Valentine's Day in London

The dust has barely settled on Christmas and New Year, and already we’re thinking of the next landmark in our calendar. Valentine’s Day – the most romantic time of the year, supposedly.

From romantic restaurants to boutique hotels and alternative days out to lively nights out, you can bet there are hundreds of Valentine’s Day options in London to suit every taste and budget.

Here are our recommendations for a great romantic day in London.

Romantic Restaurants

Save: Ask, Victoria St

Boasting a lively atmosphere and homely cooking, this modest South London Italian is the perfect place to dine for an unpretentious evening full of delicious food. Highlights include the Antipasti selection, linguine alla vongole (clams, white wine and chilli), and gambaretti pizza (prawns, courgettes, and crème fraiche). Ask is also in a great location close to many bars and theatres, making it great starting point for an amorous evening. Valentine’s Day Offer: 3-courses and a glass of Prosecco £16.95 per person. 160-162 Victoria St, London, SW1E 5LB

Find out more and book your table at Ask

Spend: Penny Black

Set in the heart of upmarket Chelsea the critically acclaimed Penny Black restaurant celebrates the best in British fare, with classics such as Beef Wellington, Toad in the Hole, and British seafood, all executed to a very high standard. Diners can also enjoy bespoke cocktails and an extensive wine selection in this elegant and refined setting sure to impress. Valentine’s Day Offer: Romantic 4-course dinner and a complimentary glass of Champagne or Bellini £42 per person. 212 Fulham Rd, Chelsea, London, SW10 9PJ

Find out more and book your table at Penny Black

Spoil: Criterion Restaurant

Criterion restaurant located in Piccadilly Circus is the epitome of romance, with a lovingly restored Grade II listed building often referred to as the most spectacular dining room in London. Head Chef Matthew Foxon offers a contemporary European menu filled with culinary delights such as Devon duck breast and Kentish lamb rack. Live music performances on Friday and Saturdays add to the charming ambience. Valentine’s Day Offer: Special Menu £70 per person 224 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9HP

Find out more and book your table at Criterion

Indulgent Hotels

Save: Lord Jim, Kensington

This humble hotel located in Kensington is the perfect starting point to explore the big city as it is only minutes away from tourist attractions such as the fashionable Knightsbridge and tranquil Kensington Gardens. However it is also the ideal place to treat that special someone, with newly refurbished rooms, a relaxed atmosphere and free WIFI, meaning you don’t even have to leave the hotel if you don’t want to! Double room with en-suite: £80-£95, breakfast included. 25 Penywern Road, London, SW5 9TT

Find out more and book your room at Lord Jim

Spend: Dylan Apartments, Paddington

If lovey dovey drivel is not your thing and you’d rather spend Valentine’s Day with a group of friends in the Big Smoke, then the Dylan Apartments near Paddington are ideal. Each of the self-catering apartments are renovated to a high standard complete with kitchenette, en-suite shower, and flat-screen TV and DVD player, making this the perfect home away from home. Late check-outs are also available keeping travelling on a hangover to the minimum! Studio Apartments sleeping 1, 2, or 3 people: £60-£100, late check-out may incur an additional charge 14 Devonshire Terrace, London, W2 3DW

Find out more and book your room at Dylan Apartments Paddington

Spoil: The Mayflower Hotel Apartments, Earl’s Court

This boutique hotel situated near Earl’s Court is the essence of luxury with marble bathrooms and walk-in showers, merino wool and Egyptian cotton linens, creamy stone floors and leather sofas, all as standard in the perfectly formed rooms. There are also elements of surprise and individuality such as a sculptured waterfall, original art, and antiques from India, demonstrating why the Mayflower Hotel is the picture-perfect hotel to impress the one you love. Various double rooms: £80-£139, breakfast included 26-28 Trebovir Road, London, SW5 9NJ

Find out more and book your room at The Mayflower Hotel Apartments

Alternative Valentine's Events

Save: Pleasure Garden Ball at the Museum of London

Experience St Valentine's as a favourite Georgian pastime as the Museum of London recreates the pleasure garden. Learn to dance with an 18th century girl band, watch risqué poetry and theatrical performances, discover dandy fashion, and design and wear your own masquerade mask in a night of dancing, drinking and decadence. Tuesday 14th February, 18:45-21:45. The Museum of London, 150 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5HN. Tickets £4-£6.

Spend: Olympic Valentine’s Love Boat 2012

Commending two events in one, the Love Boat 2012 will start in the afternoon and go through to the evening culminating in an afterparty, and is a perfect excuse to see the sights on London with your loved ones. Featuring 4 DJs and dance areas, chill out zones, observation/deck areas, and professional photographers on board, this is a true VIP experience available to all. Saturday 11th February, 14:00-20:00. Starts at Westminster Pier. Tickets £20.

Spoil: Torture Garden Valentine’s Ball

This infamous fetish ball returns to London for Valentine’s Day and is guaranteed to be an unorthodox celebration for the more adventurous amongst us. With theatre stage shows, aerial performances, and fantasy themed arenas, Torture Garden’s Valentine’s Ball is the perfect place for burlesque beauties, circus freaks, latex fetishes, and voodoo people to find love. Saturday 11th Febuary, 21:00-6:00. The Coronet Theatre, 28 New Kent Road, London, SE1 6TJ. Tickets £30-£35.

Find more London Valentine's events, hotels and restaurants in our London Valentine's guide.

Words: KG