Valentines feature photo

The Best Places To Celebrate Valentine’s Day This Year

Knowing where to celebrate Valentine’s Day can be a struggle; especially if you’re getting tired of going to the same steakhouse every year. So why not treat your loved one to something special this year by whisking them on a weekend away, wining and dining them in a Michelin star restaurant, or taking them on a slightly more unique experience. Either way our event guide will ensure you have a Valentine’s Day to remember, so read on for some inspiration on how to spend it. 

A Night Under the Stars at Hotel 41 in Belgravia

Hotel 41
Image Credit: Hotel 41

Hotel 41, Tripadvisor’s number one hotel in the UK, offers an effortlessly romantic, glass-topped space looking up to the night sky with their stunning Conservatory Suite. Couples can spend a ‘Night Under the Stars’ in the suite, equipped with a telescope for star gazing, an astrological map and the chance to name a star after a loved one. Champagne and a hamper of treats can also be arranged to celebrate an extra-special moment under the moonlight.

For more information go to: https://www.41hotel.com/rooms-and-suites/conservatory-suite

Be Serenaded By A Spectacular Orchestra

London Philiharmonic Orchestra

London Philharmonic Orchestra

French is the language of love; so this Valentine’s Day, why not whirl your significant other away for a night out across the Channel? No Eurostar required: after a brief stop in Humperdinck’s enchanted German forest, and the brief fairytale vision of Ravel’s beautiful Pavane, we’re straight into a Paris café: here Ravel’s Piano Concerto fills the air with the sounds of the Jazz Age.

No-one in the world plays it with more panache than the great French pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet. And then maestro Emmanuel Krivine and the full London Philharmonic Orchestra ignite the fireworks, as Saint-Saëns’s spectacular ‘Organ’ Symphony lights up the night sky. All without leaving the Southbank.

 

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

For a more private experience, guests staying in one of The Milestone Hotel’s elegant master suites or residences can enjoy an exclusive performance from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in the privacy and luxury of the hotel. They can also follow this with a mixology class with head bartender Angelo, who will share the secrets of the historic hotel’s legendary Old Fashioned or Duchess Hourglass cocktails. 

Reach New Heights In Your Relationship At Aqua Shard

Aqua Shard London

Dining with a view this Valentine’s Day has never been better than from the 31st floor of London’s iconic building The Shard. Serving modern British cuisine, aqua shard is welcoming guests with a set menu that is sure to help guests celebrate the special day.

The set menu (£125 per person) will include modern British classics  such as:

  • Black winter truffle risotto salted westcombe ricotta
  • Roast pigeon Vadouvan spice, charred aubergine and foie gras
  • Raspberry soufflé sweet pepper and basil sorbet

For more information visit: https://aquashard.co.uk/experience

A Romantic Weekend Retreat In Kent's Countryside

A long weekend away is the perfect way to recharge your batteries. Located on the doorstep of Tunbridge Wells, is self-catering holiday home, The Cottage at Salomons Estate, where guests can enjoy comfort, with the option to request a private chef to cook breakfast and/or dinner, at an additional cost.

The Cottage is part of Salomons Estate which means you can relax and explore the beautiful grounds and enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at Salomons Estate’s on-site restaurant, The Pub & Dining Rooms, which offers a seasonally changing menu from traditional pub classics and Sunday lunch to more quirky and exotic dishes, all prepared by the venue’s talented chefs. Furry friends are also welcome, as the property offers a range of dog-friendly amenities and services.

Salomons Estate is right on the doorstep of some of Kent’s best attractions, including vineyard Hush Heath Estate, where visitors can take self-guided or expert-led tours of vineyards and orchards, and wine tasting; Trinity Theatre and The Assembly Hall Theatre in spa town of Tunbridge Wells, and the town’s historic Pantiles, a famous promenade of quirky shops and cafés.

For more information visit: https://www.salomons-estate.com/#welcome

Celebrate At The World’s First Aphrodisiac Nut Butter Bar

Pip and Nut

To help get Londoners in the mood for love this Valentine’s Day, the nation’s nut butter sweet-hearts, ​Pip & Nut​, will be launching a four day ‘Love Lab’ in Shoreditch from 13-16th February 2020. Not only will guests be able to blend their own bespoke ‘Love Lab’ nut butter with a helping hand from the​Pip & Nut ‘Squirrelogist’, they’ll be able to dedicate personalised jars to loved ones and even create their very own love notes to post to the person they’re nuts for.

The Pip & Nut Love Lab will be open daily from 9am to 9pm, from Thursday 13th February until Sunday 16th February 2020.

Find out more here: https://www.pipandnut.com/blogs/blog/lovelab2020

Valentine’s Day At The Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

For a memorable Valentine’s Day in the beautiful Welsh countryside, the five-star Celtic Manor Resort is the ideal destination. Set in more than 2,000 acres of panoramic parkland at the gateway to Wales, The Resort offers a touch of style and glamour in the most luxurious of surroundings.

