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Best things to do in London in February 2025

14 fabulous things to do in London in February 2025

Discover HELLO!'s picks of the best things to do in the capital, from Valentine's Day fun to family-friendly activities

Georgia Brown
Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer
Updated: 5 days ago
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Love is in the air, or is that just London calling? Regardless of whether you have a special someone to celebrate Valentine's Day with or not, the city is the perfect place to start for all your February social plans. 

From cosy romantic night spots to the most luxurious places for a solo date, things to do with your family and the perfect haunts to break up with your Dry January streak, the HELLO! team has compiled their must-do things in London this month, tried and tested. 

Best things to do in London in February 2025

From family fun to bookmark for half term, to art exhibitions for your inner critic, discover the things HELLO! has been loving in London this month... 

Experience a taste of Hollywood at 45 Park Lane hotel

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Perfect for fans of old Hollywood and a byegone era of film stars, the newest exhibition at the illustrious 45 Park Lane hotel is well worth a visit. 

Just a short walk from Hyde Park Corner tube station, I wandered into the lobby and was greeted by some of the most iconic celebrity photographs of the 20th and 21st centuries.Works by Greg Brennan, Eve Arnold, Kevin Cummins, Eva Sereny, Milton H. Greene, and Richard Corman decorate the lobby and bar of the hotel, featuring well-known portraits of stars including Jack Nicholson, Audrey Hepburn, Clint Eastwood, and Marilyn Monroe.

My personal favourite was a shot taken by Dafydd Jones, of shoe boxes stacked on top of each other, custom-made for celebrities. A close second is Greg Brennan's shot of Lady Gaga, waving to the camera as she is surrounded by fans. He told me that she ordered pizza, tea and biscuits sent out to everyone waiting to catch a glimpse of her.

Icons of the Silver Screen: Legends, Moments, and Memories is on display at 45 Park Lane until 20 April 2025.

Reviewed by Millie Jackson, Content Managing Editor

A unique Valentine's Day experience

Paradox Museum in London is offering Valentines Day package for two

If candlelit dinners aren’t your thing and you prefer exciting experiences or unique nights out, the Paradox Museum should be at the top of your list.

Having visited many pop-ups over the years, I can confidently say this one is my favourite.With 50 immersive exhibits, each as fun and mind-bending as the next, the museum offers an unforgettable experience - and the best part? It’s never overcrowded.

For this Valentine’s Day (13th and 14th February) they are offering a special package for two featuring a glass of bubbles each (or a non-alcoholic option), Pick ‘n’ Mix, a 360 photobooth and an added live music experience at £65 and £75. Love will quite literally be 'in the air', with the museum decked out in romantic Valentine’s-themed décor.

For more information or to book tickets, visit here.  

Reviewed by Andrea Caamano, Website Editor

Best restaurants to visit in London in February 2025

From sky-high restaurants to pop-up delights, discover where HELLO! has been dining - and loving - this February.

Elevate your pizza game at Sodo 

Sourdough pizza with a glass of natural red wine

As a self-proclaimed lover of Italian cuisine, there are few cult-status pizzas I haven't tried in London. From the Instagram-popular pies topped with creamy burrata to sharing pizzas big enough to cover the entire table and dough spun by chefs at the table - I've seen it all. 

You could say, therefore, that there are few occasions nowadays where I am truly impressed by one of London's pizza restaurants, but Sodo easily takes one of the top spots. This charming, locally-loved spot in Deptford (with restaurants in Bethnal Green, Clapton, Walthamstow and more) was full to the brim when I dined on a Saturday evening, and it's easy to see why. 

The stripped-back, simple menu allows the seasonal, sustainable produce and utterly moreish sourdough base to shine. I tucked into the 'Wicker Man' pizza, topped with tomato, mozzarella, pepperoni, nduja, mascarpone, and chilli honey, whilst my partner enjoyed the 'Jon Bon Chovy', a pizza with tomato, mozzarella, anchovy, capers, olives, chilli, parsley. A highlight on the menu is the fragrant, buttery natural wine, and the service was equally exceptional.

