February is all about the love. We're here to celebrate love in all of its forms: romantic, platonic, family love and self-love. We're exploring alternative ways you can celebrate Valentine's Day that prioritises spending quality time - take notes from our gift guide and you'll be setting yourself up for a great month.
WITH A LOVER
It's easy to be un-fussed with how you spend time with the person you love, as long as you're together. But taking the time to find new things you can experience together will give you more memories in the bank and the opportunity to learn new things about each other. Here's our suggestions for some new experiences below:
Photo: OBBY
Dim sum is the ultimate sharing food, and learning how to make it from scratch is the ultimate love language. This Dim Sum Cooking Class by Obby is a great introduction to the craft, teaching you how to make three types of classic dim sums, and giving you the chance to enjoy them afterwards. It's an activity and dinner date all-in-one.
Love you to the Moon and back! The Royal Observatory Greenwich hosts a range of great shows in their planetarium that are both educational (most are presented by a real Astronomer) and visually stunning. We love their Starstruck show for February, which explores the lives of stars from beginning to end. Space is truly the place.
WITH A FRIEND
Valentine's day is the perfect opportunity to nurture the relationships in your life that are important to you – romantic or otherwise. Below are some suggestions for alternative ways to get in some quality time with your friends or family.
Photo: Antonis Achilleos
FONDUE NIGHT:
Nothing says "Happy Valentine's!" like melted chocolate or cheese. Host a fondue night with a savory or sweet (or both) spread, having your guests help out with preparing the food while you enjoy each other's company. We especially love this Spiced Chocolate Fondue Recipe by Food & Wine, which is sure to keep you all feeling extra cozy.
Photo: Earl of East
CANDLE MAKING CLASSES:
Fragrance is a very personal thing, and this class by Earl of East gives you the chance to encapsulate a scent of your own in candle form – making for the perfect blend of intimate yet fun bonding with a loved one. Learn new things about each other whilst leaving the class with a tangible object that will remind you of them every time you burn it.
WITH YOURSELF
We're firm believers in solo dates, so if you're bad at making time for yourself... February is your month to own it. Really any activity that re-energises you is a good form of self care, but here are our suggestions below.
Photo: Cuppapug
For the animal lovers, treat yourself to some furry TLC and head down to your nearest pet café. For cats, Whiskers & Cream is a great artisanal location in Upper Holloway, catering to a range of dietary requirements. We also love Cuppapug in Haggerston, a pug cafe filled with resident pugs (and a ball pit!) for you to play with as you enjoy a coffee or tea. They've also partnered with the National Pug Protection Trust, with some of the pugs in the cafe available for adoption.
Both cafés require booking in advanced, so get those plans made!
RAMEN DATE NIGHT
If you want the full solo date night experience, we recommend Yokocho in Soho: a 1970s Tokyo-inspired restaurant featuring the infamous Shuchu booths. Their name translates to 'focus' or 'flavour concentration' booth, allowing you to focus fully on enjoying your bowl of regional ramen without the distraction of company.
Booking in advance recommended.
If you're looking for another way to say I love you, or I love me, our ready to ship pieces are carefully handcrafted and make a beautiful gift. Browse the full collection here.
