Valentine's Day is fast approaching. For some, it's an opportunity to celebrate with your loved one. Whether that entails miniature chocolates, extravagant bouquets of red roses and candlelit dinner or a night in with your favourite film.
While for others, it may be the chance to catch up with your best buds and banish all heart-shaped somethings in exchange for a retro screening, booze and nibbles aplenty.
So celebrate the big day with your Valentine/'bae'/bestie/newly acquired Tinder date with our round-up of the best events in London this year:
For Galentine's Day
So you’ve yet to receive any roses from a ‘secret admirer’, who cares? You needn’t worry about spending hours trying to find the right card which balances being affectionate without being too cringe and you can forget about having to spend the last of your wages on a present your other half will no doubt return. So take the opportunity to gather your squad and celebrate the 14 February with those you love (and who certainly will never break your heart).
Cocktail Cinema Evening at The Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch for Two
Courthouse Hotel in Shoreditch hosts private screenings of classic films, so kick back in the 196 plush seat picture house with a bag brimming with popcorn alongside your nearest and dearest. A renovated Magistrates' Court once occupied by the Kray twins, you can even bag yourself an aptly named ‘ball and chain’ cocktail from the prison-themed bar on arrival.
£50, valid for 12 months. View on Red Letter Days
Sing Your Hearts Out at Lucky Voice
If you and your besties love to belt out a ballad, look no further than Lucky Voice for a dedicated place to sing your hearts out, without fear of annoying your neighbours. With private (sound-proof) rooms, drinks and brunch available, you can show everyone your best Whitney Houston impression, or get a rehearsal in ahead of your, ahem, world tour.
Available at Liverpool St, Holborn, Soho, and Islington. View on Lucky Voice.
Afternoon Tea at The Kensington Hotel
Situated in the heart of leafy Kensington, The Kensington Hotel offers themed afternoon tea experiences, complete with delicious treats and bubbles. Its current offering is 'High Fashion High-Tea', inspired by Coco Chanel, so you can dine and sip in style.
£58 per person. View on afternoontea.co.uk.
For The Hopeless Romantics
For those of you who cannot wait to share the special day with your other half, these events will provide Insta-worthy opportunities aplenty. We're talking the full works - impressive views, candlelit interiors and bubbling champers on tap.
Kew Gardens
Spend the day or evening at Kew Gardens, embracing the sights, scents and sounds of nature. Explore all that it has to offer, and enjoy tasty seasonal food and drink at the cafès and restaurants.
£12+. View on kew.org.
Searcys At The Gherkin
You want romance? Hey, we'll give you romance (180 metres above the city’s skyline, of course). Visit Searcys at The Gherkin and take part in its afternoon tea event or visit the Iris Bar, taking in the views of the city as you sip Champagne.
Afternoon tea from £55 per person. Gift vouchers available for the Iris Bar. View on sevenrooms.com.
The View From The Shard
Experience London from the city’s highest viewing gallery. With breath-taking 360° panoramic views day and night, The View from The Shard is the ideal spot to unwind with glass of champagne as you overlook the city or share a moment with a loved one.
From £28pp. View on viewfromtheshard.com.