From delectable one-off menus to special cocktails, romantic evenings out and show-stopping soirees, here’s some of the best ways to impress your partner (or friends) across London for Valentine’s Day 2023
1 Sip on a whisky-filled love potion at Rosewood London’s terrace
Nestled within Rosewood London, one of London’s most prestigious hotels, the Glenfiddich Time:Capsule creates a luxury world away from the bustling city noise. An immersive experience, the limited-edition terrace has been designed with state of the art visuals and audio to allow guests to step in and slow down.
Exclusively for Valentine’s Day, a delicious Glenfiddich cocktail has been crafted by Bar Manager Eleonora Biason, and added to the menu to be enjoyed with a loved one for a limited time only. The All You Need Is Love is a fragrant concoction combining Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, Maple Versus, Hops, Peach & Jasmine soda, and garnished with delicate Baby Breath to deliver a visually stunning and tremendously tasty drink to raise a glass with whomever you’re celebrating with.
What’s more, during their terrace visits, guests can also enjoy the curated menu of small plates and cocktails in addition to some of Glenfiddich’s most luxurious drams. And for every dram of Glenfiddich 21 Year Old to 40 Year Old, Glenfiddich and Rosewood are giving guests the chance to win a signed bottle of Glenfiddich 30 Year Old Suspended Time as well as a luxury stay at the hotel – talk about something to swoon over.
Cost: All you need is Love is available to purchase for the entire week of Valentine’s Day at the Time:Capsule terrace for £18
Where: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
How: Find out more and make a booking via rosewoodhotels.com
2 Enjoy enticing dishes at Apothecary East
This Valentine’s Day, East-London bar and restaurant Apothecary East is hosting a gorgeous Valentine’s dinner, encouraging both love birds and groups of friends to spend the season of love feasting on Japanese small plates.
Opening with the special offering on Monday 13th February, otherwise affectionally known as ‘Galentine’s Day’, and the official day of love on Tuesday 14th February, Apothecary East offers a wide range of small and large plates, alongside a specially-designed sharing cocktail.
Served in an ornate bottle, dates and mates are encouraged to pour the vibrant light-red cocktail into coupe cocktail glasses with a rose petal garnish. The cocktail, Umeshu Blush, is crafted with Umeshu Plum Wine, Cocchi Rosa Vermouth, Crème de Cacao Blanc, Grenadine and Campari with a top of luxury Champagne – the perfect refreshing, light and sexy cocktail for the occasion.
Small plate favourites include the famous sticky Miso Glazed Aubergine, Crispy Soft Shell Crab and a range of sushi rolls including Spicy Tuna and Cornish Crab. Standout larger plates include Grilled Truffle Miso Short Rib, a caramalised delight that falls off of the bone, and the Robata Grilled Poussin which is marinated with kimchi and pickled vegetables.
Available to devour from 5pm across both nights, Apothecary East will play host to DJ Sara El Harrak, offering a vibey and relaxed atmosphere with East London vibes and good food – perfect for those seeking a casual and relaxed Valentine’s date in the bustling neighbourhood of East London.
For larger groups of ‘Galentines’ or friends looking to celebrate with good food, Apothecary East’s subterranean private dining room can accommodate up to 22 seated guests or up to 35 for standing receptions.
Where: Apothecary East, 36 Charlotte Rd, London EC2A 3PG
How: Find out more and make a booking via 020 7060 5335 and apothecaryeast.co.uk
3 Make it a night to remember with a five-course feast at Alex Webb on Park Lane
Hosted in the intimate surrounds of the new Alex Webb on Park Lane restaurant, expect a dining experience like no other from MasterChef: The Professionals 2020 winner Alex Webb. The five-course tasting menu, inspired by nostalgic flavours from Alex’s childhood and travels, starts with a raspberry and champagne cocktail and canapés on arrival.
Impress your better half with five dishes of decadence, featuring creative flavour combinations such as Langoustine tail, scallop & black mushroom ravioli with smoked leek purée and ash; a Rib-eye of beef with chicory and beef jus; and Black cod served with sea herbs, onion purée, pickled onions, crispy potato and champagne sauce, with optional Exmoor Caviar supplement.
Finish off with the Insta-worthy piece de resistance – a showstopping Croquembouche for two with strawberry crème patisserie and poached strawberries.
Price: £110 per person (additional £45 with three paired wines)
Where: 1 Hamilton Pl, Park Lane, London W1J 7QY
How: Find out more and make a booking via parklane.intercontinental.com
4 Opt for a Champagne and Wagyu Valentine’s Experience at M Restaurants
If it’s opulence you’re after, look no further. Up the steaks with a sensational six-course tasting menu for you and your loved one this Valentine’s Day, seated in a cosy and intimate booth complete with the best views in the house, along with a complimentary bottle of Champagne.
Showcasing the world’s most exclusive and highest-grade Kobe and Wagyu beef, the Champagne & Wagyu Experience menu includes a Wagyu scotch egg with smoked ketchup; a duo of Blackmore Wagyu served alongside 15-hour Wagyu parmesan chips, as well as Wagyu chocolate truffles to finish.
Cost: The Champagne & Wagyu Experience costs £595 per couple including a complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne and is available to book at all three M Restaurants.
Where: Tuesday 14th February at M Canary Wharf, M Threadneedle Street & M Victoria.