Couple’s Valentine’s Spa Treat

The Celtic Manor is home to two award winning spas, including the Forum Spa. There are 16 beautifully appointed treatment rooms designed for full relaxation. With ambient lighting, aromatic scents and luxurious electronic therapy couches, guests are sure to feel rejuvenated and restored.

This Valentine’s Day, couples can enjoy a personalised massage in the dual treatment room, plus a glass of bubbly and chocolate-dipped strawberries. The offer includes access to the serene relaxation rooms and full use of the Forum Spa’s facilities.

  • Prices start from £140 per couple. Find out more here.

Wake up in five-star surroundings

Make Valentine’s extra special with a stay in uber-luxe Welsh accommodation. Located on the sixth floor, the Signature Rooms each feature a 6ft king-size double bed, sitting area, marble bathroom, a host of Elemis amenities and a balcony with far-reaching views of the countryside. Along with 5-star accommodation, the Signature Valentine’s Escape package includes a delicious three-course dinner at Steak on Six, a full Welsh breakfast buffet and use of the hotel’s health club throughout the stay.

  • Prices start from £315, per room, per night. Valid for stays on 14th February 2020. Find out more here.

Happy Valentine’s... Clay?

Ghost

Cineworld is offering loved-up couples the chance to recreate the iconic pottery scene from Ghost at cinemas in London, Glasgow and York this Valentine’s Day.

Customers who book to see the 1990 blockbuster at a ViP screening this February 14 will be able to channel their inner Patrick Swayze or Demi Moore by taking a couples’ pottery class prior to seeing the 1990 blockbuster, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary of release in cinemas.

Find out more here.

An Italian Escape With Sette’s Valentine’s Day Special

Situated on the ground floor of the Bvlgari hotel in Knightsbridge, Sette is offering guests an elegant dining experience on Valentine’s Day with a deliciously indulgent Italian feast, including a special twist on their famous tomato and basil spaghetti and the chance for guests to win champagne at Sette’s underground bar, Nolita Social.  The Valentine’s day menu, priced at £95 per person, includes a range of authentic Italian platters and upon arrival, guests will receive a complimentary glass of Ruinart Brut.

What’s more, guests joining will have the chance to win the #SpaghetttiSocial competition. All they have to do is post a picture whilst indulging in Sette’s signature spaghetti dish, tag @settelondon and @ldvlife and the best post will win a bottle of Champagne and snacks at Nolita Social — Sette’s underground bar bringing the energy of New York to London. Winner to be announced on Tuesday 18th February. 

Say ‘I love you’ with a getaway this February at De Vere Tortworth Court

Escape with your partner on a romantic getaway at De Vere Tortworth Court in the Gloucestershire countryside from £139.00 per couple, and enjoy an overnight stay followed by a delicious breakfast the next morning. You and your loved one can also receive a traditional afternoon tea served with a chilled glass of Prosecco or a gin and tonic.

De Vere Tortworth Court is also offering couples the chance to add on a chocolate spa treatment to their stay. The ‘Chocolate Delight’ treatment uses pure cocoa to moisturise the skin and aid drainage, resulting in a firmer, more refined skin tone. While cocooned in chocolate, you can experience a deeply relaxing Indian tranquillity scalp massage to relieve any tension and stress. The treatment is finished with a relaxing massage using essential oils to leave the skin feeling fully hydrated. The Chocolate Delight treatment is priced at £75 per person throughout February and includes a JustBe aromatherapy chocolate.

Guests are also invited to borrow a pair of Hunter wellies and enjoy the crisp winter air as they explore the estate grounds, including one of Britain’s finest arboretums housing over 300 plant and tree specimens. In the evening, guests can warm up in the 1853 Restaurant & Bar which serves a selection of seasonal dishes.

To make a booking, please call 01454 263 000 or email [email protected].

Michelin Star Dining At Hide Above

hide

This Valentine’s Day at Michelin starred Hide Above, diners can enjoy a lavish setting overlooking Green Park while indulging in an extravagant seven-course menu curated by Executive Chef Ollie Dabbous specially for the occasion. Dishes include White asparagus with Exmoor caviar & crème fraiche, Black truffle pasta parcels in warm celeriac broth and Simmenthal 7 year beef fillet cooked over charcoal with buckwheat waffle &  foie gras.

With Europe’s most comprehensive wine list, provided in partnership with Hedonism Wines, Hide’s Valentine’s Day wine flight tops off the occasion and is sure to impress. The Valentine’s menu will be offered for £175 with optional wine flight for £150.  Fancy a romantic cocktail? Head to Hide Below for a limited run of Strawberries & Cream made with Diplomatico Planas rum, Cocchi Americano Rosa & lemon balm.  

For more information click here

Traditional Japanese Dining With Aqua Kyoto

Aqua Kyoto

Newly-refurbished Japanese restaurant Aqua Kyoto, set high above the bustle of Regent Street on the fifth floor, will give guests the opportunity to share the love this Valentine’s Day with a bespoke set menu encouraging sharing 

The Valentine’s set menu (£78) includes a variety of sumptuous Japanese dishes with contemporary spins, some of which include:

  • Sirloin of beef tataki, crispy potato and ponzu
  • Chilean seabass, sudachi aonori dashi gel and sea vegetables
  • Origami heart white chocolate and yukari mousse

Find out more here.

