Close your eyes and think ‘romance’; what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Paris in the spring? The Eiffel Tower? Visualising yourself sailing down the Seine with the love of your life by your side whilst being serenaded by a string quartet?
But when you open your eyes, you could not be further from la belle Paris. Instead of the Seine, you see canals; replacing the Eiffel tower, we have the BT Tower and let’s be honest, romance is all cliché with flowers and chocolates anyway, right? Well sceptics, think again; Birmingham has become THE city of adventure and was recently listed in the top 20 places to visit by the New York Times. We have discovered the perfect, un-clichéd way for you and your loved one, or a group of your favourite friends, to have a little bit of romantic indulgence in this oh-so-popular city on Valentine’s Day
Electric Cinema
47-49 Station Street, Birmingham. B5 4DY
0121 643 7879
www.theelectric.co.uk
Sofa: £12.80 (min. 2 people, no concessions.); Standard: £7; Concession: £4.80
Snuggle up to your loved one in the UK’s oldest cinema; book one of the Electric’s comfy sofa seats, then spoil yourself by choosing something decadent from their menu. Text your order of food or even champagne at any point during the film and a waiter will bring your preferences right to your seat. Whatever your taste in films, Birmingham’s Electric will be an unforgettable experience.
Julian Smith
Solihull Central Library and Arts Complex
Library Square, Touchwood, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG
0121 704 6813
www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk
14 February
£16.50, discounts available
Nothing says romance like classical, pop and smooth jazz. Let this Birmingham Conservatoire graduate and Britain’s Got Talent star woo you and your partner with the dulcet tones of his saxophone.
Stomp
Birmingham Hippodrome
Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB
0844 338 5000
www.birminghamhippodrome.com
14-18 February
Matinee and evening performances available.
£14.50- £30.00 (concessions available)
If fast, loud and energetic dance is the way you would like to say ‘I love you’, Stomp is the performance for you. Using a variety of percussion instruments (including a kitchen sink), this comedy theatre and dance show will fill you with rhythm… always useful on Valentine’s Day.
Ceramics: Open Studio
mac
Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. B12 9QH
0121 446 3232
www.macarts.co.uk
14 February, 10.00-16.00 (including one hour for lunch)
£18.00 (£12.00) 18+
Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to re-enact that infamous pottery scene in Ghost? Well now is your chance with artist tutor Sue Dyer at the Midlands Art Centre (mac). Spend a fun and relaxing day developing your artistic temperament with ceramics and make your own handmade Valentine’s Day present.
“The good, the bad and you’re lovely” A Valentine’s movie double bill
The Public
New Street, West Bromwich, B70 7PG
0121 533 7161
www.thepublic.com
14 February, 18.30 and/or 21.00
£8.00 (for two films) or £6 for Gigli and £4 for When Harry Met Sally (if purchased separately). 15+
Whether you are a romantic pessimist or a love-sick puppy, Nicko and Joe’s Bad Film Club’s double bill of ‘good bad movie’ Gigli and When Harry Met Sally will entertain you. Feed your guilty pleasures while heckling and jeering those cringeworthy lines in both films.
Cookery school at Simpsons
20 Highfield Road, Edgbaston B15 3DU.
0121 454 3434
www.simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk
All day every Saturday, 09.45 start.
£125.00 per person
Fuel your love over champagne, wine tasting, a three course meal and a cookery demonstration with hands on experience at one of Birmingham’s Michelin starred restaurant. This will be a luxurious treat neither of you will forget.
Solace Spa
60 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1TN
0121 455 7380
www.solacespa.co.uk
Relax with your friends or your special other half; from facials and manicures to full body hot stones massages, you will leave Solace Spa feeling pampered and indulged. Vouchers are also available to make this a truly special gift.
Salsa, Kizomba, Zumba and Cha cha cha classes
07961514074
www.uksalsafeet.com
£6.00 pay-as-you-go (£4.00 for first lesson.) 18+
We may not like to admit it but every girl dreams that one day, she will be able to dance like Baby in Dirty Dancing. Well now is your chance; UKsalsafeet run a number of Salsa, Kizomba, Zumba and Cha cha cha classes in various venues in Wolverhampton which will allow you to get close and personal with your partner. Whether you are looking for love (Ryan from UKsalsafeet says it is the “best way to meet new partners”) or have already found the one, grab your dancing shoes, call or check the website to see which class takes your fancy and start learning those Dirty Dancing moves.
Happy romancing and you can still add a little bit of Paris to your Valentine’s Day by simply learning the language of love. Repeat after me… J’adore…. Va va voom…..
Danann Swanton.
Area Culture Guide 