Nestled between Fitzroy Square and Oxford Street in London’s West End, Fitzrovia makes the perfect destination, offering everything from retail therapy to an array of fine dining and cosy café experiences. And that’s not all this urban village has going for it, because over in Fitzrovia’s Rathbone Square, you’ll find a haven of tranquillity courtesy of a charming public garden square, complete with lawns, trees, twittering birds and places to rest and take a breath of fresh air while the rest of the world whizzes by.
Looking for some inspiration on how to spend Valentine’s Day in London this year? Read on as we chart the Fitzrovia restaurants, cafeterias and pampering experiences that you and your true love will not want to miss.
1. The romantic meal
If you’re after an unforgettable dining experience, quite possibly one of the most memorable Fitzrovia restaurants you will ever visit has to be Sicilian eatery Circolo Popolare.
On arrival, you’ll be no less than wowed by the magnificent décor which will have you selfie-snapping all the way to your table. The menu is no less spectacular, and caters well for vegetarians, vegans, celiacs and numerous other dietary needs. The chef’s menu is updated each month as the changing seasons present fresh new flavours.
Sicilian food incorporates influences from a variety of cultures, mostly Italian, but also Spanish, French, Greek and Arabic. And at Circolo Popolare, you’ll get to sample some very special dishes indeed from each course, starting with your antipasti, and moving on to your primi piatti pasta course, your secondi, and finally, the delectable dolci.
For Valentine’s Day, London is the place to be, and if dining experiences are your thing, you will certainly be swept off your feet with a visit to Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia.
2. The pampering experience
Whether it’s a Valentine’s gift, or an experience you enjoy together, a pampering session always goes down a treat. And at Rathbone Square, there are plenty of options.
Adam Grooming for example is Rathbone Square’s resident atelier and one of the highest rated men’s barbers in London. Relaxing, luxury treatments are the trademark of Adam and his team, making this a wonderful way to spend Valentine’s Day in London.
Magnificent manicures, pampering pedicures, eyelash extensions and brow laminations all feature on the treatment menu over at Rawr Beauty, where a team of beauty pros are on hand to make you look and feel positively out of this world.
And then there’s 7 Sky Spa, where you’ll find a further array of luxury treatments designed to make you feel truly wonderful. A profoundly calming Balinese stone massage will dissolve any tension, help combat muscle stiffness and give your circulation and metabolism a boost, whilst a Hammam treatment will help you unwind as your skin is cleansed and exfoliated, leaving you feeling vibrantly refreshed.
Looking for something to do together this Valentine’s that pushes the boundaries a little? How about a guided class in breathwork, gong bath, sound healing, tai chi, qigong, restorative or yin yoga, meditation or mindfulness? At 7Breaths Meditation, you’ll find all of the above delivered by patient, experienced teachers. So if you want your Valentine’s Day in London to be memorable in the extraordinary sense, give 7Breaths Rathbone Square a try.
3. The healthy alternative
If you’re still recovering from an over-indulgent festive season, there’s no reason why your Valentine’s Day treat doesn’t have to be a healthy one.
At Rathbone Square, we’re privileged to have our very own juice bar, aka Joe and the Juice. Here’s where you’ll find an enticing range of fresh phytonutrient-rich juices, together with healthy salads and tantalising shakes. So if you want to keep things wholesome this Valentine’s Day in London, head to Joe’s.
Another option is White Pine. This is Rathbone Square’s sustainable, cruelty-free boutique coffee and juice bar, where you’ll encounter an irresistible menu of Icelandic style natural protein shakes, together with cold press juices, speciality teas and organic coffees. There’s also an array of fresh vegetarian and vegan food from local suppliers to enjoy.
Also at White Pine, you’ll find a charming range of Nordic homewares to browse, so there could even be a sneaky last minute Valentine’s gift on the cards.
4. The quick meet-up
Sometimes, there are just not enough hours in the day to fit in a full-on romantic encounter on Valentine’s Day, especially when it falls midweek. But worry not, because if you happen to be in Fitzrovia, there are plenty of opportunities for a quick yet memorable meetup.
If you love your coffee, pay a visit to Omotesando Koffee, celebrated worldwide for its Japanese coffee, brewed on demand by skilled baristas in white lab coats. This is a lot more than a coffee shop: it’s more an unforgettable experience, especially if you appreciate minimalist design and enjoy watching a spot of expert coffee crafting. You won’t go hungry either, as there are plenty of sweet treats in the shape of traditional Japanese pastries to succumb to.
Keen to entertain your sweet tooth this Valentine’s Day in London? Then Crosstown Doughnuts should feature on your Fitzrovia itinerary.
Revered for its scrumptious doughnuts and handcrafted cookies, Crosstown Doughnuts makes everything in-house, using all the best seasonal ingredients including all its jams, compotes, fillings, glazes and toppings. There’s a 100% vegan range too, together with small batch ice cream, and you’ll be wowed by the outlandish flavours on offer. Not all Crosstown Doughnuts offer indoor seating, but lucky for anyone planning a brief Valentine’s Day meetup in West London, the Fitzrovia store does.
If it’s a nice day, you could also grab a box of doughnuts and a coffee and head into the square, grab yourselves a bench and enjoy a spot of romantic Valentine’s Day fresh air!
For a memorable Valentine’s Day in London, visit Rathbone Square!
Rathbone Square in Fitzrovia is the perfect place to head to for all those Valentine’s Day treats you’ve both been promising yourselves. From cosy meet-ups in a comfy café, to wow-factor dining and plenty of pampering opportunities, there is little that Rathbone Square can’t offer you.
Why not stop by next time you’re in town? We’re ready and waiting to welcome you this Valentine’s Day!
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