Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and there are a plethora of romantic and not so romantic things to do. It doesn’t matter if you’re single or seriously loved-up on the 14th, here at DesignMyNight we're clued up on the hottest events for couples and solo acts alike. From treacherous burlesque shows to a Magic Mike movie night; this guide will ensure this Valentine's is your best yet, no matter what your relationship status.
1. Lose yourself at the mystical masked ball of the full moon
The Coronet has played host to a massively-diverse roster of events over the years, and luckily for you, this Valentine’s is their next big blowout. They're putting on a mystical masked ball of the full moon; so, whether you’re out to celebrate (or commiserate) new love, old love, or lost love - this is the place to be. Not finishing up until 4am, glide into the Coronet’s opulent ballroom and dance your socks off from an early hour to a marvellous ensemble of live music, including a symphony orchestra and an electric swing circus, combining 30’s swing, gypsy jazz, ska, house and dubstep. If you get tired of the dance floor (and need a pit stop drink) make sure you set your sights on the talented high-flying aerialists of Chivaree Circus; you’ll find them dangling from dizzying heights above your head. With beautiful opera rooms, a Valentine’s feast and tempting hot tubs on the premises, this weird and wacky event is definitely one for your February bucket list.
2. Sink into a beanbag for a classic Valentine's flick and beautiful live poetry
If your ideal date is a night sat snuggled next to your partner, you need to head to Block Party Cinema. Their pop up screening of Poetic Justice will involve copious amounts of popcorn, chilled glasses of wine and beanbags. Taking inspo from the poignant Maya Angelou poetry in the film, artists will perform in a live spoken word exhibition before the film, with DJs spinning the best in smooth R&B and soul after the showing.Tickets start at £12 and are sure to sell out, so make sure you book in advance to secure some beanbag bliss.
3. Head to Hooray Cabaret for a night to remember
Hooray Cabaret is giving the middle finger to Valentine’s Day this year. If you want to join them, make your way to The Moth Club on Thursday the 16th to their BLEEDING LOVE event. Not only will it be a glorious night of cabaret, burlesque and comedy; it will also support The Period Drama who work to provide women in difficult financial situations with sanitary products. People are encouraged to bring along tampons, panty liners or any other reusable sanitary items for donation on the night. So, if you’re keen to experience something a little bit different while avoiding all that hearts and flowers nonsense, look nowhere else.
4. Impress your other half at a like-minded lovers masterclass
If you and your partner in crime share a mutual love for whisky, there’s only one place for you on the 14th - the Four Roses Bourbon masterclass. Your evening will begin with a bespoke cocktail followed by a tasting of three exquisite bourbon whiskies. You both will then have the opportunity to make your own special whisky concoction, where you can hone your mixology skills. At £10 a ticket, and your guest coming free, it’s a no brainer.
5. Visit Boondocks this Valentine’s for a wild Magic Mike singles night
Calling all single pringles - Boondocks are throwing an epic Magic Mike Valentine’s cinema club special on the 14th, and you need to go. Not ending until 11pm, your night will get off to a roaring start as a handful of buff butlers greet you and your friends with complimentary glasses of prosecco. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, your £25 ticket also includes unlimited mac and cheese, chilli cheese hot dogs and popcorn.
6. Hop aboard the boat show comedy this Valentine’s
If your heart is set on super romantic views and a super-romantic setting London’s finest floating comedy club is the answer to your Valentine’s prayers. Hop aboard the R.S. Hispaniola on the 14th and get ready for stunning views of The London Eye and its historic surroundings. Entertainment wise, four comedians will have you and your partner giggling the night away; but don’t worry, there will be regular intervals for you to go and grab your favourite drinks from the bar. Tickets are £16 and include entrance to Opal nightclub if you feel like partying on after the show.
7. Head down to Uncaged, London's treacherous burlesque with a whodunit twist
Looking for a non-cliche way to spend Valentine’s with your lover? Let us introduce Valentine Fatale; a murder mystery burlesque. Grab your other half and utilise your collective detective skills to try and piece together this mystery. Unsurprisingly, Cupid is the fateful murder victim, but the question is, whodunit, and why? This unique and immersive burlesque experience presents a wild and glamorous collection of suspects for you to examine and provides an exciting escape from the predicted Valentine’s Day dinner and drinks.
8. Celebrate your singledom at Bounce's Anti-Valentines party with Bumble
Honestly, WHO said being single on Valentine’s is such a bad thing? In celebration of that single life, the guys at Bounce in Farringdon are throwing their fifth annual Anti-Valentine’s shindig. Boasting unlimited ping pong, UV face artists, group games and tunes from ‘DJ Pete’; your £5 ticket is more than worth the money. For those that absolutely MUST find someone compatible, the dating app Bumble will be on hand, providing matches and cocktails for amorous pairings.
9. Head to a BLOODY Valentine’s Brunch
The Bloody Brunch folk at Haunt are feeling the love this Valentine’s. So much so, they’re hosting a special Valentine’s brunch on Saturday 11th February. Don’t have a significant other half right now? Not a problem. These guys are also putting on a session for singles at 3.30pm, and word on the street is that Cupid is going to be out in full force. Expect a special ‘Valentine's Brunch Menu' on the day and rowdy sets from the venue’s resident DJs. Tickets start at £19.50 for this boozy event and include a bloody mary, home-made pastries and a brunch option from the one-off menu. But if you want to, you can go all out with bottomless bloody marys for £29.50.
10. Go for some Kinky Cocktails
Three Six Six pose a good question this Valentine’s; why be nice when you can be naughty? Whether you're after a daring first date, or a frolic with your long time bae, step out of your comfort zone this Valentine’s and sip on some seriously kinky cocktails. Everything from buttplugs to gag balls will be used to decorate these outlandish concoctions. So, trust us when we say, there’s no holding back with this brazen cocktail list. You and your partner are in for one helluva night on the 14th with four of these devilish mixes only setting you back £25.
For more information on London’s best bars and cocktails, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Twitter and Instagram; @DesignMyNight.
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