Galentine’s Day

05 February 2025

Vikki Harris

Despite what you may think, Galentine’s Day isn’t an anti-Valentine’s Day. We’re not coming for poor Cupid with torches and pitchforks. And we’re certainly not storming the streets of London brandishing ‘Down With Love’ signs and burning DVD copies of the The Notebook and Titanic. In fact, it’s quite the opposite; love is still very much on the cards.

It’s about simply swerving the candy-coated, heart-shaped, corner-shop-card clichés of Valentine’s Day. Love isn’t about about romantic getaways, cheesy gifts (although a box of chocs never goes amiss) or those table-for-two nights with candles and back-to-back
Barry White. Real love (the Galentine’s kind) is just about taking a hot second to pay homage to the real MVPs in your life: your gal pals.

exterior view of The Alma, a Young's pub

Exterior of the Northcote, the best pub in Clapham Junction

Use it as your annual excuse (if you needed one) to round up your faves for a sort-of date night. To bask in the gorgeous glow of girl power (the Spice Girl-y kind) and to raise a toast to female-fuelled friendship. So, skip the scroll-through of dating apps and head to the place where real connections happen. Your lovely local pub.

Ordering round-after-round of your favourite tipples, sharing snacks of the
dangerously-moreish variety, and letting loose with the kind of belly-laughs that qualify
as ab workouts. That’s the vibe of Galentine’s Day. And good news – we’ve had a nosey and this year, more pubs are planning some ticketed and pop-along events to attract Galentine’s groups. Highlights include; an epic PJ Party at at The Northcote, Clapham, a cocktail masterclass (thank you The Alma, Wandsworth) Flower Crown crafting sessions (check out the The Libertine, Bournemouth for that beauty) plus pub quizzes aplenty. It’s worth checking out the What’s On pages of your nearest boozer too.

Not only all that (all that’s a lot) but let’s be honest – life can get on top of us all sometimes. And regardless of key dates, it’s important to carve out time to be with the people who lift you up, call you out (in the most loving way) and who are your ride-or-die besties til the end (IDST). Taking time to connect with your mates isn’t just for fun; it’s a tonic for the soul. A jolly-good natter over bevs, a few giggles (and maybe a cheeky dance-off?) can lift your mood and remind you that you’re never alone. And that’s kind of a big deal.

So, we say this. Gather your mates for a night of feel-good vibes and over-the-top,
better-together moments at your local Young’s pub this Galentine’ Day. Your abs (and your mood) will be all the better for it.