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© Michelle Grant
Don’t just dial Interflora, pick your posies from one of London’s independent fragrant florists, says Zena Alkayat.
Tucked away on Bloomsbury’s Lamb’s Conduit Street – a hotspot for indie shopping – Dawson Flowers inspires a loyal fanbase. Spontaneous romantics can rely on same-day London delivery as well as the option of adding Champagne and handmade truffles to their bouquet. Visit dawsonflowers.net for Valentine's Day flower delivery. View the listing
This is the joint retail venture of a team of highly creative international florists, hailing from Holland and Scandinavia. As well as very stylish sprigs for boutique hotels and weddings, they do small bouquets which, unusually for independents, can be delivered same day (in London as well as Helsinki, should that be of use). Visit flor-unikon.com for Valentine's Day flower delivery. View the listing
Tardy wooers attempting a post-work dash will be pleased to hear this nifty Marylebone florist is open 24/7 (its Islington branch stays open until 9pm). Blooms don’t come cheap, but they’re good quality, and delivery to any London postcode is free on Valentine’s Day. Visit flowerstation.co.uk for Valentine's Day flower delivery. View the listing
For glamorous flowers, this is the place to call. Well regarded for showstopping event and wedding floristry (as well as for its adjoining school), McQueens is perfect for a polished, smart bouquet for your discerning loved one. Visit mcqueens.co.uk for Valentine's Day flower delivery. View the listing
Kensal Rise locals would probably rather this deliciously pretty florist was a secret. Alas, Kate Moss ordered her wedding flowers here, effectively letting the cat out of the bag. Despite its newfound fame, it remains an ideal stop if you’re after natural-looking arrangements in vintage pots. View the listing
Ever wandered past the front of Liberty and admired the farmhouse-chic bouquets outside? They’re the work of Wild At Heart. Set up by Nikki Tibbles some 20 years ago, the original Westbourne Grove florist is a long-running local favourite, spreading the floral love with a second branch on Pimlico Road and concessions in Liberty and Harrods. Visit wildatheart.com for Valentine's Day flower delivery. View the listing
If only roses will do, then head directly to Vive La Rose. The Central London shop is a homage to the classic flower and manages to arrange the familiar stems in brilliantly inventive ways, from roses in vintage tins to stunning arrangements in pretty trugs and jugs. Visit vivelarose.com for Valentine's Day flower delivery. View the listing
This Covent Garden establishment is an expert in its field and you can expect precision arranged bouquets that come with creative flare. There's a shop upstairs stocking pretty gifts from vases to ornaments as well as a floral academy on the lower level. Courses here range from relaxed and social evening sessions (complete with wine) to more heavyweight options in floral design. View the listing
If roses make you squirm, try their characterful counterpart: the orchid. Orchidya is the only florist in the UK dedicated to the exotic blooms and most of its stock is grown in England. If you can't afford a grand bouquet, plump for a single potted plant in a striking colour. Visit orchidya.com for Valentine's Day flower delivery. View the listing
The variety is huge at this indie florist: from delicate, petite bouquets to grand and bold arrangements, it offers a bit of floral chic for every budget. For those who really want to get their money's worth, there's also a strong selection of potted plants at both this branch and the St John's Wood outpost. Visit danskflowers.com for Valentine's Day flower delivery. View the listing
For those of us living South of the river. there is a fantastic florist 'Roses' in Chislehurst, Kent. they always have a fabulous selction of unusual flowers and their hand tied bunches are more of a work of art than a bouquet! a hiden gem for sure!
I adore the unique and creative work done at By Appointment Only Design in Marylebone. They always WOW and there's an elegance to their work.
On the high street in Golders Green there is a beautiful yet unassuming florist called love and gratitude which is a real find. Every time I visit the shop the lady that works there creates beautiful arrangements with a very personal touch. I have made it my habit to visit her every time I stop by in Golders Green and I have yet to be disappointed.
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