Single On Valentine’s Day? Here’s How To Make The Most Of It

While for some, 14 February is an opportunity to assert or reiterate their love to their partner, for many it’s a day which reaffirms their singleness – whether they’re in a situationship, going through a breakup, or a long-term singleton. So, while many adverts are targeting romantic ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we’ve compiled a guide on how to survive being single on the big day. Whether you’re in the mood to hit the town, hang with friends or go it alone, we’ve handpicked the best ways to share the (single) love with your gals and pals.

Making The Most Of Being Single On Valentine’s Day

Red and Risqué Skate Soirée

Looking for some wheely good fun this Galentine’s Day? Head to Rollerscape, Wembley’s sizzling pop-up roller rink hosted by skater group, WATCH MY WHEELS. With three DJs spinning tunes until midnight and a retro-chic venue adorned with disco balls and shimmer curtains, alongside a ‘Romantically Red’ dress code, this is the ultimate Valentine’s Day celebration, whether you’re gliding with friends or your special someone.

Details: 14 February at Rollerscape (3 Fulton Rd, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0TF). rollerscape.co.uk

Speed Dating & Singles Party

Looking to couple up, but tired of the endless swipes and scrolls? A brand new singles event company is landing for Valentine’s Day 2024: It’s A Date. Founded by a couple for friends needing a helping hand, expect feel-good events connecting London’s singletons in an engaging and authentic way with fun speed-dating with specific age ranges, and informal Singles Parties with up to 50 guests.

Details: Learn more and see the upcoming events at itsadate.club. If you have any questions on the event or how things will work, get in contact with James on [email protected].

Neill Strain Flowers

Send A Friend A Special Gift

Gone is the air of mystery when receiving post. Now, when there’s a knock on the door, you know it’s either going to be a scary looking envelope or a guilty ASOS parcel from you, to you. Well, why not bring back that mystery behind the knock on the door by sending a friend something special. There’s nothing nicer than receiving flowers (and we’ve definitely been conned into thinking that flowers are reserved for romance and special occasions). Neill Strain Flowers is the best of the best. Expect show-stopping and brightly coloured bouquets.

Or, if you’re looking for something sweet, spread the love with Made in Oldstead’s letterbox brownies, Tommy’s signature dark chocolate brownies with indulgent raspberry caramel, topped with raspberry icing and love heart sprinkles – all delivered straight to their door. £25, madeinoldstead.co.uk

Stereo © Mr Tripper

Party At STEREO

Looking for a fun-fuelled evening? Subterranean STEREO is hidden beneath Covent Garden, and is all about vinyl grooves this Valentine’s Day. It’s hosting a ‘Roaming Horizons Party’, featuring special performer, Vandorta, a dedicated crate digger with a keen ear for all things funky. Meanwhile sip bespoke V-day cocktails or lager from the evening’s sponsor, Prime Time Lager.

Details: 14 February from 7pm at STEREO (35 The Piazza, London WC2E 8BE). stereocoventgarden.com

London’s Best Bars For Live Music

Dinner & Iconic Diva Songs

This V-day, gather the girlies for a night of iconic diva songs performed by The Voice UK finalist, Michelle Jordan. Expect songs from legendary divas such as Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Anita Baker and Diana Ross, all while indulging in a two-course menu of much loved americana classics and a special V-day cocktail.

Details: 14 February 2024 from 7pm at SOUND Cafe London. Spots are £39.50 per person and can be booked at opentable.com

Garden Bar

Workshops With Scotty Unfamous

Scotty Unfamous will run two sex-positive workshops at Mama Shelter London Shoreditch across Valentine’s week, filling the ethereal Garden Bar with sexual empowerment and self-love. Scotty’s workshops give guests the tools to unlearn sexual shame, build confidence and embrace their desires in a safe space. On 13 February, enjoy a ‘Bad Gyalentines’ filled with cheeky games, confidence building and laughter. And on Sunday 18 February, Scotty will run a tantric workshop for ‘Lovers & Friends,’ designed to teach attendees how to reignite, prioritise, celebrate, and heighten pleasure in their relationship, through fun guided sensual exercises and honest discussions.

