How To Mark Valentine’s Day In London 2024

St Valentine’s Day invariably creeps up on us year after year – but instead of dreading it, whatever your relationship status, why not go full Cupid and try to make it as special as possible for you and yours? Whether you’re loved up, single and fabulous, or on the hunt for a beau, this is your guide to all things romance in London this year.

Things To Do In London On Valentine’s Day 2024

Sky High Celebrations At GŎNG

Sit back and gaze down on London’s lights twinkling below your feet at Western Europe’s highest hotel bar this Valentine’s Day. Up in the clouds on level 52 of the iconic Shard, GŎNG Bar will be offering a Valentine’s package for two, featuring delights such as rainbow maki, Japanese-style tuna tartare, Wagyu beef tataki, octopus Takoyaki, chicken yakitori, and baby spinach salad. The culinary journey concludes with an Amaretto parfait with a sesame crunch accompanied by a creamy Bailey’s sauce.

Details: The Valentine’s Package for two is priced at £110, and is available from 9–14 February at GŎNG Bar (Level 52, Shangri-La The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU). gong-shangri-la.com

Romantic Film & Dinner Inspired By It

Released exclusively in cinemas on Valentine’s Day 2024 is The Taste of Things, a captivating love story, told through the language of French gastronomy. To celebrate, Balthazar, the iconic Covent Garden brasserie, has launched a special three-course menu in collaboration with Picturehouse Entertainment, mirroring pivotal moments in the film.

Details: For further information or to make a reservation, visit balthazarlondon.com or to find out more about The Taste of Things and find film screenings, visit tasteofthings.film

Dates At The Natural History Museum

London has a plethora of events on Valentine’s for lovers, with many a cranny in which to shelter and nooks to hide away in. For the nature-loving couple, the Natural History Museum’s late event is the perfect hideaway. Expect it to tour you through love in the animal kingdom – proving it’s not all sex and death – and visitors will be further wooed by a harpist and bolstered by a fully stocked bar.

Details: 14 February 2024 from 18.45–22.30 pm. Adult tickets are £35, or £31.50 for members. Book at nhm.ac.uk

Love Shack At Puttshack

Putt your love to the test with a bit of healthy competition this V-day. Puttshake is having a lovey dovey makeover from 10–18 February, featuring a photobooth on the special day so all players can take a complimentary polaroid home.

Details: 10–18 February 2024 at Puttshack, which has venues in Bank and White City. puttshack.com

Enjoy An Ultra-Foodie Slice Of Pizza

Celebrating at the weekend (and why not, since the big day falls on a Wednesday this year)? Show off your cooler-than-cool palate by taking your date to a slice and sip at the World Famous Gordos in Netil Market. They’ve got a romance of their own with New Theory wine so you can wash it down with a juicy red.

Details: New Theory X World Famous Gordos Valentine’s Pop-Up in Netil Market (13-23 Westgate St, London E8 3RL). £6.90 for slice and glass, 4-8pm. drinknewtheory.com

© Johan Persson

Valentine’s With Kids?

We know the story: it’s the most romantic day of the year and you can’t source a babysitter (or you fancy bringing the kids along regardless). Or maybe you’re just looking to celebrate Valentine’s with a difference. Either way, Disney’s The Lion King is playing at its home at the Lyceum Theatre in the West End, and we highly recommend.

Details: Book your tickets at thelionking.co.uk

Sip A Special Cocktail At Annabel’s

London’s premiere members’ club Annabel’s will be offering a special Valentine’s Day cocktail for 2024: the ‘French Kiss’, a Cīroc vodka base paired with parafante fig liqueur, raspberry, citrus, rosewater and is finished with champagne. This is a romantic twist on a classic Clover Club, served up with extra affection this Valentine’s Day week. Plus, book in for dinner at Matteo’s, where a special menu fusing Northern and Southern Italian delicacies awaits. Think tantalizing Crispy Oyster & ‘Nduja to the sublime Hay Smoked Duck Breast, before ending with a delectable shared dessert.

Details: Annabel’s (46 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AT). For all Membership enquiries, please contact [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 7629 2350. annabels.co.uk

Take Yourself On A Retreat – Or A Cinema Date

If you’re single and loving it… Celebrate self and all that’s important: wellness hub East of Eden is hosting a self-love mini-retreat involving pilates, journalling, tea and cake, plus a sound-bath (20 February, eastofeden.uk). Or take yourself on a date – perhaps to Backyard Cinema’s showing of Romeo + Juliet at Union Chapel in Islington (10–18 February, backyardcinema.co.uk).

Go Speed-Dating

For those singletons determined to join in the fun next year, seek out a speed-dating event or party. The Happenstance London’s Lock & Key party for 30-45 year-olds takes place on 10 February, providing hope that a beau (or belle) might be caught even before the big day itself (skiddle.com).

Details: The Lock & Key Party takes place on 10 February 2024 at The Happenstance (10 Paternoster Sq., London EC4M 7DX). skiddle.com

© Caitlin Mogridge

Whizz Up Lift 109

Picture this: a unique circular glass lift ascent to the top of one of Battersea Power Station’s iconic chimneys, culminating at 109 metres above the ground with a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the London skyline. That’s exactly what Battersea Power Station’s Lift 109 offers, promising to sweep you and your special someone off your feet. Add a glass of champagne to enjoy during the exhilarating ascent and say ‘cheers’ at the top.

Details: Book at lift109.co.uk

Have A Musical Night On The Town

The musical-loving couple might be disappointed to find that much of London’s West End is booked up for the big day itself (don’t expect to see Broadway transfer and swoony musical Hadestown, for example), but there are still plenty of tickets available for select hit shows on TodayTix and other last-minute sites – perhaps Mamma Mia! (it’s about a wedding) or Moulin Rouge (sexy glamour) will be the tonic.

Order In A DELLI Treats Hamper

Nothing says ‘romance’ like a box of chocolate-covered strawberries. For those wanting to elevate their night in, a DELLI ‘Treat For My Sweet’ hamper is unbeatable.

Details: £42, delli.market

BYOB: Tipple Your Hot Chocolate

Searching for a cheap, cheerful but still romantic idea for Valentine’s Day 2024? Step one: drop by a coffee shop – extra points for an independent one, but in case you’re in a pickle, Pret has a late closing time – and grab a hot chocolate. Step two: stop by an off-license or supermarket and seek out a small whiskey, cointreau or spirit of choice. Step three: mix them up, grab your lover by the hand and stroll along the bank of the river Thames.

Get Competitive At An Arcade

If you fancy yourself a straight shooter at Time Crisis 3 – or perhaps you’re more a Guitar Hero rockstar – and you and yours enjoy competitive play, an arcade might be the answer. These are the best arcades in London in which you can celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Featured image courtesy of Shangri-La The Shard.