8 Experiences in London for an Alternative Valentine's Day

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s, Galentine's, Palentine’s – or one of the potential other forms of the February holiday – the go to plan is automatically always dinner and drinks (maybe more on the side of drinks if your Valentine’s prefix is Gal or Pal). Occassionally, a *slightly* generic date-like activity is thrown into the day, like a blockbuster cinema night at the local Odeon or a clumsy game of alcohol-fuelled mini golf at Puttshack. What I’m saying is, more often than not, people don’t stretch too far outside the norm with Valentine’s Day and this year SPHERE are supporting the more alternative activities on offer in the city of London. These 8 options vary from luxurious to adventurous and permanent… (and, no, we aren’t talking matching tattoos)

Experience Chocolate at Melt, Notting Hill

Forget the heart-shaped chocolate box from the supermarket – it's time to make your own with the expert guidance of Melt’s world-class chocolatiers at their Notting Hill or Holland Park boutique. This isn't just a typical chocolatier class; it’s an immersive experience that invites you to explore chocolate in all its rich, silky glory. This is sensory overload at its finest - full of chocolate. Incorporating touch, taste, smell and even sound? You will master the hard-to-balance task of tempering chocolate, craft bespoke bonbons with the essential oil of your choice and wrap a blindfold around your eyes to sample the finest shards of choc. This is only the beginning, the experience holds a secret to the history of chocolate that even I myself do not know. Only those that embark of the sensual chocolate journey will be revealed to the secret towards the end of the course...

Partakers also go home with a gift box of 10 professionally handmade Melt chocolates (in case your own creations go beans up)

Find out more and book the power of pleasure mystical chocolate experience at Melt Chocolates here. Be warned, places are filling up fast! It is New York Times-approved after all.

Immerse in Music at KEF Music Gallery

Music is a vital part of making memories and forming neural connections related to nostalgia, and when two people bond over the music it can be a truly special thing. It allows you to join in that nostalgia together. There is nothing better than THAT song coming on which triggers you to share a knowing expression with the person beside you, letting you know that, without a doubt, the song has you both dipping back to the moment in time when said music-centred memory was created. At KEF Music Gallery in Great Portland Street, you can book a private listening of an album that gives you that “oh remember when” moment with the person you want to remember with. Better still, with incredible surround sound featuring KEF’s renowned MUON speakers and subwoofers to immerse you in your audio of choice and have your heart race back to first dates, first dances or first gigs together through the art of sound.

Book the Ultimate Experience Room and Living Room at KEF Music Gallery here and read more about my own experience at KEF as I was immersed in the iconic tracks of David Bowie back in June.

Game in a Whole other World at Sandbox VR

Gamers, choose your character. Sandbox VR, with branches in Covent Garden and Wandsworth, doesn’t just involve a VR headset – this is full body Virtual Reality. Combining full body motion capture with high-quality haptics, this is the most advanced VR you can find in London. Providing another level of realism, in another world. So, strap up and transport yourself and your partner in gaming to ward of zombies and fight off robots, as realistically as you ever will. Once you make a return to planet Earth, Sandbox VR in Covent Garden has a handy and futuristic robot bartender at your service to shake uo your drinks with a perfect serve.

Learn more about the different experiences at Sandbox VR and book a session here.

Take Movie Night to the Rooftop with JOIA

What would Valentine’s Day really be without a good old-fashioned chick flick? Art’otel’s Portuguese Restaurant JOIA is with me in this mentality as they prepare to host a series of rooftop movie nights on the 15th Floor, overlooking Battersea Power Station. With all the cult favourites: Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, The Notebook and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet. Prior to settling down on the skyline-view sofas with some popcorn, guests will enjoy a three-course Iberian menu from Two Michelin-Starred chef, Henrique Sá Pessoa. From traditional Portuguese plates and tapas dishes, such as Beef Pica Pau and Iberica Pluma, to a signature Torrija with caramelised brioche, almonds and raspberries. To top it all off, ‘Mon Ceri’, a special-edition Valentine’s cocktail is on offer. A tart mix of Mutamaya Ouro, caramelised blackcurrant, vanilla sherry and sparkling rosé.

