Charm the birds off the trees at Glade. Credit: Sketch
Make the most of Valentine’s Day in London with our top tips for a heart-shaped holiday. We’ve got six romantic suggestions to share for 14 February, from fabulous flowers to tea for two. Read on for our definitive list of the best treats for your beloved.
Our alluring Salisbury should be on your radar.
London Perfect can also match you with a romantic rental apartment, such as seductive couple-friendly stay in the Salisbury, which sleeps two. Set in a pretty garden square in South Kensington, it features an elegant art and antique-dotted living room. The balcony bistro table is ideal for airy breakfasts or enjoy intimate meals indoors by the window. You’ll love your time in London!
Flowers from Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart
The lovely Pimlico shop. Credit: Nikki Tibbles, Wild at Heart
Rose are red, violets are blue… Need to pick up some flowers to impress your honey? To drive them wild, head to Wild at Heart, acclaimed florist Nikki Tibbles’ blooming lovely store. The original listed Turquoise Island outlet is a Notting Hill institution, designed by architect Piers Gough. Alternatively, find Tibbles’ lush bouquets at the entry to Liberty department store in the West End or in her flagship boutique at Chelsea’s homewares haven Pimlico Road. Turquoise Island, 222 Westbourne Grove, W11; Liberty London, Great Marlborough Street, W1; 30A Pimlico Road, SW1.
Bubbles and views at The London Eye
Credit: Coca-Cola London Eye
Take in jaw-dropping views of the Thames, South Bank, Big Ben and Houses of Parliament from the Coca-Cola London Eye. For fast-track entry to the iconic observation wheel and a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne book the Champagne Experience through London Perfect. We can also help with standard or fast-track tickets, or standard tickets combined with a romantic river cruise. Date-worthy VIP options include a Private Capsule or a Hotel Chocolate Tasting Experience (with truffles and two glasses of prosecco). Champagne and Wine Tasting Experiences are also available, taking two 30-minute rotations. Meeting point for London Perfect bookings, Jubilee Gardens, Belvedere Road, Waterloo SE1. The London Eye, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1.
Tea at Sketch
Pretty in pink at Gallery. Credit: Sketch
Wow your date, and make your VDay one to remember, with tea at playful Sketch in Mayfair. This stylish bar-restaurant destination includes the Gallery, a heavenly confection in on-trend millennial pink. Designed by French interiors whizz India Mahdavi with quirky illustrations by Brit wit David Shrigley, decor appeals to sweet tooths. Sink into a curvy pink velvet banquette and admire the pretty rose-gold details and cheeky Shrigley tableware. Afternoon tea is served daily from 11.30am to 4pm, with divine finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and mini treats on tiered platters and trolleys. Add Champagne (go pink!) or alcohol-free bubbly options. An ‘art smart’ dress code ensures a dandy crowd. 9 Conduit Street, W1.
Bateau London lunch and dinner cruises
Try a fabulous lunch cruise.
Take to the Thames with a London Perfect-arranged river jaunt. We can hook you up with a City Cruises lunch or dinner cruise, tailormade for admiring the sights. Enjoy a tasty feast and drinks while you float past London’s famous landmarks, side by side. Trips last around three-and-a-half hours, with a four-course dinner on the enchanting evening cruises. Choose the Premier ticket tier to include wine and mineral water with your meal. Loved-up selfies, optional! Board from Embankment Pier, WC2 (see London Perfect for departure times).
Cocktails at Gong at The Shard
Get sassy at The Shard with a visit to Gong.
Get up, up and away with cocktails atop The Shard, London Bridge’s glassy triangle of a skyscraper by Renzo Piano. For a Valentine’s date, it’s hard to beat glam Gong, on level 52, the highest hotel bar in Western Europe. Swing by for sunset or evening sips (the bar takes reservations and walk-ins, but dress up). Enjoy killer river and city views at armchairs by the windows while sipping on cocktails inspired by famous film directors. The Director’s Cut list includes Tea with Daisy, a fruity vodka and port cocktail in a box honoring Baz Luhrmann. Rum and tea concoction Storm & Marbles, a homage to Woody Allen, comes in three tactile ceramic cups. The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, SE1.
Dinner at Polpo Soho
Let the food take center stage at Polpo. Credit: Polpo
An intimate dinner à deux seals a seductive Valentine’s Day. London’s six award-winning Polpo restaurants are renowned for authentic Italian fare. The original skinny Beak Street branch in Soho is a cozy affair, once home to Venetian painter Canaletto. Inspired by Venetian bàcaros (humble restaurants), the dining room has a distressed, pared-back look, letting the food take center stage. Share alluring mushroom and truffle arancini, beetroot-cured salmon crostini, meatballs, and pizzette. The crab and chili linguine is a sexy main, followed by tiramisu. Italian wines span zesty whites, light reds, and a rosé, with plenty of prosecco. Book ahead online. Polpo Soho, 41 Beak Street, W1.
