‘Valentine’s Day’ - those two simple words can fill people with dread. But this year we’ve got you covered so the 14th February can be panic-free and, dare we say it, enjoyable?! Whether you’re single, in a relationship or still confusing all your friends and family by claiming ‘it’s complicated’, we want to make this Valentine’s Day special & avoid your plans consisting of a solo night in armed with a bottle of wine and a tub of Ben & Jerry’s (unless that’s what you’re into, in which case go for it.) Seeing as Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year, we suspect more people will be out and about than ever, and have tried to put together a list with a lot of different options so hopefully you can find an itinerary that suits you and your significant other, or your group of friends.

We’ve got you covered no matter where you fancy heading out:

Central London: 

Would you believe me if I said you could have the perfect night in Soho all on one street? Well, you should - and this magical place is Old Compton Street. 

Now, I’m not sure whether the majority of people prefer to have pre or post-dinner drinks, but I am firmly in the pre dinner category. I think this is simply because I have an uncontrollable tendency to overeat, and after a meal out I can think of nothing better than getting home and into my comfies. So my suggestion is to go for a few pre-meal bevs & then a later dinner however feel free to swap this around. 

For drinks, the absolute best spot in Central London - maybe even in the whole city - is Bar Swift. The bartenders are entertaining and really know what they’re doing, the drinks are delicious and creative, and yet the whole vibe is super relaxed and easygoing. If you’re one of the folk who prefers to be prepared and always books in advance, then definitely give them a buzz, however we have always visited as walk-ins. The scroppino is a personal favourite cocktail of mine, and if the hunger pains are setting in a little too early for dinner, grab a portion of the chilli rice crackers to tide you over.

After a couple (or more) tipples, it is a measly 5 metre stagger to your next destination: Shack-Fuyu. Serving up Japanese comfort food and creative Izakaya-style dishes, this place is incredibly good. I’m not joking when I tell you that we once got moved tables because ‘what we ordered wouldn’t fit on our table’. We took this as more of an achievement than an embarrassment & happily accepted the upgrade. There is so much to choose from on this menu, and it’s genuinely hard to narrow it down to a few favourites but here goes: the chilli soy edamame is a must - the perfect snacking dish and best way to begin your meal. Follow that with a sushi roll, mushroom toban and the tempura soft shell crab for maximum deliciousness. Choose from baos, katsu curry, rice bowls & meat dishes for your main event - but make sure the miso aubergine and sesame tenderstem make an appearance on your table at some point. Who knew vegetables could be so damn exciting!? Wash it all down with a saké or two, and leave with full bellies and happy hearts.

East London:

Another great spot for an evening out is Shoreditch. There are endless bars and restaurants to choose from, and with amazing street art and performers, the whole area is constantly buzzing. 

First thing’s first: food - where to eat? Shoreditch is home to so many of my favourite places that I couldn’t bring myself to choose between two. So you’re just going to have to make that decision for yourself. 

There’s Gloria Trattoria on Great Eastern Street, which serves up the most heavenly Italian fare & ginormous desserts which are definitely worth indulging in. I have been praying for French group 'Big Mamma' to bring one of their infamous restaurants to the UK since I ate my first slice in Paris in 2016, so this venture really is a dream come true. The 2-person carbonara served from a cheese wheel is seriously impressive, and the pizzas are doughy and delicious. However, it is nearly impossible to get a booking at Gloria this close to Valentine’s Day, so my advice would be to get there early and get your name down - then enjoy a drink in the bar while you wait. 

Alternatively, if you don’t fancy tagliatelle or tiramisu, just down the road on Shoreditch High Street is Smoking Goat. This laidback restaurant specialises in charcoal-grilled Thai food and its quirky creations do not disappoint. Inspired by Bangkok’s late night canteens, expect dishes such as slow smoked Tamworth shoulder, lamb laab or sour curry of mussels. Again, most of the restaurant is reserved for walk-ins so expect a bit of a wait once you’ve put your name down - fear not, one of our favourite bars is just round the corner to help you pass the time.

In the basement of 8 Hoxton Square, you’ll find the gem that is Happiness Forgets. This hip, speakeasy bar lit only by candlelight serves up some of the best cocktails and vibes in London. Killer cocktails by professional mixologists are a great way to start or end an evening if you ask me. I’d definitely advise booking where possible but there’s usually space for walk-ins too.

South London:

Another part of London with seemingly endless options. Let us make it easier for you - a great area to check out is Balham, and the bar and restaurant scene there is pretty great too.

Start at Hagen & Hyde. This cosy, friendly gastropub strives to go that extra mile, and their chilled vibe is a testament to that. You’ll often be greeted by live music, and the drinks are super well priced. The next stop on your South London date night is delightfully indulgent: picture carbs, steak and more carbs.

Make a reservation at Arlo’s. This insane restaurant has a simple and straightforward goal - to source the very best ingredients and to serve them quickly and frill-free. The bavette steak, short-rib burger and shakshouka are all personal favourites - but it is essential they are paired with either fire-crisp sourdough trenchers, hand-cut chips or both. Trust me, the steak juices soaked into the crispy sourdough will make you never want to eat steak any other way, and the roast garlic mushrooms are insane too. Pop a bottle of bubbly too, and you’ve got the perfect Valentine’s evening.

West London:

One of our favourite Boroughs in West London has to be Chiswick. This leafy, affluent suburb is full of stunning roads, boutiques and has a buzzing hospitality scene.

Start your evening off with drinks at No 197 Fire Station. This former fire station is the perfect spot for a date night or catch up with friends. Its contemporary interior provides the perfect backdrop for relaxed eating and drinking. Plonk yourself in a chair at No 197 and unwind for an hour or two before heading for dinner. The serene walled garden makes the perfect outdoor space & is the ultimate spot for an alfresco cocktail if you fancy it.

Then it’s on to La Trompette. Specialising in high-end modern French food, and serving dishes such as foie gras and charcuterie, there’s nowhere more romantic. La Trompette opened in 2001 and has been showered with accolades since the outset; a reflection of the care, dedication and energy invested in the restaurant by the whole team. We definitely recommend the tasting menu for maximum deliciousness.

North London:

There are lots of hidden gems in North London, however we reckon Hampstead is the perfect place for a Valentine’s evening.

A wine bar is never a bad idea. So begin your night at Cork & Bottle. Having first opened up in Leicester Square, this wine bar has expanded out to Hampstead to provide a top notch wine selection and quality small plates. If you arrive significantly earlier than your dinner reservation, it’s definitely worth enjoying a few nibbles here too.

Continue the evening of deliciousness at Patara Thai. This small fine-dining chain has expanded to Hampstead and serves up their sophisticated take on Thai cuisine. Make sure you enjoy a selection of their tasty starters, followed by the signature Ginger Black Cod or award-winning Pad Thai. The beauty of Patara is that you can try a variety of dishes without the guilt of overindulging.