Valentine’s Day: where to celebrate with your group of single mates

For singletons, Valentine’s can sometimes feel a bit…well, depressing. So, if you’re lacking a paramour, we’ve rounded up the best places to go out with your fellow single friends and say a collective sod you to the annual outbreak of rose-petalled sentim

Updated on 30 January 2019 • Written By Tonje Odegard

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Valentine’s Day: where to celebrate with your group of single mates

Murder mystery at Barts

Barts

It’s murder on the Barts floor! You know how it works – someone’s been bumped off (a love affair gone wrong, perhaps?), and it will be up to you and your mates to discover the culprit. Head to this 1930s Chicago-style speakeasy in Chelsea and enter its apartment clock next-door (aka the scene of the crime). There you will meet – and question – the murder suspects, sifting the evidence before reaching your conclusion. To celebrate solving the crime (we hope), you can join the after-party in the bar with a complimentary cocktail from Barts.

When? Wednesday 13 February, 7pm
How much? £30pp including a complimentary cocktail
How to book Call 020 7581 3355 or order tickets online here


Head to a secret location for a whopping party

Secret

Secret rendezvous, debauchery, bohemian partying. If that doesn’t scream Valentine’s, we don’t know what does (we jest, of course). Once you’ve bought your ticket, you’ll be directed to this secretive, seductive bordello, where you’ll be entertained by live music, beautiful temptresses and burlesque dancing. Sensory and interactive visual delights are also promised. ‘Scandal and desire are the order of the day,’ we’re assured.

When? Saturday 16 February, 8pm
How much? From £30pp
How to book Online


Hit up a cabaret show or two

Burlesque

Celebrate the raunchier side of romance in the form of stockings, feathers and showgirls.

 

House of Burlesque at Concrete

Concrete

Multi-function space Concrete is laying on an interactive show full of glamour, sparkle and sass. Meet burlesque queen Miss Tempest Rose and the other stars of The House of Burlesque while sipping fab cocktails. Fancy splashing out? Go for the VIP tickets or dinner packages – ideal for groups.

When? Thursday 14 February, 8pm
How much? From £12pp
How to book Online

 

Gin House Burlesque at The King's Head Members Club

Murder express

The King’s Head is known for putting on some outrageous parties in its speakeasy-style club and basement in Hackney. The interiors here are undoubtedly eclectic with an array of exotic taxidermy, from polar bears to tigers and zebras. Vintage showgirls will make a special Valentine’s appearance in a music-filled evening of burlesque, circus and vaudeville. Who will be your favourite? Will it be London’s vintage burlesque queen, Miss Betsy Rose, or perhaps Italian showgirl extraordinaire, Jolie Papillon? Then again, the fire-eating, snake-charming vixen Missy Fatale is hard to resist. You’ll have all night to be charmed as the party keeps swinging till 5am.

When? Friday 15 February, 7.30pm
How much? From £10pp
How to book Online

 

Immerse yourself at the Murdér Express

Murder express

Board an imaginary train from the imaginary Pedley Street Station to the imaginary destination of Murdér in France for an imaginary murder mystery – all part of the fun of this immersive dining experience. Sit down to a three-course meal cooked by 2016 MasterChef finalists Billy and Jack while an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery is acted out around you. Your group has to be ready for some audience participation – and if you’re up for that, this promises to be a lot of fun.

When? Valentine’s week (12- 16 February), matinee and two evening shows
How much? From £53pp
How to book Online

READ MORE: Read our review of the Murdér Express


Get Drunk in Love at Piano Works West End

Studio 88

If you feel done with single-life, why not use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to try and fall in love? We know of two things that can massively help with that (drinks and banging music) and we know exactly where you can get it (Studio 88). Known for accepting song requests from the audience on a rolling basis all night, a professional pianist on the club’s stage will play all the enchanting tracks you desire to hear. There’s a champagne and cocktail happy hour between 5pm and 7pm, but if you want to make it extra-special, there are dinner packages up for grabs for £45pp, which includes a three-course meal and glass of pink sparkly.

When? Thursday 14 February, 5pm
How much? Free entry, £45pp for dinner package
How to book Online


Go for dinner followed by a party at the Ivory Vaults

Ivory

Get your group booked in for a three-course dinner at the Ivory Vaults, which will be magically transformed into a flapper-era speakeasy. Celebrate the spirit of the Roaring 20s with immersive performances, jazz music and dancing at this atmospheric underground venue. You’ll get half a bottle of prosecco with your meal too. So shimmy down to St Katharine Docks and party the night away.

When? Thursday 14 February, 7.15pm
How much? From £65pp including a welcome drink
How to book Online


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