Don't be stupid, Cupid: everyone knows that you need to book a romantic bar for a smoking-hot Valentine's Day.
Dinner-dates? Done to death, apparently. This Valentine's Day, the way to someone's beating heart is a prime spot at the bar of a suitably romantic watering hole, whether a sexy speakeasy in Paris, a hotel hotspot in New York or an al fresco terrace in Florence. Better still, why not go all-out by chartering a private jet and doing all three? After all, actions speak louder than words. Discover the most ravishing places to romance this 14 February.
The Bar in Front of The Bar, Athens
Deep green tiles and bar stools set the scene for the Rumble in the Jungle-themed speakeasy
If you want to keep things cool and casual, especially on a first date, then The Bar in Front of the Bar is brilliant at looking like you didn't overthink, but actually did. Perched on the side of an unassuming street in Athens, it's a bold and quirky cocktail den with enough charisma to make up for any unwelcome jitters or awkward silences. The jungle-themed interiors provide a suitably unserious backdrop to an uplit marble bar serving cocktails that spotlight homemade ingredients as well as classics like negronis and espresso martinis if you don't want a fuss. The real ice-breaker? Everything is stored in a freezer at -24 degrees.
Locale Firenze, Florence
Renaissance features from the 1500s adorn this former residence of a Medici-era diplomat (Image: Lorenzo Dei)
Dating back to the 1200s, the old-world setting and glamorous decor – from the glittering chandeliers to the antique furniture – is truly breathtaking at Locale Firenze. But it's all about balance here and the cocktail menu is a thoroughly modern affair with a focus on lab-grown techniques and a low-waste approach. Fusing contemporary techniques and ancestral methods that stimulate all the senses, you'll share tantalising sips such as a Miso Margarita, Black Lemon Spritz and Espresso Conchini, all served with flair by the dashingly handsome (and mostly bearded) team.
Little Red Door, Paris
The 'Saffron' cocktail combines orange wine with saffron essence and chouchen: a mead-like drink traditionally from Brittany
Without so much as a sign outside, there's nothing immediately obvious about Little Red Door – a sexy prohibition-style speakeasy secreted away in the third arrondissement of Paris – but you're pretty much guaranteed a good time. The cosy interiors feature all the hallmarks of the perfect date: exposed brick walls, flickering candles and comfortable seating to linger on long after last orders. The cocktail menu is the pièce de resistance, though: mixology maestros Alex Francis and Timothée Prange are currently serving up concoctions that pay homage to forward-thinking farmers and producers – so there's no danger of the conversation running dry.
Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, New York 
Each evening begins with a live solo piano performance at around 17:30, setting the tone for the night ahead
A hotel bar and good times go together like a horse and carriage, and Bemelmans at The Carlyle on the swanky Upper East Side of New York is no exception. The 1940s-esque lounge has become a favourite for late-night dates thanks to the ivories being tinkled at the piano, regular jazz performances on the stage, decadent interiors with murals by the eponymous Ludwig and cocktail classics done oh-so well. May we suggest skipping dinner altogether and plumping for a Vesper Martini or two accompanied by sexy plates of caviar, lobster rolls and oysters?
Waltz Bar, London
Dark woods, soft lighting and smooth jazz create a refined and relaxed ambience fit for lingering
A discerning date will have undoubtedly been to the heavy-hitters of the capital time and again, so think outside of the box. Opened in Shoreditch just last year, this chic eight-metre bar only has space for a dozen drinkers and is walk-in only, but you can book a table to spare your blushes at the door. Either way, you'll enjoy Japanese-inspired seasonal concoctions that spotlight ingredients such as asparagus, peas and vodka. Delicate, floral and herbaceous, they serve up an elegant way to get tipsy together, all set against a backing track of smooth jazz spilling from the bar's superior sound system. In short: the makings of a happily ever after.
The Bar at Aman Venice
The Armonia is a sour rum-based cocktail inspired by the frescoes in the Sala Rossa in the Venetian Palazzo Cavalli (Town Hall)
Aman, the swish hotel brand, is the epitome of quiet luxury, and The Bar at its elegant Venice venue encapsulates everything it stands for. Ushered into a palatial space with a frescoed ceiling and silk-clad walls, you'll enjoy a coveted spot beside the Grand Canal without the crowds. The bar is home to enough gin to sink all the city's gondolas, but it's the artistry of master mixologist Antonio Ferrara that'll impress your date. His 'Masterpieces' are particularly of note – including the appropriately named Passionate made with gin, lychee liqueur, lemon juice and rose syrup. Talk about an affair of the heart.
Frank's, Buenos Aires
Access the bar via an old-fashioned telephone box signposted by security
With a stringent door policy, all you'll need to do to impress your date is book at Frank's, a clandestine speakeasy in the Palermo Hollywood neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. One past the proverbial velvet ropes, you'll step back into the roaring 1920s complete with dazzling chandeliers, flocked wallpaper, a polished bar and velvet stools. Pull up two chairs and pick your poison from an extensive list including an upscale take on a Zombie. Fun and flirtations. Extra points for the flattering lighting, too.
L'Fleur, Prague
Dark wood, exposed brick, warm lighting and stained glass windows add to the romance of the space
Amidst the fairytale-like surroundings of Prague's Old Town, all cobbled streets and winding alleyways, is the charming L'Fleur: a glamorous champagne bar with a side of cocktails. Lit exclusively by candles and chandeliers, it's a dark and decadent spot to get to know each other away from the prying ears of the bustling city outside, the bartenders smartly-dressed and ready to serve in crisp shirts and ties.
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