Valentine’s Day can be an overkill; the barrage of red, the chocolates, the roses. If your love language is not Hallmark clichés, or if you simply prefer to fly solo, it can be an eyeroll. More and more venues are making their Valentine’s Day events inclusive, by focusing on friends, queer folk, or singles. Let us explore some venues across the country that are taking a different approach this Valentine’s Day.
Madras Cocktail Company, Chennai
“This is not the usual kind of singles mixer,” says Santhosh Zachariah Abraham, managing partner of Chennai-based speakeasy Madras Cocktail Company, or Madco. “One thing I realised is that everyone in Chennai has a clique or group already. And the slightly older crowd says they never get to meet new and interesting people. My bar is the perfect space for a mixer like that.” The event will have a relaxed atmosphere (“No cringe games. We are too old for that”). It is all about cocktails and conversations. Singles are welcome, you can even come as a wingman or a wingwoman for your friend. Or you can visit just to enjoy the evening too. “We are doing it a few days early so that if you hit it off with someone, you have a date for Valentine’s Day.” All the guests will be vetted by the team.
February 12, 7.30 pm. Reach out to the madco_chennai page on Instagram for more details
A cocktail from Madco, Chennai | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
The Bah, Bengaluru
The Bah in Bengaluru’s Whitefield is hosting an Anti-Valentine’s party titled Thank God I’m Single. This is a celebration of being single. And in that spirit, guests will get one free shot for every year they have been single. All the music is themed around the joy of being on your own. “While the world celebrates togetherness, we want to focus on celebrating ourselves. We don’t need to be partnered to enjoy an occasion like Valentine’s. We can celebrate by showing ourselves love and embracing the comfort of being single. That’s what TGIS (Thank God I’m Single) is all about at The Bah,” says Arpita Ganesh, operating officer at The Bah.
₹1,500 for two. February 14, 6 pm. At Whitefield, Bengaluru. For more details, call 9611081642
Qupid’s Night is an LGBTQ friendly event at Trincas in Kolkata
Tavern-Behind-Trincas, Kolkata
Trincas on Park Street has been an iconic institution in Kolkata since 1939. Their Qupid’s Night event is for those whose idea of romance does not fit into the cookie cutter idea of love. Hosted in association with Kolkata Pride, the event is designed for LGBTQ folks. Anand Puri, third-generation owner of Trincas, says, “Tavern-Behind-Trincas has become an unexpected home to a niche audience over the last two years. It is a safe space where the LGBTQ community gathers every Thursday night to sing, chat and hang out with like-minded people. We’re celebrating Valentines Day on February 13, with a special edition featuring musical artistes from the community in addition to the usual fun Thursday theme.” Expect karaoke, offers on cocktails and music by artistes Bani & Bidisha.
₹300 for donations to Pride. February 13, 7 PM. At Park Street, Kolkata. For more details, call 240259201
The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru
The Anti-Valentine’s party at The Lalit Ashok is all about pushing boundaries. “Who needs roses when you can have rebellion? This Valentine’s, we’re breaking hearts and norms at Kitty Ko” says the tagline of the party. The drag show and music gig has performers from across the country. Drag King Bloody Kamina and drag queens Betta Naan Stop, Miss Bhenji takes the stage, and DJ Kish gets behind the console. Aashin Moitra, the general manager of the hotel’s club Kitty Su India says, “Kitty Su began as a rebel club. Valentine’s Day has historically been a very heteronormative concept. It did not align with queer culture. So, we started this party. We are not trying to be the opposite of Valentine, but we want to talk about rebellion and singlehood.”
Tickets priced at ₹499 upwards. February 14, 8 pm. At The Lalit Ashok hotel, Bengaluru. For more details, call 68177777
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore
At Bang, the rooftop bar at this hotel in Bengaluru, it is all about the singles. The Single & Stirred Party has a dress code of red and black. “In today’s world, Valentine’s Day is so much more than just for lovers; it is a celebration of connections, friendships, and the joy of indulgence on one’s own terms,” says Reuben Kataria, the general manager of the hotel. “We are redefining the celebration of love at Bang. It is an evening dedicated to self-love and bold spirits. Set against the city’s spectacular skyline, this evening is not about romance, but about revelry.” They offer handcrafted cocktails and good music.
February 14, 6.30 PM onwards. At Residency Road, Bengaluru. For more details, call 0804914800
ITC Grand Chola, Chennai
At The Cheroot Malt & Cigar Lounge and Tranquebar you can party with your group of friends for Valentine’s Day. DJs GP and Kevin will be dishing out the music. Shaariq Akhtar, the general manager of ITC Grand Chola, tells us, “Our Valentine’s Day celebrations epitomise the spirit of camaraderie and connection – of dear friends, families, and couples. Make the most of it in an ambience of cool and conviviality and let your hair down for a fun and intimate evening.”
Packages start at ₹2,500. February 14, 9 pm. At Guindy, Chennai. For more details, call 22200000
Published - February 11, 2025 01:45 pm IST
