The season of love is back once again! As Valentine’s Day draws closer, we’ve been curating some ideas to celebrate beyond the typical flowers and chocolates (though no judgment if that’s what your heart desires!). Here then are some helpful suggestions to spend your Valentine's, the Oxford way.
CONCERTS AND CABARET
If music is the food of love, there’s a veritable banquet on offer next weekend, beginning with an intimate Candlight Concert at Oxford Town Hall. Settle into the glow with your beau as you’re serenaded by a score of romantic pieces from the greatest composers, including Puccini, Elgar, Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky. And if you fancy two free tickets, you can submit your own Valentine’s poem on our competitions page up until Tues 10th Feb!
Exeter College has also got that lovin’ feeling, blending music and poetry in their recital of Love Songs and Love Poems. Carried by the dulcet tones of soprano Felicity Hamilton and Charlie Penn on piano, the evening will feature readings of Whitacre’s Five Hebrew Love Songs, as well as compositions by Quilter, Fauré and Mozart - whether you’re a music or lyrics person, it’s a perfect marriage of media. Or enjoy the delicate melodies of the ‘Flûte D’Amour’ at St Michael’s in Summertown; professional flautist Christopher Britton (BBC, LSO Orchestra, Oxford Sinfonia) promises an evening of romantic renditions accompanied by composer Malcolm Pearce.
If you’d prefer your night to have a little syncopation, there are two jazzy options to get you in the groove. The ever-swanky Lynrace hosts live Valentine’s jazz on the 12th in their Parlour; enjoy a welcome drink and a repertoire of blues, soul and gospel to get the heart racing. And out west, Oxford Classic Jazz tempt you with a sophisticated wine and cheese selection and a roaring Twenties aesthetic to accompany their swingin’ multi-instrumental stylings with Rhythm and Romance.
And for something a little saucier, head to the Old Fire Station for the Valentine's edition of Be My Cabaret. Gathering some of Oxford's very best drag, burlesque, music and comedy talent, you're sure to fall for with Nathan Grassi and Justine Malone's anarchic variety show, this instalment's theme being - of course - love.
DANCING
Would you and your partner rather be on your feet than snuggled on seats? Fear not; there’s plenty of opportunity for a more energetic day out. Movements Festival has a jam-packed Valentine’s all-dayer planned across some of Cowley Road’s premier hotspots including the Bullingdon, Truck Store, The Library and the James Street Tavern, with live performances from local heavy hitters like Suspire, Mazawattee, Genevieve Miles and more.
Salsa Fuego get things fired up with their Valentine’s Party; their soundtrack of salsa and bachata is perfect to bring a little heat to your time on the dancefloor. New to salsa? No problem! Instructors Lisa and Mark run classes for beginner to intermediate levels before every party, so you and your SO can learn something new together.
And no one said Valentine’s is just for couples! The North Wall Arts Centre transforms into a daytime disco for families of younger children to see in the big day. Recommended for ages 0-5, the playlist of disco classics, immersive activities and of course, plenty of bubbles and balloons, is bound to keep the whole family entertained.
CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES
Of course, you may want to do something together where you’re more than part of an audience. As we mentioned earlier, nothing brings you together like sharing in a new skill - and Alliance Française have gone all in on the language of love with their one day workshop, ‘L’amour à la française’. Learn how to pitch woo the Gallic way as you learn romantic turns of phrase, cultural curiosities and even a chanson ou deux.
Maybe you want to sharpen your footwork rather than your French? In which case, sign up for a weekend of flamenco workshops with guest instructor Genaro Arteaga to learn one of Spain’s most passionate dance techniques. All abilities are welcome, so even if you’re a beginner, you can get into the rhythm.
And if the two of you love nothing more than taking centre stage, might we recommend a spell in one of the Mad Hatter’s private karaoke rooms for their Songs and Scones Saturday deal? Made for groups of four upwards, it’s perfect for a double (or triple!) date - book in for 90 minutes of time on the mic, a delightfully boozy cocktail teapot, and some delicious finger food that just screams “Eat Me!”
DINING OUT
The way to some hearts is through the stomach, but which cuisine to choose? One Daily Info favourite round our neck of the woods is
Indian eatery Mowgli has curated a special Valentine’s Feasting menu for spice lovers at £40 per person. The meal includes a glass of Prosecco or mocktail and your choice of eleven traditional dishes, with smaller plates like gunpowder chicken and Himalayan cheese toast, and a selection of rich and flavourful curries from butter chicken to black Dahl (two per person, so ideal to mix and match).
The Prince of Wales offers some suitably regal dining options for their one-night Valentine’s Day Dinner, a sharing menu of luxurious plates including Devon crab ravioli, ox cheek Bourguignon and a chocolate and strawberry sharing sundae - though there are non-sharing desserts available if you don’t want to sacrifice half of yours for love. The menu is £38 for two courses or £46 for three, and is topped off with a homemade raspberry marshmallow to finish (chef’s kiss).
And The Folly pairs its own hand-picked lovers' menu with a tranquil riverside view, should you opt for one of their private domes overlooking the water. The options on offer add an experimental touch to traditional fine dining - we’re particularly intrigued by the BBQ broccoli with a miso and tahini emulsion!
ANTI VALENTINES
We know that this time of year isn’t for everyone, and for some of you the last thing you’ll be wanting to do on the 14th is get all sappy. Well, don’t think we’ve forgotten about you - we’ve got a couple of antidotes to the holiday if you need to get your mind off romance.
The Ultimate Picture Palace may not be holding its Anti-Valentine’s roulette this year, but its choice of showing is no less perfect as a counter to the usual festivities. Misery, the late Rob Reiner’s adaptation of Stephen King’s dark psychological thriller, is a nail-biting ride of obsession, claustrophobia and ratcheting tension (pun intended, given the performance of the inimitable Kathy Bates). If a candlelight concert doesn’t take your fancy, tickets to the screening are also up for grabs in our Valentine’s poetry competition!
Or dance with tears in your eyes at Big Society, where IRL Oxford presents Stupid Cupid, a night out for anyone with Valentine’s fatigue. Bring and shred a photo of your ex for a free shot, get down to the bitterest bops around from Alanis Morrisette to Olivia Rodrigo, and use the traffic light wristband system to find your people (or to stay, as Robyn would put in, dancin’ on your own). Dress code is red (for flags) and black (for hearts).
Think there's something we missed? Let us know your Valentine's plans at info@dailyinfo.co.uk!