Celebrate Galentine's Day At J Sheekey

J Sheekey - Passion Fruit Mousse with Raspberries and Milk Ice Cream - credit Thomas Alexander

If bubbles and seafood is the definition of your perfect night out with friends, look no further for your Galentine’s celebrations as J Sheekey is offering a bespoke menu to treat single ladies on 13th February with a choice of 2 course menu priced at £24. In addition, guests will receive complimentary bubbles on the day and heart shaped chocolate truffles to end the celebrations on a high.

Find out more here.

A Romantic Retreat To The Beautiful Peak District

Ideally located in the heart of Derbyshire, close to the market town of Bakewell, The Peacock at Rowsley has created an exclusive Valentine’s Day tasting menu, filled with beautiful and flavoursome dishes to be enjoyed over the romantic holiday.

Curated by Head Chef, Dan Smith, the exclusive menu features ten fabulous dishes for couples to enjoy for £75.00 per person, including:

  • Jerusalem artichoke velouté with smoked crispy quails’ eggs and truffle
  • Oyster three ways
  • Cod with kale, salsify, kohlrabi, avruga caviar, champagne velouté and herb oil
  • Chocolate souffle, eclairs and milk sorbet

The Valentine’s tasting menu can also be enjoyed with a wine pairing for £55.00 per person, where couples can enjoy a range of the finest wines in the wine world, from Verdeca and Muscato to Champagne and Menota.

For those who would like a romantic Valentine’s break in the Peak District, The Peacock boasts 15 tempting and individually furnished bedrooms, each with antique furnishings, comfortable beds and luxury fabrics. For £350.00, couples can enjoy an overnight stay, the Valentine’s Day tasting menu and breakfast the following morning.

To reserve a table or book a room this Valentine’s Day, call 01629 733518 or email [email protected].

Escape To The City Of Love With les 110 de Taillevent

les 110 de Taillevent

Overlooking Cavendish Square, a few minutes walk away from Oxford Circus, Les 110 de Taillevent transports the history of Taillevent to London.

With modern and classic French dishes and 110 wines by the glass, each glass is associated with 30 seasonally-inspired a la carte dishes especially conceived to deliver unparalleled precision in the pairing of food and wine.

Their spectacular Valentine’s Day menu, which offers a 6 courses tasting menu for £75 includes: 

  • Spelt lobster risotto, with lobster bisque
  • Whole roasted Creedy Carver Duck with Jerusalem artichoke, young rhubarb, black truffle jus
  • Rhubarb & custard soufflé with hibiscus

Find out more here.

Head To GAIL’s For Your Valentine’s Treats

GAIL’s has a range of Valentine’s Day treats, including; Chocolate Sourdough, Salted Caramel, Chocolate and Hazelnut Tartlets, Chocolate Heart Biscuits dipped in white, dark and ruby chocolate, topped with edible petals; Mushroom, Caramelised Onion and Raclette Quiche’s – made using Raclette that would otherwise go to waste!

The ideal gift for those who want to treat their partner whilst reducing levels of waste in the UK. Find out more here

Fine Dining At The Cavendish London

Cavendish London

Celebrate the most romantic day of the year with dinner for two at The Cavendish London this Valentine’s Day. The hotel’s 2AA Rosette fine dining Petrichor Restaurant will be offering a three-course Valentine’s menu, complete with a glass of Champagne and petit fours, priced at £69 per person.

Diners can expect a choice of three starters including pan-seared hand dived scallops, and green pea mousse. Main courses include halibut with lobster tortellini, beef fillet with dauphinoise potato, and herb gnocchi with butternut squash. For dessert, guests can choose from chocolate and vanilla mousse or buttermilk and raspberry panna cotta, or for an additional £3, indulge in a selection of cheeses with quince jelly and savoury crackers.

The Cavendish London is a four-star deluxe hotel located in the heart of prestigious Mayfair, within easy reach of some of London’s top attractions including Regent Street, the West End theatres and world-class art galleries, making it the perfect place to enjoy a romantic meal with a loved one after a day exploring the city.

For more information visit: www.thecavendish-london.co.uk

Valentine's Party at Balthazar

All-day french brasserie Balthazar will be hosting a Valentine’s Day party for all to enjoy, to celebrate the power of all types of love. The party will include plenty of entertainment including a photo booth for guests to capture memorable moments with friends or loved ones.

To mark the occasion, a special dessert has been specially made by Balthazar’s pastry chef which consists of: a heart shaped chocolate heart to smash, revealing financier with raspberry jam and sorbet (£8). What’s more, to satisfy also the love birds coming for the night a Rhubarb Soufflé to share will be available (£10).

For more information visit: Balthazar

So whether you’re loved up, single or celebrating ‘Galentine’s Day’ with friends, there’s so much to do this Friday. Happy Valentine’s Day!