Valentine (ad)ventures

However you feel about the culture of Valentine’s Day, we can all get on board with celebrating the love in our lives and the relationships that are important to us. So here are our highlights of the February activity crop, perfect for sharing with a partner, parent, friend or sibling, whether on the 14th itself or in the weeks surrounding it!

Fleurs des Rêves

Masters of the fantastic Bompas & Parr are collaborating with Perrier-Jouët Champagne to bring guests at their new event a truly unique experience. From the 11th to the 14th, visitors will be able to buy colour-changing flowers at the installation in the basement of the London EDITION, while enjoying a drink of—of course—champagne. The set design of the event builds on the listless, bejeweled interiors of 1890s Parisian Salons with contemporary hypnogogic video art and technical lighting. Think Gustave Moreau’s Salomé seen through a pulsating lenticular screen!

Moreover, you can create these chameleon blossoms yourself with thermochromatic paint at the daily workshops they will be running, attendees of which will make two thermochomatic flowers each, accompanied by a tasting of three Perrier-Jouët Champagnes. Decadent exoticism not to be missed!

10 Berners St, London W1T; www.bompasandparr.com; workshops are £65 and flowers can be purchased for £30/stem, to book email info@basementldn.com

Dancing tea party

Sophisticated cocktail lounge Archer Street will be putting on a dancing tea party from 4pm on the 14th, serving their ‘Endless Love’ cocktail in vintage crockery alongside sandwiches and Valentine’s cupcakes, while their award-winning choreographer teaches you ballroom dancing.

Dance classes and the Valentine’s menu are being offered all afternoon, then after 7 you can show off your perfected footwork as the party continues into the night! Ideal Sunday fun whether you’re coupled up or ready to mingle.

3-4 Archer St, London W1D; book online at www.archerstreet.co.uk/valentines-day or by emailing bookings@archerstreet.co.uk

Valentine Masquerade

Drawing inspiration from the Venice Carnival, Novikov is to host an unmissable event in celebration of one of the most recognisable dates in the calendar. Valentine’s weekend will see Novikov create its very own Masquerade, taking place in the romantic surroundings of the Italian Restaurant from 9pm on Saturday 13th February.

As candles glow around them, guests can feast on head chef Marco Torri’s delicious dishes before a spectacular programme of entertainment takes them through to the early hours. At £130 per person for a bellini plus three courses and a live band, fire eaters, dancers, and top DJs until 3am, it’s a fun and elegant way to see in the feast of St Valentine.

Masks and costumes optional, but encouraged!

50A Berkeley St, London W1J; www.novikovrestaurant.co.uk; for bookings call 020 7399 4330 or email reservations@novikovrestaurant.co.uk

 

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