Girls and boys, it's nearly Valentines Day! If you're single this can be an exciting time. Will that guy you've been gawping at in the office send you a card? Will you recieve a card from someone other than a friend/family member who knew you weren't going to get any cards and didn't want you to feel like a sadcase? Will you meet the man of your dreams? All of these things are possible. However, if you're in a relationship, 14th February can be like judgement day. You have to choose what you do very carefully and sorry boys, this is really up to you.

If the credit crunch (are you bored of that phrase yet? I am) has left you so strapped for cash that a meal is out of the question, you can always spend Valentines Day at Belfast bars. A good place to head is Mal Bar. It's got a classy atmosphere, and you could almost pretend you were spending the night in their hotel. Or you could head to The Bar at the Merchant Hotel and have some sumptious cocktails.

In fact, I'm warming to this idea of spending Valentines Day at Belfast bars. I've never done it, but working your way through a cocktail list with your nearest and dearest sounds like a brilliant idea, and another good place to head for cocktails is Apartment Bar and Restaurant. 

Unfortunately, however, although I like the idea of spending Valentines Day at Belfast bars getting slowly sozzled with the man of dreams and whispering sweet nothings into his ear, I won't be doing it. No, I'm in the singleton camp. I've tried to put a positive spin on being single. After all, Cupid might strike. But spending Valentines Day at Belfast bars can feel like walking into a Sandals Resort. Smug couples everywhere you look, and if you risk going down to your local you're likely to find a group of men who look suspicously like Divorcees Anonymous. Well, not this year. I have a feeling, fellow loners, that you and I may have a better time this Valentines. For starters, 14th February falls on a Saturday. Single people need not fear sticking out like a sore thumb because people will be out and about anyway simply because it's the weekend.

So, where's best to head on Valentines Day at Belfast bars if you're single? Take your pick really. Benedicts Bar is always worth a look, as is the Bar Buddha, or you could head over to VBar. Skye Bar always has that 'on the pull vibe' and so does The Potthouse.
Bar Bacca is one of my favourite hangouts and I might be heading there to down a few Flirtinis in the hope they'll have an effect...