TODAY
Hendrick's Refined Courtship Clinic.

If ‘Big Fat Gypsy Weddings’ has taught us one thing, it’s that we never, ever want to be romanced by the ‘grabbing’ custom (for the uninitiated, think being physically manhandled, slammed into a wall and forced into a highly unromantic kiss). So we're looking to Hendrick’s Gin for some old school courtship advice on etiquette and decorum. Pick up tips on body language, how to best present a rose and a free sample of the good stuff to get the Dutch courage up to start wooing. We’ve got our LED-lit princess dresses ready.

10th-14th February, 12pm-7pm. 51 Neal Street,
WC2H 9PQ.

TONIGHT
Other Criteria: Out of Print

Can’t usually be persuaded to get your nose into a book? Here’s a good, art-related reason why you should start. Other Criteria have invited eight of their artists to choose a book that has inspired them, which will then be available as beautifully packaged limited editions stamped and signed by artists including Damien Hirst, Sue Webster, John Isaacs and Itai Doron. Head down to the launch this evening and get your hands on a copy first.

RSVP by emailing rsvp@othercriteria.com
6pm-8pm, 14 Hinde Street, W1U 3BG.

HONG KONG SPECIAL SPONSORED LISTING
Food & Wine

You might not know it with neighbours like Singapore and Bangkok to contend with, but Hong Kong is known as the ’Culinary Capital of Asia‘. With a hefty mix of international cuisines, award-winning restaurants and Michelin accolades from the three-starred Sun Tung Lok to the whopping 48 eateries with a single star to their name, there's everything from traditional Dim Sum and refined Chiu Chow to heavyweights like the Starck-designed Felix and SPOON by Alain Ducasse. Those who like to keep it to the street can choose from stall-side snacks, amazing harbour-front options with views on Kowloon's neon lights, or fresh seafood on nearby Lamma Island. And to wash it down? Try something from the wide selection of affordable wine thanks to the government waiving duty two years ago. Cheers to that.

For more information on dining in Hong Kong check out the Discover Hong Kong website

THE COLLECTION PODCAST
1 for the lovers...

This week we’re welcoming new DJ’s ‘The Collection’ into the UJ fold, who’ll be kicking things off with a few funked up love songs to get you in the mood for the Valentine’s weekend. DJs Deanne Oliver-Evans and JoshYouAre will be joining UJ’s resident team to bring you the best party tunes and let you in on where they’ll be playing around the capital. In the meantime, tune in for Sex Machines, Young Hearts, Lovefools and Maneaters. Enjoy!

Click Through to listen..

READ
SPONSORED LISTING
The Lover's Dictionary

yearning, n./adj. At the core of this desire is the belief that everything can be perfect.

Apparently, 'Love' is virtually impossible to define. And no, your thesaurus-worthy versions of 'sh*t' don't count. So look to David Levithan, author of 'Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist', for lexical lessons on the big L, with 'The Lover's Dictionary'. Telling the story of a relationship through dictionary definitions, he superbly articulates love in all its glorious pleasure and pain.  

Available now from all good bookshops and online. £12.99 Hardback.

VALENTINE'S AT ALTITUDE LONDON
SPONSORED LISTING

Altitude London is offering three amazing events this Valentine's Day weekend. For true romantics, on Saturday the 12th, an incredible evening of dining and decadence will be held on the 28th floor, showcasing dazzling views of London. On Sunday the 13th Altitude's famous Sunday brunch will be held with a Valentine's twist, featuring mouth watering brunch cuisine, immaculate views and love songs playing on the baby grand — the perfect place to bring any of your loved ones. Lastly, on Monday the 14th, don't miss out on Altitude's lavishly romantic evening for two held in the highly-coveted River Room.

SHOP
Browns & Club Monaco

With Spring just around the corner we couldn’t be more excited about the imminent arrival of Club Monaco, the super-chic import (owned by Polo Ralph Lauren no less) about to make waves on the UK fashion scene. The label has teamed up with Browns to take over the luxury basics ‘Shop 24’ space at the South Molton Street womenswear flagship and the groundfloor of the menswear store, a perfect fit for its European tailoring, draped tees and throw-on cashmere sweaters. The S/S collection will be available online from tomorrow, and in store on Monday 14th February. So there’s a good chance you might fall in love on Valentine’s Day after all.

£50-£650.

THE RITZ RESTAURANT
SPONSORED LISTING
Dine out in style this weekend

Boys (or girls, whoever wears the proverbial trousers) – we know the pressure’s on to find that perfect romantic spot to wine and dine your loved one this weekend, and we reckon it doesn’t get much better than The Ritz’s restaurant. With floor to ceiling views over the landscaped Italian garden, softly chandelier-lit interiors, and ‘Live at the Ritz’ musical evenings with dinner and dancing to a live band, all you need to bring is your other half. Come this weekend and enjoy a special Valentine’s menu on the 12th or 14th February comprising a five-course dinner with a glass of Champagne and a rose for £230 per person. Now, none of that Lady and the Tramp spaghetti-sharing please, this is a proper affair after all.

www.theritzlondon.com/restaurant

COMPETITION
Cocktail Evening in the Tanqueray Live Lounge at The Roof Gardens.

Fancy winning an evening of gin cocktails for you and four friends at Tanqueray’s beautiful Live Lounge at The Roof Gardens in Kensington?  Situated in the marquee of the stunning Tudor Gardens, it’s open every Friday and Saturday night from 7:30pm until April 2011, and has already played host to live music performances from some of the UK’s hottest unsigned acts. To be in with a chance of winning (they’re even throwing in a limited edition cocktail shaker so you can take the action home) simply head over to our FACEBOOK wall, give us the thumbs up, and tell us which of the following three ingredients can be found in Tanqueray gin – A. Orange, B. Juniper, or C. Cinnamon.

RESERVED
This week’s hottest foodie destination

Cassis
Provencal posh in South Kensington.

232-236 Brompton Road, SW3 2BB – 020 7581 1101 www.cassisbistro.co.uk

Location
Let’s not get too excited but it almost seems like spring has sprung, or is at least opening one eye. So, I don’t know about you but I’m in the mood to eschew more wintry confines in favour for somewhere light, bright and a little bit ‘refeened’. Somewhere like the recently opened French bistro Cassis in smarty-pants South Ken.

Vibe
Serving contemporary Provencal food to a well-coiffed crowd Cassis, which was opened quietly a few months back by Marlon Abela (who also owns Morton's in Berkeley Square and the gemlike Japanese Umu), is elegantly inviting.

Flavours
Start with a few petites bouchees like the goats cheese and spinach ‘barbajuans’ (crisp parcels typical of the Riviera, apparently), then try the rustic homemade pates with fig chutney and country bread or the bouillabaisse for two and something from the very fine wine list, skipping the mains and leaving room for salted créme caramel or tarte Tropezienne (the briochey Brigitte Bardot of cakes).

Décor
The fact that Tara Bernerd’s hip interiors company Target Living is responsible for the design prevents the place from being too grown-up. With oak floors, oatmealy furnishings and a wall-mounted fireplace flickering in the corner, if you squint a slightly you really could be in a little hostelry in Provence – that just happens to have a few Gary Humes on the walls.

Upshot
It may be a bit posh but a three course lunch for £20 isn’t too shoddy if you need somewhere to take maman after popping into the V&A, or a chic hideaway guaranteed not to have pink balloons tied to the chairs or heart confetti-strewn tables on February 14th. It’s also home to my new favourite drinks menu, including the springy Bronzette (gin, campari, cassis, basil and lemon). Oh, look... it's cocktail o'clock.