Valentine's Day is fast approaching which means heart-shaped chocolates, romantic cards and pretty lingerie are all descending on the shops. But the dedicated holiday of love is not necessarily everyone's cup of tea. Do you find yourself without a date this Valentine's Day? Or perhaps just don't enjoy the holiday? Fear not, we've got you covered. Whether you're single and ready to mingle or in the mood to celebrate with friends, we've rounded up five of the best anti-Valentine's Day events in London for 2020...
Galentine's cinema trip
WATCH: Lady Bird trailer
Cinema trips around Valentine's Day are not just for couples snuggling up to one another and first dates awkwardly making their move with the classic yet cheesy arm around the shoulder. Grab your friends and head to Prince Charles Cinema for an evening of movies with Lady Bird, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan, followed by 2019 hit Booksmart. Popcorn, friends and films? Sounds ideal any time of the year.
WHEN: 13 February 2020
WHERE: Prince Charles Cinema, 7 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BY
For more information visit princecharlescinema.com
Whip up a souffle for one
Who said a meal for one had to be a sad excuse of a dish you heat up in the microwave? If you're looking to scratch up on your cooking skills, cooking school is waiting for you at St Paul's. Chef Marie will guide you through preparing a twice-baked goat's cheese souffle with pear and walnut salad, chargrilled steak with Bearnaise sauce, sauteed potatoes and watercress. Those with a sweet tooth will be equally as excited about the dessert, which is a chocolate and raspberry mousse. And the best part about being single is you don't have to worry about anyone stealing your meal. As the famous Friends quote goes: "JOEY DOESN'T SHARE FOOD!"
WHEN: 14 February 2020, 6-7:30 pm
WHERE: L'atelier des Chefs, 10 Foster Lane, EC2V 6HR
For more information visit designmynight.com
READ: 8 of the best Valentine’s Day chocolates
Enjoy Sex and the City-themed cocktails
Sex and the City fans will be rushing to The Ivy Soho Brasserie this Galentine's Day for the chance to sip on delicious cocktails inspired by the four main characters. Whether you relate to Charlotte or love the sassiness of Samantha, the limited-edition menu offers everything from floral champagne flavours to a fiery Kings Ginger concoction. Or if you want to feel like a classic New-Yorker, there is even ‘The Mr. Big’ which combines Maker’s Mark, Laphroaig, Bourbon Cherry Syrup and black walnut bitters. So grab some photos with the ‘I Heart Soho’ floral installation on your way in and prepare to enjoy drinks, music and a panel talk covering topics such as the importance of friendship, empowerment and women’s health.
WHEN: 13 February 2020
WHERE: The Ivy Soho Brasserie, 26-28 Broadwick St, Soho, London W1F 8JB
For more information visit theivysohobrasserie.com
Get glammed up at Tonight Josephine
There's no better time of year to look and feel your best than on Valentine's Day. And it certainly doesn't have to be to please someone else! If you love NARS and Benefit Cosmetics then head down to Tonight Josephine's to take part in a makeup masterclass, including a mini one-to-one tutorial and a cocktail masterclass with Beefeater Pink gin. Delicious and informative! It may be an anti-Valentine's event, but it will serve you well for years to come so you'll have your beauty look ready for drinks with friends or even a future date.
WHEN: NARS event is held 12 February 2020, 5:30-8:30 pm
WHERE: Tonight Josephine, 39A Hoxton Square, N1 6NN
For more information visit tonight-josephine.designmynight.com
Wine-tasting and life drawing
Beautiful men and tasty wines? Whether you're a budding artist or a wine lover, we can't think of a better way to celebrate the day of love than with this unusual event! Try love-themed wines and canapés while Yaz Illustration teaches you how to capture the human body on paper.
WHEN: 14 February 2020, 8-10pm
WHERE: The Hope, Richmond, TW9 2PN
For more information visit designmynight.com
Pampering and cocktails
There's no better time of the year to carve out some special bonding time with your closest girlfriends, whether you're single or not. If you can't decide between getting pampered or sipping cocktails then why not do both? Galentine's at Neverland is offering everything from mani's and blow drys to sing-a-longs, glitter artists and even pink prosecco to keep you entertained all night long.
WHEN: 13 February 2020, 6-11:30 pm
WHERE: Neverland, 364 Wandsworth Bridge Road, London SW6 2TY
For more information visit winterlandlondon.com
STK Galentine's dinner
Dinner and a beauty gift - what more could you want from Galentine's Day? STK has collaborated with 100% vegan, cruelty-free fake tan brand Tanologist to offer a three-course meal, a glass of Laurent Perrier Brut and a complimentary Tanologist gift for just £30. It's basically the perfect excuse to spend some time with your friends!
WHEN: 13 February 2020
WHERE: STK London, 336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA
For more information visit stksteakhouse.com