Details: Doors open 6.30pm for both events, running 7–9.30pm in the Garden Bar at Mama Shelter London Shoreditch (437 Hackney Rd, London E2 8PP). Tickets are priced at £27.80 and can be booked via Eventbrite: Bad Gyalentines and Lovers & Friends.

Have Dinner With Friends

Even if you’re single on Valentine’s Day, fancy dinners shouldn’t be reserved for couples. Skip the candles and tables for two: this Valentine’s Day, it’s all about wining and dining with friends, amigos and pals. Head to one of the best restaurants in London for group dining to celebrate, or host a dinner party at home: the cosier option and, with no last orders, you can natter and play games with glasses of wine late into the night.

Attend An Exercise Class

As the wise Elle Woods once said, ‘exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy’ – particularly if you’re surrounded by others in the same boat. It might hurt at the time, but it’s sure to have you leaving on a high. Pick from some of the best fitness classes London has to offer.

Go For A Walk

If you’re not up for a high-intensity workout, why not opt for a walk? Whether you stroll with a friend or plug in a podcast and go it alone, you’ll still get plenty of serotonin. And there’s plenty of gorgeous walk options both in London and the countryside.

Listen To Music

Music is a sure way to lift any spirits – dancing around your room is literally a form of self-care – so make sure you spend the day with good music, turned up loud. Thanks to Spotify’s playlists you can ensure your soundtrack of the day will be suitably apt for all singles. Pick from the Anti-Valentines Day playlist, Happy Favourites or a special Galentines Day playlist for female-centred favourites.

Attend A Comedy Show

There’s nothing like watching live comedy – laughter is the best medicine, after all. Head to one of these comedy clubs for a night of guaranteed giggles and bellyaches.

Eat At Home

Can’t be bothered to go out? Swap your boots for slippers and don your best dressing gown to feast in solo comfort. The act of cooking can be extremely therapeutic, so grab that apron and clear the counter. Whip up a creamy sweet potato and leek dish, or bake some tasty treats like these triple threat chocolate brownies. Alternatively, we’ve compiled the best DIY kits if you don’t fancy cooking wholly from scratch. Or, why not just order in? Here are the best fine dining restaurants which deliver – go on, treat yourself.

Have A Movie Marathon

The food’s taken care of, now it’s time to decide on what to watch. These tv shows and films celebrate being single and centre around girl power, perfect for watching if you’re spending this Valentine’s Day single.

• Sex and the City: Which list would be complete without the holy quartet. Following four women trying to survive life and love in their thirties – the glue of the show is their friendship.
• John Tucker Must Die: The ultimate anti-men and pro-girls-working-together film. A group of girls take revenge on a guy who makes the mistake of dating multiple girls at the same time.
• Legally Blonde: Elle Woods gives her ex-boyfriend the ultimate slap in the face: in order to prove to him that she would make a suitable wife, she applies to Harvard Law School and gets in. What, like it’s hard?
• Charlie’s Angels: An action movie featuring a trio of kick-ass women who embark on ultra-successful missions. While there are a few to choose from, our favourite’s the 2000 film version starring Lucy Liu, Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz.
• The Other Woman: Another revenge film demonstrating the power women have when they unite together.
• Lady Bird: Saoirse Ronan navigates the messiness of first love, heartbreak, and friendship in this coming-of-age film.
• The Sex Lives of College Girls: This TV series, created by Mindy Kaling (The Office, Never Have I Ever, The Mindy Project), follows four girls as they begin at college, and highlights girl power at its best.

Have A Pamper Session

What’s Galentine’s Day without a pamper session? If you’re going to be single on Valentine’s day, order in some of the best beauty products to pamper yourself at home, or make a day of it and head to a spa to be suitably spoiled.