Some say Paris is the most romantic city in the world, and that might be true in the old conventional way, but we have to admit that London’s charm and beauty make it just as romantic.
Although love should be celebrated throughout the year, the days leading up to Valentine’s Day can be very magical making it even more special this year given that this February, we are out of the shadow of a lockdown bringing more sunshine and love!
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Here are my top 7 romantic dates ideas in London:
1. Hampstead Heath
When I moved to London, I lived in Hampstead for the first three years and fell in love with Hampstead and more so with the gorgeous Heath! I might be a tiny bit biased when I say that Hampstead Heath is one of the most romantic places in London and that may be because I found the love of my life living in Hampstead and he even proposed on a walk in Heath. Whether it is gazing at the city from the calm of Parliament Hill, walking in the woods holding hands or even going for a quick swim at the Hampstead ponds.
Hampstead Heath has lots to offer whether you’re a nature lover who would like to keep it simple by grabbing coffee and lunch at the beautiful Kenwood House in the Heath, a former stately home constructed in the 18th and 19th century now is home to the most Iconic art in London nestled away in the Heath. It has a great café offering a great variety of lunch and coffee options.
Hampstead High Street is another great location located next to Heath offering great restaurant and pub options around the area. If you’re someone who is looking for a fine dining experience with great ambience then Villa Bianca is a great Italian restaurant located in one of the Instagrammable locations of Hampstead High Street offering a wide range of menus but my top pick would have to be the Tagliatelle al ragu di Agnello as the soft and rich flavours were unmatched for. This sophisticated and fine dining Italian restaurant is a perfect date location.
If you’re someone who is looking for something on a more casual date setting then as soon as you step outside the Hampstead Heath from the Downshire Hillside you run into Freemasons Arms Pub just outside Hampstead Heath offering a relaxed drinking and dining experience presenting modern British and Mediterranean cuisine. The food and mood of the pub are phenomenal, and I love their hidden back garden making it a perfect date location, they are also offering 3 course set menus for Valentine’s Day at the price of £28.95 pp.
Hampstead Heath is one of the most romantic places in London.
2. Tower Bridge
I still get goosebumps every time I walk by the river around Tower Bridge looking at the spectacular views of the city and seeing the tower bridge go up and down allowing clear passage for vessels to pass (it is true, I try to time my visits!). It’s never too late to be touristy in your city which is why I feel this location makes such a great date place offering so much to do around Tower Bridge whether it is going to the Bridge Theatre or even taking a stroll by the river and concluding it with a lunch/dinner at The Ivy Tower Bridge. An iconic restaurant with stunning décor, carefully curated vintage art paired with a wide range of menus making it a stunning date location.
You can also pre-book a table for Valentines Day with a note written by author Shawn Usher waiting for your Valentine at the table on your behalf, now how romantic is that?!
This location makes such a great date place offering so much to do around.
3. South Kensington
One of the best places to visit in South Kensington on a date is The Royal Albert Hall. And there’s no better time to go than when Cirque du Soleil is in town.
LUZIA, A waking dream of Mexico, is running until 27 February 2022 and is the perfect place to take a date. In a series of grand visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, LUZIA will take you on a surrealistic journey through a vibrant world. Smoothly passing from an old movie set to the ocean to a smoky dance hall or an arid desert, LUZIA cleverly brings to the stage multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico. Best of all, they even incorporate rain into acrobatic and artistic scenes – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production.
You can even add on dining options, to make a night of it and have dinner/lunch catered too.
Tickets are available through the Cirque du Soleil website: www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia
The Royal Albert Hall is one of the best places to visit in South Kensington on a date.
4. West Hampstead
Whether it’s your first date or if you’re someone like me who loves the idea of a quirky fun date where both you and your partner team up to do an activity (a fantastic way to break the ice!) then this one’s for you! Art 4 Fun located in West Hampstead High Street not too far from the West Hampstead Station (Jubilee Line) is such a great date location where they offer a selection from over 500 different blank ceramic items to choose from as you sprinkle a little creativity over it as they have a great range of awesome, easy to do techniques with lots colours and paintbrushes at your disposal and once you’re done they glaze and fire and you’ve got yourself a self-made, food-safe masterpiece paired with countless chats with your Valentine. You can always take a bottle of wine and some bites to enjoy while you work on your masterpiece.
Once you’re done, West Hampstead High Street has a great range of restaurants to pick from to conclude your fun date with a delicious meal. If you’re craving a filling hearty meal then might I suggest going to Colaba Indian Dining restaurant offering small plates, street food inspired from the streets of Mumbai, kebabs, biryani, and a wide range of menu.
Alice House in West Hampstead is another great gem offering a cosy atmosphere with a modern-rustic setting for locally sourced food including brunches, plus cocktails perfect for enjoying all-day brunches, Sunday Roasts, seasonal cocktails, and a great selection of English craft beer both on draught and by the bottle as described by the restaurant. I particularly enjoy their outdoor seating even during those cold nights sitting under warm heaters making it a cosy spot!
West Hampstead High Street has a great range of restaurants to pick from to conclude your fun date with a delicious meal.
5. Regents Park
London is known for its beautiful parks and Regents Park is one on top of everyone’s list making it another great spot for a romantic date location being centrally located. Not only can you take a walk around Regents Park overlooking the London Zoo. One could make the most of a large number of Santander bicycle stands around the park making it a great spot to cycle, and you could always grab some delicious fish and chips or fresh stone baked pizza at the Regents Park and Café offering a wide range of menu to choose from.
Regents Park is one on top of everyone’s list making it another great spot for a romantic date.
6. Soho
A list of perfect date spots for Valentine’s Day in London will be incomplete without the mention of Soho, Soho is like a treasure full of the best of restaurants and a list of fun things one could do together and if I was to pick, my ideal date night in Soho would be a to catch a good comedy show at the Soho Theatre offering the best always followed by some delicious sushi at Sticks’n’Sushi. Nestled in the hustle-bustle of Soho hailing from a Japanese Danish heritage the restaurant is in the site that used to house a police station where the investigation into the Soho Ripper murderer was based in the 1940s.
As described by the restaurant “Since then, the bobbies have left, the dilapidated buildings have been torn down and a brand-new sea glass blue building has arisen in its place.” One can enjoy some delightful sushi with a great conversation with your Valentine.
Soho is like a treasure full of the best of restaurants and a list of fun things one could do together.
7. Valentines At Home with SUPPER London
Looking for a last minute at-home Valentines day treat?
Luxury delivery service SUPPER London has teamed up with Nyetimber for the Valentine’s weekend and from today you can order a bottle of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee MV with your Valentine’s meal.
For something sweeter, you can also order Fortnums chocolate treats from SUPPER London and this can be delivered the same day – perfect for those who have left Valentine’s to the last minute!
I hope these top picks give you great date ideas to enjoy some quality time with your Valentine.
👨🍳 Our Expert: Palakh Dutta
Food Writer
