Right. I’ve already given you a guide to the best gifts to get your lady this Valentines Day. One for the boys is also coming up. But we also need to look at the best places to go for dinner, experiences and mini-breaks, don’t we?
Last year, my lovely boy booked us a trip to Venice. It was rather incredible. If you’re a boy reading this and want to earn some serious brownie points, this is definitely the way to go. You don’t even need to go for Valentines Day, if you can’t get the time off or it’s too short notice. Just book it, put the confirmation in your card and she’ll love it, even if it’s months away. That’s a promise.
And ladies – you’re not excluded from this! If you can’t think of a treat for your man (they can be so hard to buy for), consider booking a romantic overnight stay in a gorgeous cottage somewhere, or a mini-break or holiday if your budget stretches to that.
Personally, I’m not a fan of wasting fortunes on heart shaped balloons or teddy bears on Valentines Day. But I am a fan of love, romance and happiness. And if doing something special with the one you love sparks something special – then what are you waiting for?!
Here are some ideas to suit all budgets…both home and away.
Getaways
Paris – The Most Romantic City in the World
We couldn’t write this guide without mentioning Paris now, could we? There are some stunning hotels in the City of Lights, including the lovely Marriott Champs Elysee, which we visited for dinner earlier this year.
If you want to make your lady feel like a Princess though – there’s not other choice but to book a place at Paris’s first Palace Hotel. The iconic Le Bristol Paris – the first hotel in France to be awarded the palace status – is offering couples an indulgent and unforgettable stay, for around £685. For this price you’ll receive the full Valentines Package, which includes a VIP welcome to your Superior Room with a bottle of champagne, fine chocolates and a surprise from the famous jewellery house Boucheron. The package also includes continental breakfast plus cocktails in Le Bar du Bristol – one of the most fashionable new hotspots in Paris.
There is so much more you can add on to your package if you want to – they’re really making it easy for you to push the boat out. Have your photo’s taken by internationally renowned portrait photographer Romeo Balancourt, have an exquisite dinner created by Chef Eric Frechon and Pastry Chef of the Year 2011, Laurent Jeannin, enter into a draw to win a beautiful ring from the Boucheron ‘Quatre’ Collection or an indulgent afternoon at the Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie. Each of these additions will set you back a few euros – but will go a long way towards making that special someone feel like Carrie Bradshaw in the SATC Paris scenes, before it all went wrong!
Valentine’s Day at The Bingham
Richmond is one of my favourite places in London. It’s close enough to be near the hustle and bustle, yet quiet, beautiful and picturesque.
The Bingham Hotel in Richmond has many exclusive packages available for Valentines Day. Try the Bingham Boudoir package, which includes a Superior River Double bedroom, with whirlpool bath with luxurious Abahna scented candles and bath oils (perfect for sharing!),Alain Thienot Champagne and hand-made chocolates by William Curley. For those seeking complete relaxation, in-room spa treatments are also available. The package also includes Shay Cooper’s sensual sharing menu, which is served in the bedroom for guests looking for absolute privacy. The package costs £669.69 per couple, and also includes breakfast the following day.
The Bingham also has a sparkling Afternoon Tea and extensive Love Potion cocktail menu, especially for the romantics. Contact the Bingham to discuss your requirements.
Nestled in Duke of York Square in prestigious Chelsea, whisk your lover away for a night of indulgence that includes a stunning suite, personal butler, fine dining…and even a personal tour of the area in a horse and carriage, should your heart desire.
All the shops and facilities of Duke of York Square, and the Kings Road, are on the doorstep – including Liz Earle’s Beauty rooms if you want to treat the lady, and Brilliant Inc if you want to surprise her with a sparkly gift!
Dinners
Banca in Mayfair
If you fancy the romance of Italy, but a little closer to home, try Banca restaurant in Mayfair. They’re bringing Milanese glamour to Valentines Day, with the choice of a three of four course set menu, full of aphrodisiac treats, for you and your sweetheart. On arrival, guests will be presented with a glass of champagne, followed by oysters, and can then expect dishes including Warm Fassona Beef Carpaccio with Norcia’s Black Truffle or Grilled Beef Fillet with Aged Balsamic of Modena, and a dessert choice of Chocolate Fondant with Raspberry Heart and Madagascar Vanilla Sauce or Coffee and Petit Fours.
Guest have the choice of two seatings: 7pm (three course menu at £80) or 9pm (four course menu at £110).
The Crooked Well, Camberwell
If you’re more comfortable South of the River, try the critically acclaimed Crooked Well in Camberwell, who have created a special 3 course menu for the occasion. The menu incorporates this most traditional aphrodisiacs into every dish, from an inventive velvety white chocolate beurre blanc served with lemon sole, to a classic and decadently rich Rhubarb & Chocolate Tart. The Crooked Well was recently awarded a place in the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs Guide 2013 – so you can trust them to make your night a bit special!
Flavour at No 5 Cavendish Square
Another great option is the 6-course Valentines menu at Flavour, No. 5 Cavendish Square. The Jamie Oliver trained Chefs have lovingly put together dishes such as Bruschetta of buffalo Mozzarella with smashed peas and broad beans in fused with lemon and mint dressing, Gnocchi with shiitake, oyster and portobello mushrooms in thyme cream sauce and Wild strawberry fool, for just £35 per head (including a glass of Prosecco. Mmmmmm).
Other things to do
If none of those ideas float your boat, how about one of these?
Breakfast in Bed
If you want your lovers first moment of the day to be full of romance, why not pick up one of these gorgeous heart shaped moulds, so you can make them heart shaped eggs on toast for breakfast! I’d be over the moon with breakfast in bed served like this. So cute! And just £3.95 (oooh, or £2.49 here) Great for boys and girls. LOVE!
Future Cinema presents Casablanca at The Troxy
James and I went to the Troxy last Valentines Day for a romantic screening, and it was lovely. Get dressed up, enjoy the old school cinema experience and then dance the night away once the film is done. Romantic and lovely, I definitely recommend this for a night out.
Valentines Day with a Twenties Twist
And now for something completely different. The Museum of London is hosting a decadent adult only Valentines event from 7-10pm on the 14th (of course). Dress up in 1920’s style flapper fashion and learn to dance the Charleston with demonstrations and classes held by Swing Dance UK. Live jazz will be performed throughout the evening in order to give you the chance to try out your moves, and cabaret will be brought to you by top tap dancer, Josephine Shaker. Art collective, Hurdy Gurdy, will be on hand to help create the perfect card for your Valentine or the most desirable art nouveau accessory to complete the twenties look. Beatrice Behlen will be discussing fashion and sexuality in 1920’s London, Write Queer London will host a Bloomsbury Literary Salon with poetry and performance in the Pleasure Gardens and of course, there’s a bar to keep you going through all the excitement! Only £7. Great value.
Whatever you decide to do with and/or for your Valentine, we wish you love, health and happiness.
And if you’re single? Grab your best friends, put on your dancing shoes and head to one of the many singles events taking place in the city. Details of these, and loads of other fun things to do, will be appearing over on our events calendar over the next few days x
