Disclosure: In any review for a product or service, products or compensation may have been provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” and "Terms of Use" tabs for more information.
Just like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what is considered romantic differs from person-to-person. One person’s atmospheric music hall is another’s dilapidated antiquated dump. Still there are a few common themes that are consistent, no matter who is doing the romancing. The colour red is usually important, as are candles. A personal touch is usually recommended and it is pretty safe to say that most people prefer piano-led crooning to thrash metal in the romantic music stakes.
In a venue, the lighting is always significant, as is atmosphere. People generally love a place with history, though an assiduously designed cocktail bar can do the trick too. Of course, a romantic venue doesn’t just have to be inside an actual building, a sun filled park, a dimly lit square or a derelict slum can all be imbued with the spirit of Cupid if the timing is just right.
If you are feeling in the mood for love and are looking for somewhere suitably romantic, then check out the places below.
Wilton’s Music Hall
If you like your buildings steeped in history then Wilton’s Music Hall in Whitechapel has it by the stage full. It is the oldest surviving music hall in the world and has been hosting couples from all over the great cesspool that is London and beyond for over a century. Over the years it’s played to host to everyone from Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel to Spike Milligan who even made a film there called the Great McGonagall. The hall has withstood fire, flooding, bombs and ultimately time itself to stand as a slightly crumbly relic of yesteryear. And it also hosts films, music, theatre and has a spiff bar, the Mahogany Bar, next to the main hall.
Dans Le Noir
What could be more romantic than not being able to see, eh? OK, probably a few things. But if romance blooms in atmospheric surroundings, free of distractions then Dans Le Noir is definitely the place for it to blossom. It is a restaurant like no other. It serves its food completely in the dark. You are guided by blind waiters to your seat and can order meat, seafood or a vegetarian meal but what you will actually be served within these culinary confines is a mystery. Phones are left at the door, so there is nothing to distract you from thoroughly enjoying your meal and the company you are with.
Richmond Park
Nature is romantic, much more romantic than technology, so what better way to spend a romance-filled eve than by relaxing in one of London’s finest parks? Richmond Park has 2,500 acres in which to roam, is absolutely filled with blades of grass (as well as plants, deer, horses and other wildlife) and has a host of activities for loved up lads and lassies to get stuck into. You can go horse riding through the park, enjoy a salubrious constitutional while taking a peek at your splendid surroundings, or just sit down for a bit and talk about life and important things like your future and whose turn it is to clean the bathroom.
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park
Primrose Hill
Nothing inspires romance more than looking at things, especially if those things are really, really pretty. And what is lovelier than London, resplendent in its evening finery? Probably a few things, but as seen from Primrose Hill of a quiet summer’s evening, the sun slipping slowly beyond the horizon, you could be forgiven for thinking that there are few places on earth you’d rather be… besides, maybe, somewhere slightly warmer.
Oxo Tower Restaurant
Combining two romantic staples – eating out and a lovely view – the Oxo Tower Restaurant is one of the most popular eateries in town. Sure, a three course meal for two will do some damage to your bank balance but the panoramic views of the city are definitely worth it. As a cheaper alternative to an expensive meal you can always just buy a couple of cocktails, sit at the bar and take in the view.
Whatever you decide to do, men, just remember the etiquette; open the door, pull out her chair, tell her she looks great, and have your debit card at the ready when the bill arrives. After all the effort you’ve made for your Valentine’s evening in London, you don’t want to then stumble on the basics.
Speak Your Mind