VALENTINE'S DAY IDEAS 

COSY UP WITH A TABLE FOR TWO

Spring

With its high ceilings, cloud like chandeliers and blush palette, Spring at Somerset House is a strong contender for one of London’s most romantic restaurants. Despite being loftily impressive, the space is far from overwhelming and Skye Gyngell’s distinctively seasonal, elegant cooking, allows each ingredient to stand out. Head pastry chef, Sarah Johnson, is responsible for truly showstopping desserts too, such as Espresso jelly with chocolate panna cotta, prunes in Armagnac and Heckfield Guernsey cream.

Prawn on the Lawn

There’s a reason Prawn on the Lawn are especially popular around Valentines Day - and it’s not just for their show-stopping oysters, which are served either straight up or deep fried with garlic crème fraîche. With all the fish sourced from the Cornish coast, diners can hop onto a bar stool or settle into a two-seater for imaginative seafood dishes like scallops in a Thai marinade and lemon sole, 'nduja and tarragon. Alongside an expertly curated wine list to stroll through by the glass, or share by the bottle, there’s no doubting why POTL was crowned the UK’s best seafood restaurant in 2020 - and we also happen to think it’s one of the most romantic! Bookings via the POTL website.

Sette

Masters of Iow-key luxury, Sette at Bvlgari Hotel offers a seriously stylish setting, perfect for a romantic evening in London. The decadent Valentine’s Day menu, will start with Oysters and Champagne before 4 courses of modern Italian dishes, including Seared beef loin with truffle aioli and a delicate sharing dessert of Lychee, raspberry and rose mille-feuille. Looking for a special gift too? Pre-order a beautiful ‘Le Dolce Vita’ ceramic platter and freshly-baked biscotti for £95, designed exclusively for Sette by Beau Rush. Priced at £120 per person for 4-courses plus champagne and canapés on arrival.

ROVI

With a focus on dishes cooked over the fire and a show stopping bar at the centre of the room, all the elements at Ottolenghi’s grown up restaurant, ROVI comprise to make the ultimate Valentine’s Day destination. Enjoy Grilled octopus with butter bean piyaz and Burrata piled high with muscat grapes, radicchio and honey, along with a one-off special dessert celebrating the occasion.

Abajo

Put some South America fire and flare into Valentines evening at Abajo, the cocktail bar from 2020 Bartender of the Year, Tato Giovannoni. With low lights and intimate booth seating to cuddle up to a S.O, find a list full of classically different cocktails celebrating the culture and Bohemia of 1980s Buenos Aires. Live music and vinyl DJs will see guests through the til the early hours alongside stunningly pretty drinks - it’ll be love at first sip.

WHISK THEM AWAY FOR THE WEEKEND

Hampton Manor

For a romantic foodie getaway, Hampton Manor is the perfect location. Set amongst idyllic 45-acre woodland Estate, guests are invited to lose themselves in the grounds, cosy up next to the fire and feast at Michelin starred restaurant Peel’s or under the vines at ex Masterchef Professionals winner, Stuart Deeley’s, Smoke. Opening just in time for Valentine’s Day, Grace & Savour provides 5 new en-suite rooms to the Estate. All contain large tubs with carefully curated bath time rituals by local organic apothecarists, re-charging guests ahead of the 15-course experience or cookery school. Here.

The Compasses Inn

Tucked away in the idyllic village of Tisbury within Wiltshire’s Nadder Valley is unique, 14th century pub - The Compasses Inn - steeped in history and character with culinary credentials to boot. Cosy up next to the roaring fire and enjoy a daily-changing menu using impeccably sourced local produce. Think dishes such as cured Chicksgrove beef fillet with celeriac remoulade; Slow roast lamb shoulder with roast garlic gratin; and Sticky apricot, date and walnut pudding, alongside a list proper ales and wines. Stumble upstairs to one of the beautifully designed rooms above the pub or neighbouring Plum Cottage to turn your visit into a romantic weekend away in the heart of the British countryside.

GOING OUT IS OVERRATED
Ottolenghi
Their Valentines Hamper comes packed full of bakery treats including Tahini linzer hearts and Shortbread hearts, alongside debut bakes - sweet and crunchy Coconut meringue brittle and PB&J rocky roads. Available to order now.

Colette
Let’s be honest - the French know how to do romance. Feel the La La Love with a hamper including the Colette Beef Wellington (all diners need to do is reheat at home). Also online with romance in mind, is an abundance of fine French wines, chocolates and even a Fruits de Mer tower. Available from Colette.co.uk.

La Dolce Vita Biscotti Platter from Sette
Sette has partnered with Beau Rush Ceramics to create a beautiful, limited-edition ‘La Dolce Vita’ platter and freshly baked biscotti including Italian Butter; Baci de Dam; Chocolate and Raspberry Jam and more Preorder now via Settelondon.co.uk.

Passione Vino
Wine wonderland Passione Vino is launching a private wine sommelier experience for 2. Both you and your loved one can soak up the candlelit atmosphere and learn more about Luca’s favourite Italian wines, with 6 exceptional small producer wines to be tried throughout the evening. To find out more visit here.

Spring To Go
Skye Gyngell has devised a couple of Valentine's "kits": The Aperitivo Box including everything you need for a night of sipping including Coates & Seely Sparkling Rose, Spring Beetroot and Kale crisps and Spring Spiced mixed nuts. Alternatively, the Floral Box contains Fern Verrow Plum Blossom and Bud vase, Wax Atelier dining candles, Spring’s zesty Ricciarelli and aromatic handmade Saipua soap.

Dishpatch

Leading finish-at-home meal kit specialists have an array of kits straight from the kitchens of London’s best restaurants, to make your Valentine's the most romantic ever. With a brand spanking new menu from Ottolenghi, plus a dinner for two from (possibly) the most romantic restaurant of all time, Andrew Edmunds, with candles from Issy Granger to set the mood, staying in this year never looked so good. Available to pre-order from Dishpatch.co.uk.