Valentine’s Day in London: Some of the best date ideas

Coming round faster than an arrow from Cupid himself, Valentine’s Day is almost upon us once again. And if you’re looking for somewhere to take your numero uno, or are hoping to impress someone new out in the city of London, read on to find some of the best Valentine’s Day date ideas that the city has to offer:

1. Eat your heart out

If there’s one thing you can do in London, it’s enjoy some of the world’s finest cuisine. From Asian, to American, British to Brazilian, nothing says ‘I love you’ more than chowing down on your favourite meal together. But with an abundance of options, where do you choose? Worry not, we’ve picked out the perfect joint for you:

Campania & Jones
There are many Italian restaurants in London, but none as perfectly authentic as Campania & Jones. Nestled amongst the other independent eateries and shops of Colombia Road, you’ll find the old dairy shop turned restaurant on one of the roads leading off from it.

With a rustic, chic, candlelight setting, mood lighting to match, and mains that seem to come straight from nonna’s kitchen, it epitomises the idyllic Valentine’s Day setting, which also happens to make it very Instagrammable too.

E2 – 21 minutes from Kip Hotel via 55 bus to Queensbridge Road

2. A Valentine’s boat party

The feeling of floating when you’re in love isn’t uncommon. But for the full effect, jump aboard the boat turned floating pub/music venue, Tamesis Dock, for their “Abba Clubnight on the Thames” dedicated to the Swedish bands iconic hits, as well as the best of other disco, Motown and other Swedish pop hits.

SE1 – 40 minutes from Kip Hotel via Overground to Highbury & Islington Rail Station, followed by Victoria line to Vauxhall

3. A different kind of cinema date

Whether you’re a film buff, or haven’t been to the flicks for a while, a trip to the cinema makes the perfect Valentine’s Day date and London is the ideal place to do so. Here’s our rundown of the best cinema events in London on Valentine’s Day:

Romeo & Juliet & Dinner 
The team at Exhibit B have a special Valentine’s Day screening of the most famous love story of all time, the iconic Romeo & Juliet. Starring Hollywood heartthrob himself, Leonardo Di Caprio. And if that’s not enough, for the price of your ticket, you’ll get bottomless bubbles and a delectable meal too!

SW16 – 59 minutes from Kip Hotel via London Overground to Highbury & Islington Rail Station, followed by Victoria line to Brixton and 118 bus, 133 bus or 333 bus to Leigham Court Road

Secret Cinema presents Stranger Things
Okay strictly speaking, unlike their other events, this isn’t a screening per say. But it’s as close as you’ll get to being immersed into the world of Mike, Dustin & the boys from Netflix’s acclaimed Stranger Things. Here, you’ll step foot into the central focus of season 3, the Starcourt Mall, and be taken on a journey where you’ll meet characters, explore the sets and unlock various related plotlines along the way.

We can’t give too much away though, you’ll have to find out the secret part for yourself.

E16 – 38 minutes from Kip Hotel via London Overground to Stratford Rail Station followed by Jubilee line to Canning Town

Notting Hill screening
Watch the undisputed king of rom-coms, Hugh Grant, do his thing at South Palace Hotel’s showing of cult classic Notting Hill. Hosted in their secret garden, you’ll receive a St Germain cocktail, popcorn and the chance to kick back in one of their deck chairs.

EC2M – 34 minutes from Kip Hotel via London Overground to Highbury & Islington Rail Station, followed by train from Great Northern to Moorgate

4. Experience history

Whilst hitting up a museum might not be everyone’s ideal Valentine’s Day date idea, the National History Museum is opening its doors a little past their usual closing time for an adults-only evening.

Here, you’ll have the chance to take part in salsa classes, special Valentine’s screen printing and an LGBTQ history trail. Or if you want, you can just wander the exhibits hand in hand with your loved one, minus the numerous school trips that is.

SW7 – 41 minutes from Kip Hotel via London Overground to Highbury & Islington Rail Station, followed by Victoria line to Victoria and then District line or Circle line to South Kensington

5. Sweeten somebody up

Head to The Chocolate Cocktail Club pop up for something a little sweet with your sweetheart this Valentine’s. The team of mixologists are complete craftsmen of the very best chocolate based cocktails, with some of their key ingredients being salted caramel, gingerbread and mint.

EC1N – 42 minutes from Kip Hotel via the 38 bus to Clerkenwell Road

If you’re looking for a hotel in London after a long day of Valentine’s festivities, we are a London-born, chain-free, yet competitively priced hotel in the booming corner of North East. Book a room now.