Valentine's Day in London

The short answer

The best way to spend Valentine's Day in London is to book early and choose something a little more personal than a set menu, such as dinner at Clos Maggiore, afternoon tea at Claridge's, a Thames cruise or a show. In 2027, 14 February falls on a Sunday, so the Saturday before will be just as busy, and you will find many venues run their Valentine's menus across the whole weekend.

Tables at the best-known romantic restaurants can start to disappear weeks or even months in advance. If you are reading this in February, do not panic, because cancellations do happen, and lunch or early evening slots often stay open longer than prime time dinner. Time Out's 2026 list of romantic places still bookable just before the day included several daytime slots at well regarded restaurants, so it can be done. Check all details with each venue before you commit.

Romantic dinners

Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden and Andrew Edmunds in Soho are the two places people most often name, one for its blossom-filled conservatory, the other for its candlelit and old-fashioned charm. Sessions Arts Club in Clerkenwell has one of the most striking rooms in the city, La Poule au Pot in Pimlico offers rustic French comfort, and Bob Bob Ricard in Soho brings a sense of fun with its booths and Champagne button.

Many restaurants serve only a fixed menu on the night, often with a higher price than their normal menu. Ask to see it first, and tell them about any allergies when you book. Our full romantic restaurants guide has many more ideas, arranged by mood, including grand dining rooms and tables with a view. Noble Rot, Kettner's and Fischers are all good alternatives if your first choice is full.

A daytime Valentine's

With the day falling on a Sunday in 2027, a daytime plan could be the most relaxed option. A long lunch feels just as special, and it leaves room for a walk or a film afterwards. A Sunday roast by the fire in a good pub can be surprisingly romantic, and a booking at a popular pub is just as hard to get on this date as a smart restaurant.

Afternoon tea is another good choice. The Ritz, Claridge's, The Savoy and Sketch are all popular on the day, but their sittings fill up, so book as far ahead as you can. A spa day for two, at Aire Ancient Baths in Covent Garden or at one of the big hotel spas, is a very good present if you prefer the experience to more chocolates.

Something less predictable

Not everybody wants a candle and a rose. A hidden bar such as Evans & Peel Detective Agency in Earls Court or The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town in Spitalfields makes for a playful evening. Jazz at Ronnie Scott's, a show at the Comedy Store or a film from the sofas at the Electric Cinema on Portobello Road all feel like a proper night out, with no pressure to sit and gaze at each other for two hours.

London also has views in abundance. A Thames dinner cruise with City Cruises or Bateaux London takes care of the whole evening, while Sky Garden tends to be busy but offers a glimpse of the skyline, and a private capsule on the London Eye can be arranged for a big gesture such as a proposal. Book these early, as they tend to sell out quickly at this time of year.

Making a weekend of it

If you are planning something bigger, a night or two in a hotel can turn the date into a short break. Our guide to hotels by area will help you choose a neighbourhood. Covent Garden suits anyone planning a show and a late dinner, Mayfair is ideal for a smart restaurant and a hotel bar nightcap, and Notting Hill has charming streets for a slow Sunday morning. Hotels often sell Valentine's packages, which may include breakfast or Champagne, so compare the package with the standard rate to see if the extras are worth having.

A simple plan works well here: arrive on the Saturday, enjoy a good dinner that evening when the restaurants have more choice, and keep Sunday the 14th for a late breakfast, a walk through a park and a long lunch. That way you avoid the single busiest sitting, and you have far more choice about where to eat. Spring may still feel some way off in mid-February, so pack something warm for that walk.

Planning tips

Reserve as soon as your plans are firm, and put a reminder in your diary for early January if you are the type who forgets. Check cancellation terms, since many venues take card details around this date and may charge for no-shows. Flowers cost more in the days before the 14th, and the most popular florists often take orders early, so sort them in advance.

Think about getting there as well. Some weekend transport may be affected by engineering works, so check the Tube status if you are running on a tight schedule. Then keep the rest of the night simple: one drink somewhere nice afterwards is usually enough, and an early finish is no bad thing.

If you are on your own this year and would enjoy a relaxed evening, a dinner date with one of our ladies is an option, as many list this on their profiles.