Valentine’s Day is a bit like marmite – love it or hate it. For
those of you who’d rather choke on a loveheart than be seen dead out and about
on the most romantic day of the year, perhaps it’s time to reassess whether
you’ve simply been making the wrong plans. Believe it or not, there are options
that don’t involve sitting elbow to elbow in a restaurant full of other couples
feasting on the ‘Valentine’s Special’.
Who could resist spending an evening with Cary Grant for
example? The BFI on the South
Bank is screening the screwball classics Bringing Up Baby and The Philadelphia
Story on the 14th, so book your tickets now and then treat yourself
to cocktails by the river after the film. Or how about spending some quality
time with the great Baroque artist, Paul
Peter Rubens? The Royal Academy of Arts latest blockbuster is a showcase
for his beautiful nudes and other creations, as well as masterpieces by artists
who were influenced by him – including Picasso, Cézanne, Van Dyck and more. It’s sure to draw big crowds so avoid
the queues and reserve tickets for the RA’s special Valentine’s event, which
includes entry to the exhibition.
If ‘music be the food of love’ you might want to consider
treating your better half to a night of jazz and swing at Cadogan Hall. The
acclaimed Clare Teal will be performing hits made famous by everyone from Ella
Fitzgerald and Doris Day to Judy Garland and Peggy Lee – accompanied by a
swinging live band. It certainly beats a night in with Magic FM!
Still not convinced that a night on the tiles is the way to
go? Then let the Landmark Trust
sweep you off your feet instead. The Landmark Trust rescue historic buildings,
sensitively restores them and then re-opens them as unique holiday homes. You
can stay in a castle, a 16th century manor house, or even a
lighthouse! There is still availability for Valentine’s weekend in enchanting
properties up and down the land, and you can guarantee it will be an
unforgettable few days.
Another way to skip the schmaltz and enjoy a stress-free Valentine’s
night is to simply invite a chef to do the hard work for you. There are now a
number of companies offering chefs, even Michelin-starred ones, who come to
your home and cook up a storm. You can be involved in planning the menu too, so
all your loved one’s favourite foods are included. Intimate, thoughtful and no
need to even leave the house – check out MyChef from Greycoat
Lumleys to investigate further.
See? Valentine’s Day needn’t mean schmaltzy cards and cheesy
poems - so cancel that standing order with the florist, ditch the high street
chocolates and plan a date to remember.
Images:
Cary Grant, James Stewart and Katharine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story
Landmark Trust property Clavell Tower
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