Valentine's pubs and clubs

Whether it's a cosy dinner for two in a little bistro, a bottle of wine to be shared at fire-lit bar or a night of complete hedonism on the pull for singletons, we find the best places to spend Valentine's Day this Saturday.

Bars

Akbar
Cool, glamorous Akbar is hidden away on Soho's Dean Street beneath the the Red Fort, one of London's best Indian restaurants. Like the Cinnamon Club bar in Westminster, it conveys Indian chic, with furnishings sourced from the subcontinent, reasonably priced cocktails (including V-Day specials) and a cosy, intimate atmosphere.

Lab
An old favourite, Lab's two floors will be packed with couples looking to sample cocktails created by one of the resident mixologists, who are among London's very best.

Lonsdale
A futuristic interior, carved by hip architects Fusion out of a dossy old Notting Hill pub; a sexy and often starry crowd; fabulous cocktails and excellent, bite-sized food that works on the tapas-style of eating. A favourite with Jade Jagger, Phoebe Philo and Cat Deeley.

Loungelover
The three guys behind camp restaurant Les Trois Garçons near Liverpool Street have created possibly the hippest bar de nos jours. Eclectically decorated, with a cluttered interior that blends gothic, art deco and Provençal styles (among others), it's heavy on the style but doesn't neglect the substance ie. the cocktails work a treat..

Noble Rot
A Moroccan-style souk bar, tucked away in the basement of this well-known Mayfair restaurant. Plenty of dark corners and booths to hide away and curl up in. Perfect for dangerous liaisons and ignoble rotters.

Windows Bar
For pure "wow" factor, take your date to Windows on the 28th floor of the London Hilton hotel. A sophisticated piano bar, with a "dressed-up" policy, it has views that will really blow you and your partner away.

The House
A new bar/restaurant in Chiswick, the place where affluent gay couples end up after they have tired of the fast life in central London and the East End. The House, however, is largely hetero and is distinguished by a fine restaurant perched on a gallery overlooking the main bar and dance floor, a former chapel. Popular with locals such as Mark Lamarr, it doesn't get going until after 10pm.

Restaurants

Carpaccio
A popular Italian, off the Fulham Road, this is a super-glam haunt of racing drivers and their dates. The waiters are friendly and welcoming, instantly putting you at ease. Normal a la carte menu is £35 per head.

Chez Max
A black-and-white tiled floor, red paintwork and old posters help create a romantic French-style bistro. The three-course Valentine's Day menu costs £45 per head.

The Criterion Grill
Opposite the Piccadilly statue of Eros and dating back to the 1870s, the restaurant is lit by chandeliers, hung with soft chiffon drapes and has a splendid mosaic interior. Marco Pierre White's menu signals a relaxed, French style of cooking.The special Valentine's menu of four courses with a glass of champagne is £75 per head.