5 VALENTINE’S DATE IDEAS IN SOUTH WEST LONDON

Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, so you have plenty of time to romance your significant other. Go all out, avoid the cliches and embrace these five unusual daytime date ideas in South West London

Words: Bethan Andrews

1 BREAKFAST IN BED
There is no better way to start the day than with breakfast in bed. When it doesn’t need making, and you don’t need to nip out to the shops, you definitely can’t beat it. Breakfast in Bed has an array of choice, all fresh and will deliver it straight to your door. Try the ‘Chilli Pig’ which includes chorizo beans and bacon for something a bit different.
Check your postcode before ordering. Sat-Sun 8am-3pm. 020 8144 8885; breakfastinbed.co.uk

2 AFTERNOON TEA AT CANNIZARO HOUSE
After a lazy stroll around Wimbledon Common, pop into the luxury Cannizaro House Hotel for a spot of afternoon tea and the ultimate chill. Overlooking its own parkland, the Orangerie serves afternoon tea everyday from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Try the champagne option for something a little more special – you’ll certainly lose your date jitters.
Cannizaro House, West Side Common, Wimbledon SW19 4UE; 03300 240 706; hotelduvin.com

3 THE CHOCOLATE MUSEUM
Day dates give you the freedom to try something different and the Chocolate Museum is a perfect social activity. Founder Isabelle Alaya is passionate about ethically sourced chocolates. Take a class for £40; you’ll find great teaching and atmosphere. And chocolate is an aphrodisiac!
Open Weds-Fri 2pm-7pm and Sat 11am-6pm. 187 Ferndale Road SW9 8BA; 07723 434 235; thechocolatemuseum.net

The Resident: The Orangerie at Hotel du Vin’s Cannizaro House hotel in Wimbledon The Orangerie at Hotel du Vin’s Cannizaro House hotel in Wimbledon

4 PUTT IN THE PARK
Putt in the Park in Wandsworth Park is a favourite with couples looking for a fun day out, and perfect to break the ice. With an extensive range of fun courses, you won’t be short of laughs. The location is close to Putney High Street too, so you’ll have plenty of wine bars nearby to explore afterwards.
Mon-Sun 9am-dusk. Wandsworth Park Putney Bridge Road SW18 1PP; 0208 877 0713;
puttinthepark.com

The Resident: Is chocolate an aphrodisiac? Find out by visiting the Chocolate Museum with your loved one Is chocolate an aphrodisiac? Find out by visiting the Chocolate Museum with your loved one

5 TOOTING BEC LIDO
Take full advantage of Valentine’s falling on a weekend this year, with a trip to Tooting Bec Lido. As the second largest pool by surface area in the UK and built in stunning Edwardian architecture, the open-air, freshwater pool will leave you feeling utterly refreshed. It might be best to save this one and your swimwear for the second date though!
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm.Tooting Bec Rd, London SW16 1RU; 020 8871 7198; placesforpeopleleisure.org

The Resident: Add a fun element to your date at Wandsworth’s Putt in the Park Add a fun element to your date at Wandsworth’s Putt in the Park