To book, visit sodopizza.co.uk

Reviewed by Georgia Brown, Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer

Enjoy a romantic tasting menu with a little bit of spice

Valentine's dinner at Kahani in Sloane Square
Valentine's dinner at Kahani in Sloane Square

Dining at Kahani is a special treat, whether celebrating Valentine’s Day just enjoying some cosy romance on a frosty February evening. Hidden away behind Cadogan Hall in Sloane Square, this luxurious restaurant feels like a romantic secret, with its intimate below-street-level setting and a cozy fireplace. Chef Peter Joseph’s tasting menus elevate the experience - an exciting blend of contemporary Indian flavours, with courses that flow all night long. 

This February you can start your meal with a glass of Rosé Champagne before diving into the bold, spice-grilled rock lobster or tandoori stone bass, both cooked to perfection. The vegetarian menu is just as impressive, with dishes like malai paneer tikka and tandoori-grilled organic cauliflower - all the food is stunning and bursting with flavour, fine dining at its finest.

The cocktails are delicious and if you want to make a full evening of it, make sure to sip a pre-dinner drink at the stunning bar, or continue the evening with an elegant night cap. Perfect!

For more information or to book, visit kahanilondon.com

Reviewed by Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, Chief Content Officer

Journey through South America, one cocktail at a time

Backlit cocktail bar with empty seats

On a particularly grim Thursday evening in early February, my friend and I headed to Notting Hill’s Viajante87 for an unexpectedly educational cocktail coiffing bonanza. 

If London cab drivers need ‘The Knowledge’ to guide their customers round its storied streets, our cocktail chaperone for the evening (Joe) felt like he had studied for the drinks-based equivalent as he guided us round Viajante87’s similarly storied menu with both passion and panache.

The menu is divided into five sections: Be Comfortable, Be Curious, Be Courageous, Be Involved and Be Present.

Be Comfortable, as the name suggests, eases you into proceedings with a range of drinks you will likely have tried before – but all with a twist. I went for the spicy margarita which Joe brought to the table accompanied by a test tube of vials containing weird and wonderful elixirs designed to take your drink from good to great. 

Next up, in the Be Curious section, I plumped for an ode to corn in the shape of the Elote old fashioned. Finally, our loins and livers suitably girded, Joe brought us the Be Courageous selection. Clearly more influenced by the masses than I like to think, I went for the drink he told me was the most popular on the menu: the Mole Manhattan.  After just one sip I could see why and, best of all, not a single mole was harmed in its mixing (apologies). 

If all this weren’t enough to entice you to Viajante87, maybe its Culture Culinary Exchange series will do the trick? Kickstarting proceedings on Sunday 23 February, two of Buenos Aires’ most renowned bars are coming to town. 

For more information on this, the bar and its astonishing menu, visit Viajante87.

Reviewed by Tim Kiek, engagement editor

A towering Sunday roast at the OXO Tower Brasserie 

Table with Sunday roasts and wine glasses

Having plodded from a wintry Waterloo along a cold and unusually sparse Thames footpath, entering the light, airy and eyrie-like OXO Tower Brasserie felt like a holiday from reality. 

The first thing that hit us was the stirring view, encompassing the sweep of the Thames and combining old and new in the way only England’s capital can.

The next thing to hit us was the warmth of the welcome. At most places the staff modus operandi is transactional. This is not the case at the OXO where every single employee treats diners with a level of care and attentiveness that is usually reserved for private members’ clubs. 

Adding to the warmth was a side helping of live music which serenaded us through our roasts. On the day we attended, the musical duo performing were outstanding, their song choices too catchy to be mood music but not head banging enough to be intrusive. At one point they played Christina Perri’s ‘You Are My Sunshine’ which nicely captured the mood.

Onto the food itself and I kicked things off with a spiced root vegetable salad with feta, tahini and smoked almond. My roast of choice was the corn-fed chicken, and it tasted so yummy I imagine the corn in question must have been greatly enjoyed by the doomed poultry. The meal was rounded off with a refreshing coconut and lime pavlova (though I was envious of my wife’s dark chocolate and hazelnut ganache). Drinks wise, a Harvey Nicholls pinot noir saw us through our three courses with aplomb. 

