Valentine's dining: the singles

Whether you’re looking to meet someone or simply have a night out with your mates, there are still plenty of goings-on this Valentine's Day: from ping-pong battles and pool to love potions and fortune tellers.

Chocolate Making at the Ace Hotel (pictured right)
Taking a practical approach to Valentine’s Day, Ace Hotel is offering chocolate making with twist - the focus will be on raw chocolate, all free from dairy, soya and refined sugar. The two-hour workshop with chocolatier Laura Coxeter will teach easy-to-follow chocolate-making skills using only the finest organic and Fairtrade ingredients. You get to take the finished product home too. An introduction to Raw Chocolate with Laura Coxeter takes place at 11am on 15 February at Lobby Workshop at Ace Hotel. The £5 ticket price includes a welcome drink from hotel bar Lovage.
Find out more at here
Read our review of the Ace Hotel here

Bam-Bou
Fitzrovia’s Bam-Bou will be offering ‘love potions’ for both lovers and singletons alike. The drinks seductively titled Heartbreak Healer, Cupid’s Kiss, Lovers’ Liquor and Ever After Elixir will be served in both the restaurant and bar while a physic councillor will be on hand to provide readings to those curious about what the future holds. Love Potions are priced at £7 per cocktail. One-on-one readings with Susie Johns are also available on three consecutive Tuesdays (4, 11, 18 February) from 6.30-8.30pm and include a 15-minute reading and cocktail for £25 per person.
Read our review of Bam-Bou here

Bluebird (pictured left)
Bluebird head chef Matt Robinson has put together a three-course meal based on aphrodisiacs such as West Mersea rock oysters, salt-marsh lamb, and truffle macaroni. Bluebird will also be hosting a speed-dating event offering special ‘love punch’ and other romantic treats for those looking for love.
The three-course menu is priced at £75 per person. Speed-dating tickets are £25 each and include a complimentary glass of bubbly and a buffet.
Read our review of Bluebird here

Bounce
Ping-pong venue and cocktail bar Bounce have some games lined up for Valentine’s Day. Alongside a DJ, there will be games and tournaments organised by Bounce’s Bouncers, including: Single and Proud (round-the-table madness) and Cupid’s Day Off (mismatched guests will be selected at random to double-up for the Championships). Anti-Valentine’s Day party rules will be enforced, including: no couples, no red, no flowers. Tickets are £5 in advance and include all ping-pong entertainment and UV ping-pong.
Read our review of Bounce here

The Cadogan Arms
Offering pints, games of pool and sliders, The Cadogan Arms is encouraging bromance in all its forms this Valentine’s Day. Booking out its Billiards Room for non-couples, it’s a great low-key place to avoid the schmaltz.
Read our review of The Cadogan Arms here

Drake & Morgan bars
Hosting a ‘Heartbreak High’ anti-Valentine’s Day event, on 14 February Drake and Morgan’s bars including The Refinery, The Folly and The Drift, will welcome you with punch bowls, bottles of prosecco and an ‘80s’ soundtrack. There are also meal deals on offer including the ‘Reef, Beef and Bubbles’, a whole lobster, steak and bottle of Champagne for £70.

Dating on Ice at Exchange Square
A good excuse as any to get your skates on if you missed out over the festive period. Gather at Bar BBQ at Broadgate's ice rink for drinks on the terrace, a host will be present to help introduce shy skaters.
14 February, Exchange Square, Primrose Street, EC2A 2BQ.
Find out more at broadgate.co.uk/ice

Proud (pictured right)
Proud Camden is hosting a Valentine’s Day special on 14 February. There’ll be a DJ set from Foals, live bands, an Instagram booth for singles and LOVE/HATE stables with (fake) tattooists and make-up artists, as well as a resident Cupid patrolling the venue, matchmaking and causing havoc.
Read our review of Proud here

A Game of Two Halves at The Truscott Arms
Allocating the top floor of its restaurant to dining couples, the downstairs bar at The Truscott Arms will hold a party for singles. With every drink purchased you’ll be given a playing card, and then all you have to do is find the person who holds a matching card. When you do you’ll be treated to a special ‘love potion’ to share.
Read our review of the Truscott Arms here