An alternative guide to Valentines in London

Universally recognised as a fluff-day celebration spurred on by the greeting card, flower and chocolate companies, Valentine's Day is enjoyed as much by the global conglomerates as by the doting partner. 

True, every day should be dedicated to that ineffable feeling of affection known as ‘love’. The big L. But if you want to increase the romantic stakes on Valentine's Day sans the silky bow of cliché, here’s our pick of London Valentine’s Day ideas guaranteed to put her or his last Valentine to shame.

Day jaunts

London is a mass of double-deckers, busy streets and rowdy watering holes, but for something a little more serene sans the noise pollution, take a trip out of the hustle and bustle of central London. North London’s area of Hampstead Heath is all about grassy rolling hills and Victorian architecture. Exit at Gospel Oak rail station before taking the journey through Hampstead parks and finally up to the peak of Parliament Hill where you’ll feast your eyes on the panorama of the grand town of London. You’ll see for miles, with the best view of London reminding you why you fell in love in the first place. Feed the ducks, watch the swans and put down a picnic blanket! Don’t forget to pay a visit to Kenwood House with its rich art collection showcasing the likes of neo-classic artists Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Reynolds. Entry is free but donations are welcomed. More information here.

For those in need of more than just a good view, jump on the recently renovated East London over-ground and don’t get off till you reach the end of the line. Crystal Palace Railway station, located in the borough of Bromley, will welcome you to a land long forgotten - by most city dwellers at least. Originally located in Hyde Park but relocated to South London in 1851, Crystal Palace boasts a palace, Egyptian Sphinxes, a winding labyrinth and a Dinosaur Court of more than 15 species. The pre-Darwinian Crystal Palace dinosaurs may not be anatomically correct but their larger than life form will surely leave a lasting impression.

Anerley Hill, Crystal Palace, 020 8676 0700, more information here.

Dine with a difference

In London diners are spoilt for choice. Will you head north, east, south or west? For a traditional meal in the lovely central area of Clerkenwell you can’t go past Dans Le Noir. The menu is split into four colour-coded categories, blue- fish, red- meat, green- vegetarian or white- surprise. Why? Because Dans Le Noir is the epitome of dining in the dark experiences. French for ‘In the Dark’ the restaurant removes a patron’s sense of sight so they can focus on the other, just as important, four senses; undervalued by today’s visual based society. Revel in the voices of the couples around you, the clinking of glasses, the smell of the food and the opportunity to touch your food without being scorned. This is one restaurant where the use of cutlery will prove futile. Rest assured their notion of meal anonymity does not sacrifice quality. At the end of the meal you’ll be shown exactly what you ate. And believe me you’ll be in for a big surprise.

31-33 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1, 020 7253 1100

Experience dining after dark here.

If on the other hand a visual feast is your ‘choice du jour’ along with a view of the lovely lad or lass sitting across from you then take a trip down South to the Wapping Hydraulic Power Station. The space once dedicated to powering machinery and lifts across London has been transformed into The Wapping Project: a multi-purpose Mecca of culture, art and food. In an industrial-chic setting Wapping Food is a very large space with a cool décor. The Thames-side restaurant offers fish specialties, contemporary Euro-dishes and an all-Australian wine list. The interior makes use of the existing features of the power station including original brickwork and heavy-duty machinery. Between the flickering candles, delicious mains and the corrugated iron this is one evening of the completely unorthodox nature.

Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, Wapping Wall, London, E1W 3ST, 0207 680 2080, book here.

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Room for two

There’s no better way to end the night then skipping the cab home and heading straight to the hotel. Who ever said hotels were just for the tourists? Every so often East London’s sophisticated Hoxton Hotel has £1 room sales. This month the race for bookings will take place on 27 Jan with a booking period that lasts from February to April. At midday 500 rooms will be up for grabs but be warned the last sale was over in 13 minutes! Flaunting a modern design the hotel is decked out with large fireplaces, brickwork and leather sofas. With three designers, Project Orange, Suzy Hoodless and Adrian Kilby, on-board each room layout reflects the theme of ‘East London’ in their own unpredictable way. The January one-day buying frenzy is the perfect excuse to treat yourself without taking a blow to the wallet.

Hoxton Hotel, 81 Great Eastern St, London, EC2A 3HU, 020 7550 1000, www.hoxtonhotels.com

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Written by: Jasmine Phull