Uh oh. Valentine’s Day is rearing its soppy head again. If you’re single, or in a couple who doesn’t do V-Day cheese, there are two ways to get through the 14th February. One is to hibernate with box sets. The other is to laugh in Cupid’s face, put on your clumpiest heels and head out to an Anti-Valentine’s night with your mates. From romance-free supperclubs to a ‘Mezcal massacre’ these events in restaurants and bars around the country are guaranteed 100%-free from violin quartets and ‘roses for the ladies’…
Anti-Valentine’s dinner, Salvo’s Leeds
Most restaurants turn into a couples-only zone over Valentine’s weekend. So props to Salvo’s in Leeds which is hosting an anti-valentine’s dinner on February 13th. There are six courses of authentic Italian grub for a bargain £27, plus live music.
Anti-Valentine’s supper club, Romeo Jones, Dulwich
There’s ‘no face-stroking permitted’ at this anti V-Day pop-up in south London on Feb 12th. Freelance chef Heather Jordan has put together a four-course menu of unromantic dishes like ‘don’t duck with my heart’ – duck hearts pickled in blueberry and fennel. All relationship statuses welcome, as long as you don’t get soppy. Email patrick@romeojones.co.uk for reservations.
Love Stinks, The Deaf Institute, Manchester
Sometimes you need to surround yourself with people as pissed off with love as you are, then jump around like idiots to 90s indie. If this sounds preferable to weeping over Sleepless in Seattle, head to the Deaf Institute in Manchester for Love Stinks on February 14th. Dancing to Pulp will make you hungry, so fuel up on the bar’s epic Southern Fried chicken burger (served with American cheese and spicy ketchup) first.
St Valentine’s Day Mezcal Massacre, Barrio East, London
Tacos, a tequila tasting menu, and free sangria: The Mezcal Massacre at Barrio East sounds like our perfect night. Add in DJs and dancing ‘til 2am, and your loved-up mates will be cancelling their dinner plans to party with you instead.
**Anti-Valentine’s Show,
**
Singletons of Glasgow – head to Milk for its ‘annual slandering of all things soppy’ on Feb 14th. Noise-punk bands, free cookies ‘to eat your feelings’, pink Russian cocktails and DJs – all for a bargainous £4 entry (think how much those romantic set-menus are costing your couple pals and laugh).
Anti-Valentine’s Pig Out, SOURCE, London
Dainty scallop starters, delicate bit of sea bass and a chocolate fondant for two: Sod that. Source in Battersea is steering clear of romantic menus on February 14th and serving up a ‘nose-to-tail’ pork feast instead. Dishes include crispy pigs ears and house-cured ham, plus a free cocktail.
Like this? Then you might also be interested in:
How To Continue All The Goodness You Did In #Veganuary On Into February
Here’s Five Totally Boss Nutella Recipes You’ll Want In Your Gob Immediately
Another Super Easy, Under A Fiver Lunch Recipe To Make This Sunday
Follow Katy on Twitter @KSalty
Picture: Wendell
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.