Love-tangled or sick of love?
by Afroditi K. (follow her on Twitter: @foustoon)
If you are looking for last-minute budget ideas to either celebrate Valentine’s with your other half or alternative events to have a blast with your friends, we’ve got you covered!
Love-tangled? Read below
1# Sweet Emotion vs Beach Creep: Valentines Special | Friday 14th | The Shacklewell Arms (Dalston)
This Friday calls for East London! Take your other half and hit the dance floors to your hearts’ delight in a party that promises the greatest power ballads. Doors open at 9pm and entrance is free.
2# Midnight Apothecary | Saturday 15th | Brunel Museum (Rotherhithe)
We all loved Midnight Apothecary during last year’s extended summer nights– where else can you sample cocktails freshly prepared with herbs picked from their garden? Midnight Apothecary returns this Saturday evening for an atmospheric night. There is an entrance fee of £5.50 but you get to gather around the fire and enjoy some complementary toasted marshmallows while wrapped in blankets. Included in your ticket is a guided descent into Brunel’s underground chamber. We thought it was too good to pass up! The folks over at Midnight Apothecary say this is an event for everyone (not just the love-sick ones!) and we believe them.
Ps) Delicious gourmet Valentine’s morsels will also be available from BBC Master Chef winner Julie Friend.
Pic taken by brunel-museum.org.uk
3# Columbia Road Flower Market | Sunday 16th | Columbia Road (East End)
Admittedly, this is not your typical one-off Valentine’s event, however we thought it would be terribly romantic to take a stroll around this cute flower market with a cup of coffee in your hands and a bunch of fresh flowers to carry home!
Pic taken by Columbia Road Flower Market’s Facebook page
Sick of Love? Read below
1# The Anti-Slam: Anti-Valentine’s Special! | Friday 14th | Picture House Hackney
Prepare to listen to some of London’s best poets’ work. In their own words “love poetry so terrible and cringe-worthy, it transcends quality, becoming laugh-out-loud genius”.
Hosts warn you not to bring a date!
£5 / £4 conc (on the door)
2# BFI Mediatheque: Alfred Hitchcock | All weekend | Southbank
What could be more anti-Valentine’s than an Alfred Hitchcock marathon of films from the early days of his career? Log on at a viewing station or book a slot in advance and watch the 5 films below: Always Tell Your Wife (1923), The Passionate Adventure (1924), The Prude’s Fall (1924), The White Shadow (1924), The Blackguard (1925)
Saturday 12:00 – 20:00
Sunday 12:30 – 20:00
Pic taken by bfi.org.uk
3# Photo Noir: The art of Cornel Lucas | National Theatre (Southbank)
Although this starts after the weekend, this is an exhibition you should not miss.
Cornel Lucas was a photographer and a Londoner, who as a film-still photographer was a pioneer of film portraiture. He photographed many movies stars, including Marlene Dietrich, Joan Collins and Brigitte Bardot, so be ready to be transported back in time to the glamorous atmosphere of the 40s and 50s!
17 February – 29 March 2014
Mon – Sat: 9.30am – 11pm
Sun (when open): 12 noon – 6pm
Pic taken nationaltheatre.org.uk
You may also want to have a look at the Top 10 Free Events in London in February 2014.
