Roses are red, violets are blue and lockdown won’t stop any Londoner celebrating love this weekend. Whether you’re marking the occasion with housemates, partners or via Zoom, there is something out there for everyone and we’ve selected our favourites below. Love really does conquer all.

Image: Eventbrite

Life Drawing  

Can’t face another night watching Netflix? We hear you. Brixton Life Drawing is an online community run by two designers who source professional models for a life drawing session over Zoom. Their Valentine’s special includes a partnership with the Plattery, a London based catering service that specialises in charcuterie boards. Vegan and vegetarians are also well catered for. Whether you’re celebrating Galentine’s, Palentine’s or Valentine’s, these sessions are fun for all. Fancy working on your first masterpiece while nibbling on a cornichon?

Date: Sunday 14th February 7-8.30pm

Price: A donation to their chosen charity 

Sign up here. 

Image: mixology.com

Cocktail Making 

You’ve tried all the wine, you’ve eaten all the cheese, now it’s time for something a little different. Join the Shoreditch-based mixology experts for an interactive and creative cocktail-making workshop. You can join a group virtual cocktail-making session or arrange your own private class. 

If you can’t go to the bar, let the bar come to you. Cheers to that! 

Date: Private and group workshops offered 7 days a week /Virtual cocktail-making workshops take place every other Friday at 7-8.30pm

Price (including all equipment and ingredients): £100 

Find out more here.

Image: dateinadash.com

Speed Dating 

Let this Valentine’s be a record-breaking one and join London’s largest speed-dating event company for a Valentine’s extravaganza. Date-in-a-Dash are aiming to beat the world record for the largest ever speed dating event and they would love it if you would join. Participants are grouped by age and dates are held simultaneously. 

Date: Sunday 14th February at 7PM and is due to finish at approximately 11PM

Price: Free! 

Give yourself a night off Hinge and sign up here. 

Image: letsdatecrate.co.uk

A Romantic Minibreak (in your living room) 

Travel might be restricted but that doesn’t stop you from transforming your living room into a tropical paradise. Let’s Date Crate send you all the tools to whisk your partner away to the sunshine from the comfort of your sofa. Think palm trees, tropical cocktails, romantic sunset views and so much more! Created by Annat and Keenan from their North London home, this lovesick couple are on a mission to bring the joy of a mini-break to your living room. 

Date: N/A Please allow time for delivery 

Price: £59.99

Curate your own crate here. 

Image: 40MaltbyStreet

40 Maltby Street 

40 Maltby Street is an exciting little restaurant in Bermondsey which celebrates local produce. Once reviewed in the Guardian as “flawless”,  during lockdown, 40 Maltby have adapted their weekly menu to a heat-at-home offering. Time to break with your takeaway tradition and support one of London’s finest small restaurants. 

Call to pre-order or on the day 02080769517

Delivery: Available Wednesday – Saturday for collection  

Price: Vary depending on the menu

Image: www.darjeeling-express.com

Darjeeling Express

Asma Khan’s Darjeeling Express only managed to open for a couple of weeks before lockdown hit last March. Now, their unbeatable Biriyani is available in meal kit format. Kits include chicken or vegan options and guarantee to bring that restaurant-quality experience to your kitchen. If you live close by – the deli is also open for takeaway. 

Delivery: Nationwide (and collection)

Price: Chicken Biriyani for two, £49.50  

How to order: On the website.

Image: thehawksmoor.com

Hawksmoor at Home

You can’t beat a steak on Valentine’s can you? The Hawksmoor At Home meat box, inlcudes a sirloin steak, sides (think ultimate oven chips and Gentleman’s relish), cocktails and wine. Their other at home offering is Hawksmoor At Home Local which includes mores dishes like their roast bone marrow or lobster with garlic butter. 

Delivery: Nationwide 

Price: Cocktails and Steak box for two, £95

How to order: on the website

Image: gelupo.com

Gelupo at Home

Strolling the streets of Soho with a gelato from Gelupo might be a distant memory but you needn’t go without your fix. Treat your Valentine and yourself to a couple of tubs delivered straight to your door. This month their ‘Middle Eastern Love’ special includes flavours such as Cardamom, Rose & Custard and Pistachio Baklava.

If you thought Valentine’s was sweet enough, think again. 

Delivery: London postcodes, every Friday

Price: From £11 

How to order: On the website. 
Feeling inspired? We’d love to hear what made your heart sing this Valentine’s in the comments. If you like our blog, you’ll love our Instagram.