How: Find out more and make a booking via mrestaurants.co.uk
5 Twist it up with tequila at NYX Hotel London Holborn
For those bored of red roses and heart-shaped balloons, shake things up a night of tequila-infused fun. Holborn’s NYX Hotel’s Midtown Bar & Dining exclusively serves NYX Afternoon TeaQuila…combining Mexican and English traditional cuisines to delight and surprise your loved one with. This fiesta on a cake stand serves two people and includes La Margarita, a perfectly balanced cocktail featuring fresh lime juice, agave syrup and Volcán Tequila Blanco, mini tacos with chicken green mango and chipotle, and a sultry dark chocolate and chilli brownie.
Start with a bold savoury tier of mini tacos and burritos, salmon tartare cones, tequila-grilled shrimps and stuffed baby peppers and finish with sweet tea-time classics such as scones, macaroons and fresh fruit tarts. Afternoon TeaQuila offers an alternative and intimate romantic afternoon experience and the perfect, boozy treat for your loved one.
For a romantic evening date night, visit the newly-opened NYX Rooftop bar Glasshouse, standing 10 stories up and 125 feet high, the spectacular venue includes and extensive menu of specially crafted cocktails and snacks with breathtaking panoramic views, made possible by the glass walls surrounding the venue.
Where: 50 – 60 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AR
How: Find out more and make a booking via nyx-hotels.com/londonholborn
6 Make them swoon with seven courses in the sky at Bōkan 37
Love is in the air at award-winning sky-high bar and restaurant, Bōkan, located on the 37th floor of Novotel London Canary Wharf. You and your Valentine can indulge in a delicious seven-course tasting menu (£150pp) that puts the spotlight on impeccably soured British produce.
Expertly curated by Executive Chef Robert Manea, menu highlights include sweetheart cabbage, sauerkraut, burnt mayo; cod cheek, ras el hanout, lemon condiment; and chocolate and orange bon bon, with a glass of champagne. Enjoy truly mesmerising views alongside, for an evening that is bound to leave a lasting impression.
When: Tuesday 14th February from 7pm.
Cost: £150pp
How: Find out more and make a booking via bokanlondon.co.uk
7 Enjoy a scent-ational evening at The Londoner
Leicester Square’s super boutique hotel, The Londoner, has collaborated with couture British fragrance house, Miller Harris to add a unique cocktail and perfume pairing to the menu at The Stage – the property’s signature champagne bar, situated in the hotel lobby. The Stage Muse apéritif will be served from 6th – 19th February in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
Expertly created by The Londoner’s innovative in-house Mixologists, The Stage Muse is inspired by London Perfumer, Miller Harris’ latest fragrance, Myrica Muse. It blends notes of rose, red fruits and Jasmine, made with East India Company gin, Muyu Jasmine liqueur, citrus cordial, Jasmine tea infused with freeze-dried strawberries and topped with Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne NV.
The limited-edition cocktail will be served alongside an enchanting vial of Myrica Muse – a fruity, floral, musk Eau de Parfum with notes of of bayberry, rum and rose, making for a multisensory and indulgent experience in the plush environs of The Stage, delicious on its own or as a special finishing touch to Afternoon Tea. And because a stage is not a stage without performance, guests at The Stage on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings as well as Saturday and Sunday afternoons can enjoy the cocktail with the accompaniment of live music.
When: The Stage Muse is available from 6th – 19th February at The Stage, The Londoner.
Cost: Priced at £18.
Where: 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX
8 Enjoy red hot Michelin-starred dining at Benares Mayfair
Tasting menus have never looked quite so tantalising. This eight-course tasting menu has been expertly curated by Sameer Taneja and his team for a romantic evening to remember. Tuck into hearty dishes inspired by the Indian subcontinent from a scrumptious “Hot Smoked” Hake Bhaji Pao to a warming Jumbo Quali Yakhani Pulao.
With a vegetarian menu available and the option to elevate your evening with Captivating or Prestigious wine pairings, Benares sets the scene for a perfect date night with that special someone. Why not end the evening by the Lounge Bar’s beautiful lily pond, enjoying twists on classic cocktails, for a sophisticated and intimate evening which oozes romance.
Cost: Tasting Menu priced at £149pp or Vegetarian Tasting Menu at 139pp, available exclusively on 14th February.
How: Find out more and make a booking via benaresrestaurant.com
9 Feel like a princess for Galentine’s Day with Duck & Dry
It’s the season of love, passion, and good hair! Duck & Dry is the perfect place to get lovesick this Galentine’s with gorgeous group styling areas, Maison Mirabeau cocktails on tap, and brand new head-turning hairstyles.
Take your pick from ‘Ooh La La’, ‘Low Tide Waves’, ‘Top Knot’, and ‘Braided Twist’ – gorgeous Valentine’s favourites!
Visitng the salons in Mayfair or Islington? Opt for extra spoiling and head over to the nail bar for a romantic French Manicure or seasonal nail art.
With four iconic London locations, you and your ‘gals’ are guaranteed to have fall in love with the Duck & Dry experience. Get preened to perfection with a Pink Negroni in hand.
Wallet: Blow Dries from £35, Updos from £45, Manicures from £20, Cocktails from £7
Where: Various locations
How: Find out more and make a booking via duckanddry.com
