In case you’d forgotten, it’s Valentine’s Day next week. And while it does bring too many trips to the local Italian, it does also serve up a plethora of opportunities to do something unique with your partner, with London naturally the hub for the more interesting activities.

Unfortunately it doesn’t look like Greggs will be offering their four-course ‘fine dining’ meal this year, but there are plenty of alternative Valentine’s Day events going on in the capital nonetheless which are as un-clichéd as possible. Here’s just a few of them…

Prince of Peckham x Morley’s Chicken Shop

When: Thursday 14th February 2019
Where: Prince Of Peckham, 1 Clayton Road, SE15 5JA.
Price: From £35

If bae loves chicken as much as you do, two iconic South London institutions are coming together for the second year in a row in the name of love… and chicken. For one night only, you and your Valentine can enjoy an array of wings, soul food and a brownies thanks to the Morley’s Prince of Peckham Valentine’s Dinner. As well as your 3-course dinner, you can also enjoy Hackney’s finest Eliza Rose playing romantic R&B, Slow Jamz, Rare Groove and Down Tempo Disco until the wee hours.

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A Valentine’s Evening with the Stars

When: Thursday 14th February 2019.
Where: Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, SE10 8XJ.
Price: £20.50

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich is once again giving you the chance to be all starry-eyed with your partner this V Day with its now annual ‘Evening with the Stars.’ There’ll be a romantically themed planetarium show, followed by a chance to look at the Moon through the Great Equatorial Telescope, as well as some time on the Meridian Line with an amazing view and a glass of champers.

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Hot Dog ‘n’ Date at Lee Valley White Water Centre

When: Saturday 16 February 2019
Where: Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross, EN9 1AB.
Price: £100

For the more adventurous of couples out there; grab your partner and get cosy in a two person inflatable kayak (otherwise known as a ‘Hot Dog’) at the Lee Valley White Water Centre. Conquer the rapids together through the legacy loop at this Olympic venue, before kicking back and relaxing with an afternoon tea for two accompanied by a glass of prosecco at The Terrace Bar & Café.

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Silent Sounds Boat Party

When: Saturday 16th February 2019
Where: The Dutch Master, Tower Millennium Pier, Next to Tower of London, EC3N 4AB.
Price: From £25

If you’re after something more akin to a party, what could be better than a silent disco on the Thames? Silent Sounds are throwing an unmissable trip for Valentine’s Day next weekend on The Dutch Master, a two-storey party boat. You and your partner will float by iconic London landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament while choosing the soundtrack to your night at a silent disco.

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Rivoli Ballroom Pop-Up Cinema

When: Wednesday 13th – Friday 15th February 2019
Where: Ravioli Ballroom, 350 Brockley Road, SE4 2BY.
Price: £12

But if you’re after a quiet one, settle down in the beautiful surrounding of the Rivoli Ballroom – one of the last remaining ballrooms round – for a pop-up film festival! Taking place across three nights next week, you can enjoy Pretty Woman, Romeo + Juliet or Ghost alongside all the popcorn you can eat, ice cream, hot dogs and wine, draft ale, beer and cider.

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Gaming at The Four Thieves Pub

When: Daily
Where: 51 Lavender Gardens, SW11 1DJ
Price: Escape Game from £19

For an alternative date venue, there’s few better places in the capital than The Four Thieves pub in South London. Not only does the pub pack a gigantic games room complete with retro arcades, table tennis, mini golf, and an RC racetrack, but the pub is also the location for one of the best escape games in London, Lady Chastity’s Reserve. The food at the pub is also top notch – perfect for a date night.

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Whistle Punks Axe Throwing

When: Tuesday 12th – Sunday 17th February 2019
Where: Whistle Punks, Arch 25, 73 Bondway, SW8 1SQ.
Price: From £38

Lastly, for the really alternative couples out there, why not test your axe throwing talents at Whistle Punks in Vauxhall? Yes, chuck blades at wooden targets this Valentine’s, even if you’re a singleton. Their ‘Speed Dater’ package offers you 1.5 hours of throwing solo over snacks, drinks and a chocolate axe. Or if you’re already partnered up, the ‘Double Bulls Eye’ deal offers an axe-throwing date night for two with all the chocolate axe trimmings.

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How will you and your partner be spending Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments below!