My Funky Valentine: London for Lovers
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Chocolates and flowers are never unwelcome. But perhaps this year it’s time to go for a celebration of your love that’s a bit more… well… interesting?
In the immortal words of Mama Cass, ‘worn out phrases, and longing gazes won’t get you where you want to go.’
So, let Totally Tailored give you a sneak peek into ‘where you want to go’ for a more unique Valentine’s Day…
Best for A Flowery Valentine: Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Flower Market
Where: Columbia Road, London E2 7RG (nearest transport: Shoreditch High Street Overground)
When: Sundays, 8am – 2pm
Is your partner the type to spend hours arranging bunches of peonies for that Pinterest-perfect shot? Do they know their roses from their ranunculus (google ‘em)? Have they got a window box that they tend, even more lovingly than your romance?
Well, get yourselves down to Columbia Road – and don’t get up too early! Have a long, luxurious lie-in together, because the later in the day the traders are doing the best deals. Go on, you can even try haggling.
Best for Italy in England: Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola
Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola
Where: Inverforth Close, off North End Way, London NW3 7EX (nearest transport: Golders Green or Hampstead Station)
When: from 8.30 daily, closing times vary according to the season
Too busy for a romantic weekend under the Tuscan sun? Well, we can tell you where to go to feel like you’re strolling through an Italian garden in a costume drama.
Hill House Gardens used to be a businessman’s private estate, but now it’s part of Golders Hill Park and is open to everyone. It can be tricky to find, but this makes it one of London’s hidden gems – unlike the adjacent Hampstead Heath, it’s never crowded.
It’s a bit of a walk from public transport, so make it a romantic stroll for two with a gorgeous location at the end. Then you will really have earned your romantic afternoon tea.
Chocolate Lover’s Valentine: Hotel Chocolat’s Valentine’s Tasting Adventure
Valentine’s Chocolate Tasting Adventure
Where: 4 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9HB (nearest transport Leicester Square or Covent Garden)
When: 7pm 15th February 2019
Price: £50 per person
Hotel Chocolat are the authorities when it comes to chocolate – and, as it turns out, romance. They promise to tell you the ‘love story behind chocolate’ during this candlelit Valentine’s Day Tasting Adventure in the Cocoa Vaults of their Monmouth Street establishment.
It’s going to delight all your senses, with your tastebuds tickled by sparkling rosé wine as you taste an array of chocolates, and learn about the complex array of ingredients inside. Then you can continue learning and loving at home with your goody bag of delicious treats…
Best for Foodies: A Borough Market Food Tour for your Valentine
Valentine’s Day Food Tour
Where: Borough Market
Price: from £70 per adult
Now – shameless self-promotion aside – we have run so many food tours for lovers. And that’s because Borough Market is just bursting with aphrodisiacs. But on Valentines day, we’ll make our Borough Food Tour even more romantic.
We’ll treat you to the best oysters, ply you with salted caramel chocolate treats, and top it all off with lashings of red wine. And we will, of course, show you where you can get a live lobster, a bushel of asparagus, and a bottle of English sparkling wine for your follow-up feast chez vous
Need more ideas? Here’s a quick fire round:
- Film-buff Valentine: Why not head to the beautiful electric cinema in portobello road for a cosy evening watching the newest blockbusters.
- Chocolatey Valentine: enjoy a chocolate tasting session in a pod on the London Eye for a rom-com worthy gesture
- Jazzy Valentine: Fancy a trip back in time? Head to the Paris Grill for a night of ‘old-school’ Jazz by Benoit Viellefon and his Orchestra.
- Gothic Valentine: stroll through the incredible Abney Park Cemetery with a volume of poetry in hand (and your camera)
For more original things to do in London, see our suggestions for Unusual Afternoon Teas, and London’s Spookiest Spots.
Or if you want to gaze across London with your love, see our list of the best views in our Best London Skyline round up.
Enjoy the best of what London has to offer on your own private sightseeing tour with London Totally Tailored.
Let us know how we can give you a unique experience in London, whether you’re a happy couple, a family unit, or an independent spirit, with Totally Tailored.