special Native and Rock oyster and martini pairing menu. Available exclusively on 14th February, you’ll be able to enjoy martini cocktails, alongside some of the best in-season oysters from Jersey, Carlingford and beyond.
When: 14.02.2022
WherE: Scarfes Bar, 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN
Website: www.scarfesbar.com