Find out when each film is showing and book yourself a seat here.

Get a Grasp of Graphology at Raffles London

So, what exactly is graphology? It’s the study of handwriting to reveal your character. Yes, even your scribbles and sentences can reveal insights into your personality and your compatibility with others. This Valentine’s Day, Raffles at The OWO is partnering with leading graphologist Emma Bache, offering her services to couples dining at the hotel. Bache, one of the UK’s top handwriting experts, has analysed the handwriting of many notable figures, including members of the Royal Family. If you choose to add a graphology assessment to your candlelit dinner, it’s said to offer a unique window into your personality, emotional wellbeing, and relationship compatibility. So, please proceed with caution… But for couples who can handle reveiving a second opinion of their relationship, you are sure to have a fun and exclusive experience at hand.

Find out more and book the 'Valentine's with a Twist' at Raffles at The OWO here.

Including an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s rooms and suites, a six-course dinner by Mauro Colagreco and breakfast for two at your choice of the hotel's three restaurants (Saison by Mauro Colagreco, Pillar Kitchen or The Drawing Room) with, of course, a graphology session from Emma Bache to see if your relationship is truly written in the stars.

Art Meets Champagne at The Portrait Restaurant

The Portrait Restaurant by Richard Corrigan, with panoramic views over the city, is offering a special-edition set menu featuring dishes like lobster ravioli, beef wellington, and a trio of indulgent desserts, all paired with Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut NV. For those wanting to extend the celebration with a bubbling glass of culture. The National Portrait Gallery, in partnership with The Portrait Restaurant, will host "Celebration for Love." This is the first in their Art and Champagne series and will include an exclusive out-of-hours tour of the gallery, exploring love stories and their links to Champagne, followed by a masterclass led by Head of Champagne for Searcys, Martin Dibben. Your dose of rooftop dining, art and great champagne all rolled into one night.

Tickets for the experience are priced at £85pp, find out more and book here.

Permanent Jewellery at Bonded

When you love someone, there can be a burning urge to get something permanent, meaningful and matching. Tying you to one another, forever. The obvious option: matching tattoos. In fact, the act of getting matching tattoos is on the rise this year, with psychologists claiming that this partly results from the growing desire for couples to display their commitment publicly. Before you jump under a needle and get you significant other’s initials etched into your skin – consider the other options at hand. Family, friends, couples, or even as a solo statement, fusing a fine gold chain permanently around your wrist has become somewhat trendy. While permanent, this doesn’t top tattoo levels of permanence – the bracelets can be professionally removed at any time.

Bonded, a boutique jewellers based in Stoke Newington specialise in this specific art of permanent jewellery. And for the next two weekends (8-9 and 15-16 of February) to celebrate Valentine’s Day, they are offering a free charm to add to your piece of permanent jewellery for anyone booking together and going for a matching set. From solid gold hearts and stars to gemstones, these charms make a more personalised addition to the occasion.

Explore the permanent jewellery options at Bonded and book an appointment here

Ice your Heart Out with Biscuiteers

Step into the Biscuiteers Ministry of Biscuits, royal icing in hand, and take some time to rest and reboot while decorating biscuits (properly) in an icing masterclass. This Valentine’s Day, Biscuiteers are offering two types of icing classes. One is the School of Icing Masterclass, for more serious icing couples to get their creative juices flowing and turn plain heart-shaped biscuits into edible masterpieces. The other is the Valentine’s Icing Lates, where you can sip on prosecco and try your hand at icing the same heart-shaped biscuits in a classically romantic setting—candlelit tables, red roses, and lots and lots of icing.

Find out more about the Biscuiteers Valentine's icing classes and book here.