Valentine’s Day, when a semi-naked flying baby takes pot shots at the general public with a bow and arrow and nobody thinks to call the police.
January is behind us, the days are getting ever so slightly longer, new year’s resolutions have been and gone and February stretches out in front of us. Then you realise it’s creeping up again, drawing closer like a shark circling the boat, closer and closer. The florists rub their hands together with glee at what must be the busiest day of the year and shops overflow with heart-shaped balloons, heart-shaped chocolate, heart-shaped soaps, heart-shaped . . . heart-shaped everything!
Whether you love it or hate it Valentine’s day puts pressure on us all no matter what our relationship status might be.
If you’re single it can be a big reminder that you haven’t met someone (whether you want to or not!)
If you have met someone there is an expectation to make a grand gesture (whether you want to or not!)
You may sense from my tone that I’m not the greatest advocate for this particular day of the year and you’d be right. There is nothing wrong with romance and romantic gestures, the world needs more of them, but does there need to be one day a year when everybody is compelled to act out a scene from Love Actually?
I’ve stared through the restaurant window and scoffed at all the couples eating their heart shaped ravioli. I’ve stared out of the window and pitied the lonely singletons outside, neither is that satisfying. If you're determined to venture out on International Romance Day then why not try something a little different:
Venture into the creepy world of the London Dungeon for an adult only evening of history, blood and guts as you sample a cocktail or two in the company of Jack the Ripper and an assortment of colourful characters along the way.
Grab a beer and go see some comedy or a piece of new theatre at this great venue tucked away behind Waterloo station. This couldn’t be more different to the glitz and glamour of the West End, nothing says Valentine’s day like a damp graffiti covered tunnel.
What could be more romantic than putting on a pair of multicoloured leather shoes and throwing a heavy ball at some pins. It’s a fun, loud venue with live music and karaoke if you really want to impress someone or perhaps scare them away for ever.
If you fancy something classy and classical what about a candlelit evening of music in the stunning surroundings of St James’ church, Piccadilly. Yes, this is definitely a more conventional option but if you want to impress your date this might be just the ticket.
The Royal Observatory is a great place to visit on any day but this special evening event could be a great way to spend Valentine’s day, with a special show at the planetarium, a peak at the heavens through an 18 tonne telescope and time to hang out on the famous Meridian line.
Please note: All the events listed above will sell out sooner rather than later so booking in advance is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment!
If dinner and a movie is your perfect way to spend a romantic evening then go right ahead, fill your boots. Alternatively do something utterly unrelated to romance, go paintballing, go on a walking tour or just go to the pub.
