Every year, couples across the globe celebrate their loved ones in their own special way, whether it be a big romantic gesture, a fancy meal, a cosy night in, or a fun activity.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you might be wondering where best to celebrate the international day of love with your special someone. So, here’s a list of eight date ideas in and around Kingston.
Woody’s Bar and Kitchen
Situated on the riverside in Kingston, Woody’s oozes romance- what’s more romantic than a stroll along the Thames before sitting down for food and drinks?
Whether you’re looking for drinks or food (or both), Woody’s has got your back.
With its 10/10 vegan junk food menu, new meaty food menu, and vast array of drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) it’s a great choice for food and drinks regardless of it being Valentine’s date night.
The staff are super friendly, and it has a chilled atmosphere – you definitely don’t have to worry about not being able to hear your date at Woody’s.
A Woody’s spokesperson said: “Woody’s is the perfect date spot because it’s relaxed, low-key, not intimidating, and has lovely views.”
Everyman Cinema (Esher and Walton)
Going to the cinema for date night may give high school vibes, but going to an Everyman cinema might make you feel a little bit more sophisticated with its fancy food menu, bottles of wine, and 2-seater couches perfect for a snuggle.
Both venues have a good mix of films screening on Valentine’s Day, including Bob Marley: One Love, The Iron Claw, All of Us Strangers, Anyone But You, and the Esher venue has a special Valentine’s Day showing of 10 Things I Hate About You.
GoBoat
Available every day from Thames Ditton, hiring a GoBoat is a romantic way to travel down the Thames starting at £95 for an hour trip.
The trip can last between 1-4 hours depending on which trip you pick.
Why not bring a picnic with you to enjoy while breathing in the winter air and taking in the views to make it the ultimate romantic date?
You can book your trip on their website.
Incognito
If you fancy getting a bit tipsy this Valentine’s Day, then Incognito is the perfect date night destination for you and it has venues both in Kingston and Richmond.
It’s a little bit more on the expensive side but will certainly impress your date if that’s what you’re aiming for, and is ideal if you want to dress up a bit more. Plus, its eccentric, circus-like interior is ideal for taking photos.
Boasting an array of unique cocktails, such as its Eton Mess inspired cocktail and Holy Grail, you are definitely spoilt for choice.
Alternatively, if cocktails aren’t your thing, Incognito also sells craft beers, spirits, wines, and mocktails for those who won’t be drinking alcohol.
Ex Cellar
It’s no secret that when you think of Europe, you think of romance, and what gets more European than cheese and wine?
With locations in Kingston and Surbiton, Ex Cellar brings a taste of France to your doorstep.
With an array of different wines to choose from and their camembert and Spanish cheese platters, you can pretend that you and your loved one are spending Valentine’s Day in Europe, despite the cold weather.
For those of you who don’t like wine or cheese, Ex Cellar offers various spirits, meaty, vegetarian and vegan pizzas, Spanish tapas, and salads, and it’s all freshly cooked by the family who run the business.
Warren House
With its picturesque grounds akin to those on Downton Abbey, why not treat your date to a three-course meal at Kingston’s Warren House?
To ensure that their guests have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, Warren House is offering a Valentine’s Day set menu of three courses for £69 per person.
Their Valentine’s Day offers run from Saturday February 10 until Sunday February 18.
The starters on offer include a choice of lobster and leek bisque, fried goat’s cheese, or nori wrapped salmon.
For mains they have corn-fried mushroom parmigiano chicken, pan grilled beef ribeye, butter garlic salmon, creamy beet linguine with pulled mushroom and beetroot, or vegan beetroot mushroom wellington.
And for dessert, you can choose from a dark chocolate red velvet terrine, hot raspberry souffle or vegan chocolate cream big shot.
If you would rather a date during the day you can opt for their Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea at £45 per person during the week or £50 per person from Friday – Sunday which includes a choice of sandwiches and pastries and teas.
You can even make your Valentine’s Day that bit more special if you have time by upgrading to their Valentine’s Day package, which includes their three-course Valentine’s Day set menu, an overnight stay at their Victorian boutique Manor House, a complementary bottle of Prosecco, a welcome drink, and access to their in-door heated swimming pool.
Tenpin Kingston
For those who prefer activity dates, this one’s for you. Why not challenge your date to a friendly bowling match?
It’s cheap. It’s fun. And if you haven’t been dating your partner for a while, it’s a great way to see if they have a competitive side.
And the date doesn’t have to end after the game as Tenpin sells a variety of food and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Hollyhock Café Richmond
If you have the day off work, why not treat yourself and your date to some lunch at this gorgeous little café?
Situated in Richmond’s Terrace Gardens with a panoramic view of the Thames, you’ll feel like you are in a Disney movie.
It may be cold outside, but with its terrace covered in fairy lights, you can’t escape the romance, the staff even hand out blankets and hot-water bottles to keep you warm.
Everything on Hollyhock’s menu is organically sourced or fair trade and perfect for vegans and veggies. It offers a variety of meals, ranging from pies, to quiches, to soups, and jacket potatoes. And their cake is to die for.
Hollyhock also offers an array of teas, coffees, smoothies, juices, and natural wines.
Editor and reporter for the Kingston Courier