Back outside, and while the Thames footpath was as dark and uninviting as before lunch, figuratively at least, everything seemed that much brighter.

Want to Sunday lunch in style too this February? Visit the OXO Tower Brasserie and make the ambition a reality.

Reviewed by Tim Kiek, engagement editor

Indulge in outstanding Asian cuisine at Novikov

Restaurant with wooden tables and flower pots© Novikov

I think I might have just found my favourite Asian restaurant in London. Nestled in the heart of Mayfair is Novikov - and it really is the height of opulence. As I turned down Berkley Street and walked into the restaurant, I was immediately impressed by the elegant and contemporary decor, which featured an open kitchen and a striking display of fresh seafood and vegetables, capturing the atmosphere of an Asian food market. 

But it wasn't just the decor that was impressive. As I sat down at the table, admiring the bamboo chandeliers and colourful floral displays dotted around the restaurant, I was quickly greeted by a very friendly staff member, who was very attentive when it came to taking my drink order. After asking about my taste in wine, he went away and quickly came back with a gorgeous, crisp glass of white wine that perfectly matched my palate. 

I was lucky enough to sample a tasting menu of all the favourite dishes on offer – and as a big fan of Asian food, I wasn't disappointed. The waiter kicked things off with the Scallop & Black Truffle sashimi and Yellowtail Coriander sashimi, which were both excellent. Next came the Scallops and Jalapeño, Crispy Salmon Cheese and Hamachi Yuzu truffle sushi rolls, which were all outstanding and full of flavour. I have to say, the scallops and crispy salmon rolls were a highlight – although, I really could have said this about everything I tried. 

While I was full to bursting when the waiter brought over the Scallop Gyoza and the chef's selection of Dim Sum, which featured Spicy Prawn Money Bags, Chicken & Morel Siu Ma and Black Cod Dumplings, it was far too tempting to say no – and I'm glad I didn't. 

Everything that came to my table was super impressive and beautifully prepared and presented. If you're a fan of Asian food, Novikov is a must – and February is the perfect time to go as the restaurant is offering a Dim Sum Lunch Menu in celebration of Galentine’s Day, with pricing starting at £45 for 3. 

Find more information and book here.

Reviewed by Nicky Morris, TV and Film writer.

Indulge in the ultimate sharing feast at Vori

A meal served at Vori

Nestled just a stone's throw away from Holland Park tube station, you find the delightful restaurant that is Vori. Specialising in Greek cuisine and encouraged to have sharing platters for your meals, this is the best Greek experience you can find without having to leave the capital.

The atmosphere is pleasant inside with coats being taken away and seating aplenty, although I do recommend getting there early, as the downstairs section was starting to get very packed as the evening went on.

The menu is a smorgasbord of get options, with handy headings explaining each section, from dishes intended just to be nibbles, to full sharing courses to the 'shara' courses, which are grilled over charcoal and best split between two. The rib-eye steak might come in at a pricy £75, but it's seasoned to perfection and its taste is one of the best I've had when it comes to steaks in the capital.

Likewise, for the smaller sharing plates the kalamari (my first-ever time having it) was delicious, the biftekia, beef patties with thin chips and butter, was the perfect accompaniment and I even enjoyed the matsata, traditional pasta. While mine was flavoured with mushrooms, not something I usually enjoy, this dish is always changing. As for dessert, you can have nothing better than some baklava and this was the perfect way to finish my meal. Light and full of flavour, a meal like this is guaranteed to make me a repeat customer.

Pre-theatre dining at Drury Lane Theatre

Drury Lane dining

The grand saloon at the iconic Drury Lane Theatre is home to an exquisite afternoon tea, and now for the first time, theatregoers can tuck into a pre-theatre dining menu there too. One blustery winter's evening, we were welcomed inside for a meal to remember…

From the moment you step into the grand building just off Covent Garden, you'll feel like you’re in for an extra special evening. The glitz of the chandeliers and the delicate piano sounds set the scene beautifully in their incredible grand saloon.

