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February 14 is looming: that one day of the year when you can be as cringe as you like with your beloved. You might think that Valentine’s Day is a bit of an eye-roll, with its mass-produced heart-shaped chocolates and overly forced romance, but it’s hard to argue that it’s a good excuse to get out there and see the city. In 2025, it also falls on a Friday, which means less worrying about staying out past your bedtime.
If you want to do something special and still have to sort a date-night, here are six date ideas to book now (right now) to avoid disappointment on the big day. Oh, and if you’re looking for more inspo, check out our full list of Valentine’s Day Events in London for 2025 right here.
Rest your head in one of the capital’s design-led hotels
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the work-pub-bed-repeat lifecycle that is London, and for your other half to simply become another piece of the furniture. We’re joking, but a change of scenery never goes a miss º especially if you have the full weekend ahead of you. If you want to push the boat out this Valentine’s, book a room in one of London’s best boutique hotels for a stylish overnight stay.
Catch a film at this iconic Soho cinema
Fancy yourself as a bit of a film buff, do you? The Prince Charles cinema has programmed a load of movies for Valentine’s weekend, offering more obscure romantic-influenced flicks, from romantic classics ‘True Romance’ and ‘Casablanca’ to Céline Sciamma’s period romance ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ and iconic rom-coms like ‘When Harry Met Sally’. There are Valentine’s-themed screenings taking place all month, but book now to secure seats for February 14th. If home cinema is more your thing, start working your way through our list of the 100 best films of all time from the comfort of your sofa and treat yourself to a top-rated takeaway.
Book into one of London’s top (romantic) restaurants
Listen, these places are popular for a reason. They get booked up fast at the best of times, and you may well have already missed the mark for some of them, but if you’re a foodie, there’s really no better way to spend February 14th that ticking off one of the capital’s endless culinary offerings. Our food editor, Leonie Cooper, has put all the best ones together in one place, right here – and if you really want to get festive, check out our curated list of London’s most romantic restaurants. The vibes (and scran) have been approved by us.
Check into lesbian speed-dating at Hackney’s newest queer venue
Single? Want to see what other fish are in the sea? Speed-dating in London is seriously having a moment right now, and events get booked up quicker than you can ask for someone’s number. This queer speed dating event at the new Love Affair Basement on Hackney Road promises to take the awkwardness out of dating events: you’ll get five minutes with each person and then have the chance to mingle again at the end. If you find a potential partner – and the feeling’s mutual – the organisers will swap contact info for you both. Easy.
Go all out at this one-off dining experience
Want to do something with a bit of ‘wow’ factor this year? This one-off dinner at Greenwich’s gloriously baroque Old Royal Naval College’s Painted Hall looks like it could do the trick. Often referred to as south London’s answer to the Sistine Chapel, a ticket will serve you up a three-course dinner with a champagne reception, all soundtracked to live piano music. Guests will also be sent home with a single red rose. It’s giving romance, without the ickiness.
Have a tipple (or two) at a swish cocktail bar
Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than a well-stirred, brine-y martini, right? Book a spot at one of the capital’s top-rated cocktail bars, all tried and tested by the Time Out team, and let the spirits do the talking. Want more inspo? We’ve also curated our a selection of the best bars for a date in London right here. Thank us later.
Check out our full list of Valentine’s Day events happening in 2025 here.
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