Five alternative ways to spend Valentine’s Day in London

Did you know that there are 67 Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK capital? And almost 12,000 restaurants bookable on OpenTable in London?

The bad news is if you haven’t already booked a table for Valentine’s Day, it’s probably already too late. The good news is that there are plenty of ways other than wining and dining to romance your loved one in London on Valentine’s Day. If you prefer something a little less traditional but no less romantic, check out our recommendations of stuff to do this 14th of February. 

Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens

If you like your flowers alive and thriving rather than wilting in a vase, pay a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. This February, their annual orchid festival now in its 25th year pays homage to the islands of Indonesia. The orchid festival is a fully immersive experience bringing the tropical sights, smells and sounds of Indonesia to South West London. With a staggering 5,000 species of orchids growing in Indonesia and many unique to the region, there’ll be plenty for you to see.

On Valentine’s Day, there is a late-night opening until 10pm with music, dancing, cooking demos and expert talks. Book your tickets in advance.

https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/kew-orchid-festival

Pretty Woman The Musical

This stage adaptation of the classic 1990s rom-com that starred Richard Gere and Julia Roberts comes to the Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End following a successful run on Broadway.  The music has been co-written by the Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams and is choreographed by Jerry Mitchell who has won Tony awards for his work on Kinky Boots and La Cage aux Folles.

The show runs from 6th February to early January 2021, and ticket prices start at £36.

https://prettywomanthemusical.com/

The Blind Pig Cocktail Bar, Soho

The Blind Pig is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar upstairs from the Social Eating House restaurant on Poland Street in Soho. In keeping with its prohibition theme, the entrance to the bar is well hidden, so keep an eagle-eye out for a door knocker in the shape of a blindfolded pig.

The cocktail menu takes you on a journey of fairytale characters and children’s stories with imaginatively named concoctions such as Pooh’s Hunny Pot which marries rum, cider brandy and honey to delicious effect. The bar snacks are prepared by the kitchen downstairs at the Social Eating House, meaning that your nibbles are one-Michelin star quality. Call ahead to reserve a table.

https://www.socialeatinghouse.com/

Chocolate bonbon making class in Notting Hill

Go one step further this Valentine’s Day and make rather than buy your loved one a box of chocolates. Better yet book a class for two and master the skill of bonbon making together. The master chocolatiers at Melt Chocolates in Notting Hill will teach you how to make their bestselling chocolate bonbons.

During your 1.5 hour class, you’ll understand where chocolate comes from, sample some single-origin chocolates before you learn how to make ganache and temper chocolate. And you’ll take home a box of ten chocolates to enjoy at home.

https://www.meltchocolates.com/melts-bonbons-making

Valentine’s at the Natural History Museum

Romantic nature-lovers will have a whale of a time at the Natural History Museum this Valentine’s Day. The museum celebrates love in the animal kingdom with talks, activities and access to the galleries plus cocktails and live music between 7-10.30pm. If you ever wondered how the birds and bees really do it, then this is the event for you and your loved one.

Tickets are £35 per person and the price includes a beer, wine or soft drink.

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/events/valentines.html

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