The new pre-theatre menu includes hero dishes like a fresh smoked salmon starter and a warming artichoke risotto main. The Ox cheek bourguignon was melt-in-the-mouth level of deliciousness and the classic sticky toffee dessert was the perfect balance between rich and morish. The swift, attentive service means you'll be done in time to enjoy the show. It's the hottest ticket in town!

Three-course pre-theatre menu, £49.50 per person. To book, visit thelane.co.uk 

Reviewed by Rachel Avery, Online Homes Editor

Slurp Noodles in Spitalfields

If you're anything like me and love spicy food then head to Slurp Noodles in Spitalfields. With its buzzy atmosphere, welcoming staff and dishes that pack a punch, it's no wonder this spot has become a hotspot for both locals and visitors seeking authentic flavours from Southeast Asia.

We started with the vegetable Hong Kong Dumplings, which arrived with a drizzle of homemade sweet soy sauce. Next up were the Zaab Chicken Wings, and these were a showstopper. Perfectly fried, the wings were irresistibly spicy and salty, with a zing of lime. If you like a bold punch of flavour, these are a must-try.

For mains, we dived into two noodle dishes. First up was the Kuaitiao Khua Kai, a stir fry of flat rice noodles with chicken and egg. Don't be fooled by its understated appearance - the accompanying chilli sauce brought just the right amount of heat. We also tried the Pad Mama, a dry-fried noodle dish in a spicy tom yum base. This dish was pure comfort food.

Then to finish off, you can head downstairs to Dang's. Located in the basement of Slurp is the beautiful late-night drinking spot with a distinct circular bar, surrounded by deep red and orange furnishings, serving up cocktails, sake and Thai fried chicken, late into the night.

Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Online Editor

Get lucky in lobster at Burger & Lobster this Valentine's Day

Image of person pouring butter sauce on a lobster roll with fries

Looking for a Valentine's Day date night spot? Burger & Lobster instantly sets the romantic scene with their mouth-watering menu. 

For starters, we indulged in juicy calamari dipped in aioli and crunchy croquettes filled with marbled wagyu beef, which were rich in buttery flavor with a hint of sweetness. 

For the main, I feasted on grilled lobster with a side of skinny fries and salad, perfectly paired with a glass of Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Rapaura Springs, balancing flavours of tropical fruits, citrus and passion fruit. For an extra dose of flavour, the lemon and garlic butter was the perfect topper, followed by the unmissable hazelnut crème brûlée and cranberry biscotti.

If you choose to dine on 14 February, Burger & Lobster is offering guests a chance to get lucky in lobster this Valentine's Day - one couple, seated at the lucky 'love table' at an undisclosed time, will receive their whole meal for free, plus a bottle of Taittinger champagne to celebrate.

Reviewed by Celine Ponio Bagtas, Video Editor

Indulge in divine seafood at Osteria Del Mare

A seafood platter at Osteria Del Mare  in London© Alvaro

As a seafood lover, dining at Osteria Del Mare was the perfect pre-Valentine’s Day treat. This charming restaurant, nestled in the Strand, brings the flavors of the Italian coast to London with its vibrant décor and fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The menu is a seafood lover’s dream. We started with crispy fried calamari and succulent Sicilian red prawns, both packed with flavour. For the main course, the sea bass, served with olives, tomatoes, and crispy chips, was a standout, while the wild salmon, paired with a rich red caviar sauce and tender green beans, was equally delicious.

To finish, we indulged in classic tiramisù and a luscious mixed berry cheesecake -the perfect sweet ending to a memorable evening. For those craving a taste of Italy in the heart of London, Osteria Del Mare is a must-visit. 

Reviewed by Andrea Caamano, Website Editor

Sample the best eastern Mediterranean cuisine at Kapara

© Spoton Media & Production Ltd

If you're looking for an evening of delicious food with a friend or a date, go no further than Kapara, tucked away in a quiet enclave in the middle of Soho. 

