Valentine’s Day in the heart of London is truly special. And if you’re looking for something different, why not follow Cupid’s arrow as it flies towards Bermondsey Square.
A taste of the exotic
Time it right when you book a table for two at Lokma Turkish Restaurant on Thursday 14 and you could combine your traditional Turkish meal with a belly dancing show. But don’t worry if you’re early – take advantage of the shisha bar while you wait.
More than a bed for the night
Bermondsey Square Hotel, with its stunning views across the London skyline, is offering a Valentine’s deal with 25% off a room for two from 14 to 24 February. Not only that – they’re throwing in two tickets for the Kino Cinema as well…
Vice or the Green Book?
The 48-seater Kino Cinema is screening two Oscar-nominated films on February 14th. At 6.10pm catch Vice, the story behind George W Bush’s vice president, Dick Cheney; while at 8.45pm tune in to Green Book, a comedy set in America’s deep south (there’s also a child-friendly screening of Green Book at 2.30pm). Afterwards, take advantage of their acclaimed cafe-bar terrace for a bite to eat or drink.
Trinket time
If you’ve stayed overnight on a Thursday, why not make your visit truly memorable by visiting Bermondsey Square Antiques Market which runs from 6 am to 2 pm every Friday. With retailers selling everything from jewellery to bone china, you’re bound to snap up the perfect trinket.
Keeping it local
Sainsbury’s Local in Bermondsey Square will be open from 7 am to midnight – just perfect to pick up all the ingredients you need if you’re planning a romantic dinner for two at home. And just in case it slipped your mind earlier, you can also get some flowers!
Food for the soul
If you’re lucky enough to be around Bermondsey Square at lunchtime on Valentine’s Day, why not grab an al fresco lunch from the Lunchtime Street Food Market? With three different food traders on site each day, you can’t be sure exactly what will be on offer – but you can guarantee it’ll be tasty.
Relax and stay in touch in style
Don’t forget you can drink free tea or coffee while using super-fast 100mb fibre-optic Wi-Fi at the Bermondsey Square Hotel At Home lounge. With a TV area, library, dining room and lounge there’s a space to suit everyone. You can even eat lunch!
And there’s plenty to do around Bermondsey Square
Be one of the first to catch Tracey Emin’s latest exhibition, A Fortnight of Tears, which opens at the White Cube, Bermondsey (144-154 Bermondsey St) on February 6. Check the website for opening times and more details.
Check out the Bermondsey Yard Cafe (40 Bermondsey St). The restaurant is set in a disused car park which has been stripped back to its original features and kitted out with reclaimed furniture.
With several microbreweries within a mile-and-a-half radius, why not undertake the Bermondsey Beer Mile? All the breweries are housed in railway arches, check out which are open on Thursdays – or come back on Saturday when they’re all open!
Described as a lively boozer with tasty food the Marquis of Wellington (21 Druid St) sounds like a great place to stop on Thursday 14 – and you can even take part in its ‘Throwback Thursday’ event featuring retro games and vinyl tunes.