Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, but forget the tired clichés. Whether you’re planning a romantic gesture or just looking for an excuse to do something special, London has no shortage of memorable date ideas. From candlelit suppers to unexpected adventures, here are 10 of the best ways to celebrate love (or simply a great night out) in London this Valentine’s Day 2025.

1. For DJs and Indulgent Dining: The Standard, London

What: This Valentine’s Day, The Standard, London invites lovers and music enthusiasts to a night of celebration at Decimo on Friday, 14th February. Renowned vocalist Valerie Etienne, a former member of the pioneering acid jazz band Galliano, will serenade guests with two intimate sets from 7:30-8:15pm and 8:30-9:15pm, followed by a DJ performance from 10pm.

Indulge in a specially curated Valentine’s Day Set Menu priced at £110 per person or a Vegan Set Menu at £80, featuring delicious dishes like truffle nachos and Baja black cod tacos. Meanwhile, Sweeties will host an exciting music and romance night featuring DJ couple Aqwea and Connor, promising an unforgettable evening of love and entertainment.

Where: 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG

2. For a Tasting Menu: Kombala 

What: Kolamba is serving a duo of special tasting menus to celebrate Valentine’s Day at its Soho and east London restaurants on 14th February. At the newly opened Kolamba East, the five-course menu (£75 per person) includes dishes such as Hand dived scallop with banana blossom and tomato relish; Southern spiced grilled lobster and Seared duck breast with coconut curry. 

Where: 12 Blossom St, London E1 6PL and 21 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5QA

3. For Jazz: The Royal Exchange

What: For an unforgettable Valentine’s Day, the Fortnum’s Bar and Restaurant in the historic Royal Exchange have planned an evening of music and a specially created menu (£80 per person) for the romantic occasion. Within the landmark building, there will be live jazz from The Dee Quartet, to set the mood for a truly special four-course dinner.

Where: Royal Exchange, City of London, London EC3V 3LL

4. For Afternoon Tea: The Landmark London

What: The Winter Garden Restaurant is serving picture-perfect patisserie with its new Valentine’s Afternoon Tea, served under palm trees in its atrium. Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches and curated sweet treats, alongside freshly baked scones, fizz and a variety of house tea blends. What’s more, on 14th February, ballerinas will grace the atrium with live performances for a unique afternoon tea experience.

Where: The Winter Garden Restaurant at The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ

The Valentine’s Afternoon Tea (£102 for two) is available from 8th – 14th February and includes a glass of Champagne Palmer & Co Rosé Reserve or Wild Idol Alcohol Free Sparkling Rose each.

5. For a Night at the Movies: The Brush Grand Café

What: Celebrate love and a passion for film with the Dinner and a Movie package (£110) at The Brush Grand Café in art’otel London Hoxton, which includes an intimate four-course dinner, two cocktails and entry to the cinema auditorium with gourmet popcorn.

Buckle up for a blockbuster menu featuring a tartlet of hand-picked crab with chilli and lime; pan-roasted Charolais beef; and a saucy chocolate fondant, with the option to head to the cinema before or after feasting. Playing a curated lineup of cult and classic romantic films, from Lost in Translation and Romeo + Juliet to When Harry Met Sally, experience your favourites from the comfort of the auditorium, paired alongside a choice of Valentine’s cocktail specials, including Red Passion, Rose Spritz or Cupid’s Tonic.

Where: 84-86 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3JL

6. For a Paint and Date: The Ox

What: Paintbrushes at the ready for a creative and flavour-filled twist on Valentine’s Day as recently opened Clapham gastropub, The Ox, gets set to host an evening of pint glass painting and culinary delights. Taking place on 14th February from 6pm come together with a mate or date and get your artistic juices flowing by designing your very own pint glass masterpiece, priced at £15 per person. Using the pub’s signature glassware as a base, paint to your heart’s content and show-off your artistic talents to create the ultimate Valentine’s gift. Plus, there’s a special V Day sharing menu (£58 per person) in case you get peckish after.

Where: 50 Clapham High St, London SW4 7UL

7. For a Date Night on the Rooftop: JOIA

What: From Thursday 13th February to Sunday 16th February, JOIA will be screening four iconic love stories including The Notebook, Romeo & Juliet, Pretty Woman and Dirty Dancing, on the 15th floor rooftop. The experience will start with a three-course meal in the restaurant, inspired by Iberian cuisine, before heading up to the rooftop for the film screening (complete with blankets and hot water bottles) under the stars.

Where: 15th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ

Tickets start from £80 per person, inclusive of dinner, and can be purchased HERE. 

8. For a Spa Day:  St. Pancras Renaissance

What: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the iconic St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, a 19th-century Gothic Revival masterpiece. Opt for relaxation and indulge in a romantic spa package with a heart-shaped hot salt rock massage, facial, four hours of spa access and specialist tea. For those that want to extend their visit, they can follow with a decadent four-course dinner at The Booking Office 1869, featuring dishes like Dorset crab and red velvet mousse, set against the hotel’s breathtaking surrounds that once was the old Ticket Office for St Pancras Station.

The Valentine’s Spa package is priced at £210 per person, including a 60 min hot salt rock massage, 30 min facial treatment, tea, 4 hours access of spa facilities and a gift, with treatments available in-room.

Where: Euston Rd., London NW1 2AR

9. For a Taste of France: Marceline

What: Marceline – the romantic dining destination floating on the waters of Wood Wharf – is serving a Valentine’s Day menu (£75 per person) of Parisian-inspired dishes on 14th February. The menu will include sharing starters – such as Warm cheese soufflé with Gruyère cream, truffle – and a choice of Steak frites entrecôte with béarnaise sauce; Half grilled lobster with garlic butter or Aubergine provencal for main. ‘Mon Amour’ will be served for dessert, a special Valentine’s treat comprising tempered chocolate, strawberry mousse, meringue and biscuit crumb.

Where: 5 Water St, London E14 5GX

10. For a Sushi Feast: Sticks’n’Sushi

What: Celebrate the person you love ‘koibito’ this Valentine’s Day with a four-course meal at Sticks’n’Sushi. Bringing together freshly prepared sushi and hot-off-the-grill sticks, enjoy a selection of signature appetisers, nigiri, house rolls, and sticks of Aka Ebi and Wagyu Yaki followed by an indulgent dark chocolate fondant with a matcha core, vanilla ice cream and a matcha cookie crumble. Don’t pass up the limited-edition ‘For the Sake of Love’ cocktail blending sake with Hibiscus Mezcal and raspberry cordial for a sweet and smooth finish.

Where: Locations here

Four-course Koibito Menu, £150 per person, available from 13th - 16th February