Whether you’re single, taken or in that “it’s complicated” stage, London has plenty of romantic restaurants, chic bars, saccharine hangouts and sexy hotels. If you are lucky enough to be under the spell of love, the capital is the place to be during Valentine’s Day week. Head to some of London’s most romantic spots and charm your partner in a way they never thought possible.

For foodies

London has a wealth of brilliant foodie spots, from Michelin star restaurants to hipster cafes. If you’re a cheese lover, sip champagne while indulging in a three-course dinner of goat’s cheese, blue fondue and a sweet finisher of Ogleshield raclette.

Who doesn’t love marveling at the bright lights of the city and its skyline? Rooftop dinners are the height of romance, so take your loved one for a three-course meal overlooking the capital. Whether it’s at the summit of the Shard or overlooking Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square or Covent Garden, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.

If heights aren’t your thing, or you’re after something a little mellower, Soho has many quaint restaurants in all of its pockets. From the oriental to traditional Western dishes, wherever you visit, it’s sure to match contemporary London tastes.

Tipple or two

There are plenty of places to drink in the capital, regardless of your jam. Along the Thames, you can hop on a two-storey boat and choose your own soundtrack for the night at a silent disco.

If that’s not your thing, you can head to a jazz bar and sample as many quirky cocktails as you can handle. From restaurants offering high-end dining and seriously romantic interiors, to cocktail dens where fairy lights and drinks served in jam jars and tin cans set the scene, there’s something for everyone.

Movie buffs

If you’re a movie buff, then London is certainly the place to be this Valentine’s Day week. Set the scene: you are some 800 feet above the city below, closer to the stars than the ground on the 69th floor of the Shard, while kicking back and watching Baz Luhrmann’s take on Shakespearean classic Romeo and Juliet. Could there be a more atmospheric setting for Valentine’s Day?

If you’re not that ardent about romance but still wish to celebrate the strike of Cupid’s bow, head to Lost Boys Pizza for some pre-millennium irony with a horror-comedy complete with a happy hour that lasts all night with pizza and cocktails galore.

Alternative activities

Sweet tooth? There’s a Bake-Off happening in Tooting. Bring your other half and your best baking skills to bake the sweetest cake you’ve ever made.

If that’s not different enough, jump on the Thames Rocket, the speedboat of England’s longest river. You’ll be taken on an alternative tour of some of the capital’s most iconic spots.

For a lovers special, find yourself at Rascals for some quirky bingo. It’s sure to be a night filled with pink drink, love, laughter and pizza. Plus, you might even land a full house!

A place to stay

You won’t be caught short when it comes to finding City of London hotels. From the luxurious to the gaudy to the simple, gym or no gym, spa or no spa, there’s sure to be something that suits you. If you land yourself a place with a bar, restaurant, spa and gym, is there really any need to leave the hotel?