Dates With A Difference: Non-Cringe Valentine's Day Ideas

If the idea of a "romantic" dinner on Valentine's Day makes you want to gag, try one of these dates with a difference instead. Cringe factor minimised, we promise...

Date with a difference 1: Dessert Dinner

Avoid those super slushy "Valentine's" menus that seem to pop up everywhere, full of questionable looking oysters. It's all about the sugar coma this year, so head down to Soho cocktail and dessert bar Basement Sate. Its "Aphrodisiac" menu will consist of 3 beautiful mini-desserts (think Strawberry, Basil & Pistachio tart), paired with equally mini cocktails. Sweet stuff. 

£38 for two, basementsate.com

Date with a difference 2: Classic Cinema

Forget seeing 50 Shades at your local Odeon like every other schmuck this Valentine's - why not watch a genuinely romantic classic in a cool independent venue? We rate The Filmhouse Cinema in Edinburgh, housed in a former church. It's doing an afternoon showing of Casablanca on the 14th. You can grab a glass of wine at the bar and take it in with you, which is always a bonus in our books. Here's looking at you kid...

£18 for two, filmhousecinema.com 

Date with a difference 3: Cool Cocktail Masterclass

Head to London's latest experiential cocktail bar, The Alchemist, to learn the art of mixology in a 90-minute masterclass. You'll find out how to make some fun new blends, including the Smokey Old Fashioned (Bourbon and bitters with maple syrup and oak smoke) and the Passion Fruit Mojito. First date chemistry = sorted. 

£30 per person, alchemist.uk.com 

Date with a difference 4: Action Option

If you've got a head for heights, we rate the Twilight Climb from Up at The O2, which will see you and your date embark on a 90-minute expedition across the roof of the iconic landmark with a-mazing panoramic views over London. Starry night sky: tick. Sense of adventure: tick. Romantic scenery: tick. What's not to love? 

£33 per person, theo2.co.uk

Date with a difference 5: Afternoon Tea in a Castle 

Book yourselves in for a sumptuous afternoon tea at a huge stately home via afternoontea.co.uk. We rate the Alnwick Castle option (mostly because of its Harry Potter set credentials...). Stroll around the beautiful grounds and then tuck into some delicious scones. How very Downton of you...

£69 for two, afternoontea.co.uk