Galentine’s Day: A Reading Gal's Guide to Celebrating

24th January 2025

Valentine’s Day may get all the attention, but let’s be real - Galentine’s Day is where the fun is! Traditionally celebrated on 13 February, it’s THE perfect excuse to gather your favourite people, celebrate your friendship and indulge in everything you love to do together, both on the day and over the weekend. Get out a pen and take some notes because here are our top pics of restaurants, events and activities in Reading for an unforgettable Galentine’s!

Start your day with a delicious brunch at Bill’s, All Bar One or The Collective, a stylish café in Caversham. Or try a Rosé Brunch for two at Slug & Lettuce!

No Galentine’s Day is complete without treating yourself. Whether that’s a book from Waterstones off your reading list, the shimmering Love Potion bath bomb from Lush or a gorgeous new outfit, Reading’s town centre shops have you covered! If you’re taking part in a present swap or gifting a token of your love to any of your pals, Reading’s high street floral stall or 7 Flowers & Tea offer beautiful bouquets too.

Feeling creative? Head to Mad Hatters for a pottery painting session or book tickets to Milk Bar’s Valentine's Sip & Jewel on 11 Feb. Not only will you and your friends be bonding over a shared activity, but you'll also be making handmade souvenirs to remember the day by! If you fancy crafting at home, how about picking up a bottle of wine (or a few) and some supplies from Hobbycraft or The Works? To beautifully decorate your own party, Flying Tiger has the best new range of Valentine’s stock. But be careful buying these - you might end up loving your party's decorations even more than the guests!

If cost is putting you off going out - another great (and free!) option for those wanting to do something crafty is Reading’s GLOW Lantern Parade on 15 Feb. Book in here to make your very own heart lanterns with your group at a free workshop right before the most stunning parade up the high street at 5:30pm. Then you’ll be right in the centre of town - the perfect time and place to check out one of Reading's restaurants for a delicious meal afterwards! This event is beautiful and definitely not to miss.

For something even sweeter than friendship, Creams and Treatz have huge menus of cookie dough, waffles and crepes. Order a shake with two straws to share with your bestie...or devour on your own!

If you want to get comfortable and watch a film while snacking on something delicious, how about going out to watch the latest romcom, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, or something much darker, the new horror, Companion? Choose from Reading's fantastic cinemas in the town centre, Vue and Reading Biscuit Factory.

Put pampering on the agenda and book massages at The Massage Company or The Roseate for some much-needed relaxation, or show some love to your nails at Lashes Nail Beauty or one of Reading’s many other great beauticians!

How about a drink? Head out for a Sparkling Wine Tasting session at Stanlake Park on 13 Feb, a Valentine's Cocktail Masterclass at Revolución de Cuba on 14 Feb, or signature drinks and a laugh at Milk Bar any day to toast to your friendship! You can even test your knowledge of all things romcoms and love at The Great Valentine's Quiz Off at Zero Degrees.

For a livelier evening, grab a karaoke booth at Popworld and belt out your favourite girl-power anthems or dress up and take photos before heading to Sub89 on 14 Feb to relive your youth at their Emo Prom.

Galentine’s doesn't have to be shopping, pampering and cocktails - whilst you’ve got all your friends together, bring out that competitive spirit for arcade games at Urban Fun, or bowling, mini golf and darts at Spinners.

This Galentine’s, Reading has everything you need for a scrapbook-worthy day! Are you ready?