I tried the Valentine's menu, a delicious combination of flavours, textures and ingredients, and I can confirm that every single dish on the three course set menu was a triumph.

For starters, we enjoyed four dishes - a particular highlight was the Jewish bagel with garlic butter and the aubergine mess, made up of blackened aubergine, oregano, tahini, pomegranate molasses and lychee. These two stand-out dishes were joined by a generous bowl of hummus and beetroot cured salmon.

It's really perfect to go with a partner, as the food quantities are great for sharing and it's added fun to compare favourites over cocktails.

The mouth-watering main included smoked ratte potatoes, roasted root vegetables and crispy shawarma tofu, but the real star of the show was the braised monkfish shank, tender and flavoursome in a tomato sauce. 

We finished the meal with a dessert to share - chocolate sponge with the unusual twist of a miso and honey tahini sauce. 

Safe to say, there were clean plates all round. 

I couldn't recommend Kapara enough. If you don't make it in time to enjoy the Valentine's menu, the à la carte selection is also not to be missed. 

Reviewed by Millie Jackson, Content Managing Editor

Treat your tastebuds to European delights at Olea Social 

photo of building in covent garden and overhead shot of food
The Mediterranean dishes are divine

The Yards in Covent Garden is a dining and shopping destination and having previously experienced Hawksmoor, Le Bab and, of course, Dishoom, it was time to tick Olea Social and its Mediterranean fare off my to-dine list.

Social by name and social by nature. The Insta-asethetic restaurant was pleasantly bustling for our mid-week meal and I imagine it’s even more of a vibe come the weekend. A cocktail to start, always. Mine was the Aperol-injected Frida Khalo, which was small but heavenly. 

Don't miss the Cacik starter (the Turkish version of tzatziki) with a portion of bread for dipping. Meat lovers will delight in the main offering, but there are also light fish dishes and a few vegetarian options. A crowd-pleasing flatbread was tempting, but lamb won me over. So succulent. For me, dessert is sometimes disappointing - whether it be too heavy or too sweet but the apple tart was nothing short of divine. Save room, and thank me later. 

To book, visit oleasocial.co.uk.

Reviewed by Rachel Avery, Online Homes Editor 

Party the night away at NYX Mayfair

nyx mayfair

If you're a fan of electronic music and the techno scene, then you're in for a real treat. To celebrate London Fashion Week, speakeasy-style private lounge NYX Mayfair is holding a special one-off event with renowned DJ Guy Gerber, friend to the likes of Paris Hilton - and it's set to be a night to remember.

Normally rubbing shoulders with the A-list, Gerber will be travelling to London to perform on 20th February in the popular venue which can be found tucked within Greek restaurant Gaia. Famed for its moody vibe and Instagram-worthy red interiors, NYX Mayfair is one of those hotspots that oozes style and sophistication. You really need to see the space for yourself - and what better time than when there's a groovy DJ playing?

For table reservations, contact reservations@nyx-london.uk

Valentine's Deluxe Menu - Cote at Home.

Staying in is the new going out

Côte at Home's luxury Valentine's Day dining experience is ideal for couples who want to enjoy fine dining, in the comfort of their living room. This isn’t your regular meal deal by the way; it’s an incredibly special treat, created by Gordon Ramsay’s former Executive Chef, Steve Allen.

The delightful box of treats is filled with the most romantic delicacies. Choose from Lobster Thermidor, fillet steak, and Duck Confit, complemented by some of Steve’s signature dishes, including expert wine pairings.

There are three set menus with two starters and two desserts to choose from.

I was fortunate enough to try the Lobster on a cosy date night when the children had gone to bed and my husband and I devoured it alongside French fries, and tenderstem broccoli with lemon aioli. It was delicious and came directly to our door with the most easy-to-follow instructions. Sublime! 

As an extra special finish, we opted for a much-worth it, added-on extra, Chocolate Fondue, that came complete with Côte’s much-loved rich chocolate sauce, served warm with Madeleines and Palmiers for dipping. Il never forget it! 

To order, head to Valentine's Deluxe Menu - Cote at Home.

Reviewed by Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion and Beauty News Editor

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