Valentines For Lonely Hearts

A friend reminded me yesterday that as there are lots of single people in London I should do a Valentine’s post for them. I know I mentioned an event in my Valentine’s roundup last week aimed at unattached people, but there are a few things going on next Monday that might interest you if you’re looking for a way to meet someone special in a nice atmosphere without too much pressure!

First off, the new Zizzi in Central St Giles is imposing a couples ban on Monday 14 February, and hosting a night dedicated to all of the singles in the city. Teaming up with the new online dating and social networking site, Tastebuds.fm, which aims to match people based on their musical tastes they will be inviting down some of their members to enjoy the evening festivities, which include live music, unlimited free canapés, prosecco between 7-8, wine tasting and the chance to meet new people. Any other single Londoners who don’t want to spend the night surrounded by loved-up couples can also attend. If you think that might be the evening for you, can I recommend booking in advance so that you don’t turn up on the door to find yourself dissapointed! Just call the restaurant on 0207 240 8447 to get yourself a seat on the night.

If tartan turns you on then I can recommend the Valentine singles Ceilidh night, which is taking place at Hammersmith Town Hall. Dust off your dancing shoes and get yourself down there for some highland reels and a round of the Dashing White Sergeant. Apparently there’s no need for any previous dance experience for you to attend the Valentines event as there is a caller on hand to shout out the right moves at the right time to help keep you on course. The organisers have this charming little bit of advice (best read with a broad Scottish brogue in mind);

“Maybe its time to give a more old fashioned approach to dating a chance. Nothing can beat the feeling of a good dance, and if you happen to meet your loved one half way through an eightsome reel, then all the better for dancing the night away!”

If you’re not all left feet then you can book tickets for this rather unique event here.

Now not to leave anyone out, for the guys looking to meet people of the same sex, Urban Connections are running a speed dating night in the 5th floor Ivory Room at Sound on Monday night, which has fantastic views of London’s skyline. Apparently, they ‘promise no hearts of flowers’ but a fun, flirty night for all of the single gay guys. If that floats your particular boat, you can book a place here.

If you genuinely loathe the whole idea of Valentine’s Day, then there’s actually a night for you too! Saturday 12 February at the O2 Academy Islington will be ‘Down With Dating‘ night, the ideal fix for people who are sick of of dating events! This alternative night’s entertainment includes the world famous Speed Hating (“The hottest dating craze” according to MSN) and a spot of Blind Hate. The festivities (?) run from 8pm until 10pm when the ‘Feeling Gloomy’ afterparty takes over – I’m actually feeling depressed typing this!

Finally if life itself is no longer of any interest to you, then can I suggest the Valentines Ghost Walk organised by haunted-historywalks.com. The group will leave The Butchers Hook and Cleaver pub at 7:30pm on Monday night, and you can book tickets here. This is what they have to say about this macabre event on their site:

“With more ghosts to the inch than the whole of the City itself, this walk uncovers horrors such as, Jack Ketch’s kitchen, violent poltergeists and ancient plague pits. From execution sites to body-snatching, our professional guide and her phantom companion will take you on a tour down the shadows and dark alleyways of Smithfield’s macabre past riddled with reports of disembodied screams, phantom nurses, spectral monks and ghostly vicars, as well as a few special Valentines’ inspired Horrors!“