Valentine’s Day is almost upon us, and with it, the inevitable flurry of restaurant deals and set menus. For the romantics and the cynics alike, we’ve got all bases covered with our selection of specially created Valentine’s menus and experiences.
Portuguese Passion at Volta do Mar
This Valentine’s Day, Volta do Mar has given traditionally romantic dishes its signature, globally-inspired Portuguese twist.Oysters are served with a Goan cauliflower velouté, and other dishes on the four-course menu have similar global flavours, like the Beef minchi samosa and the Grilled cabbage feijoada. The restaurant has also drawn inspiration from its extensive wine list to produce a paired wine flight for each course. £47pp for four courses.
French Romance at Le Pont de la Tour
As its name suggests, Le Pont de la Tour is in prime location right at the base of Tower Bridge and offers ultra-romantic views of the city skyline from its cosy heated terrace. Romance also reigns supreme on the Valentine’s Day menu, with each of its five courses showcasing the very best of modern French cooking, with dishes like a Caramelised artichoke velouté with thyme brioche and Dry aged beef fillet Bordelaise. It’s all rounded off with a White chocolate and rose Paris Brest to share – and, of course, coffee and Petits Fours. £90pp for five courses.
Candlelit Courtyards & Spectacular Menus at Sanderson
Whether it’s a romantic afternoon tea or an evening of fine dining, the Sanderson hotel has got it covered. On 14th February, the Queen of Hearts herself will be attending the hotel’s Mad Hatter’s afternoon tea (£62pp) to tell guests their romantic fortunes over a selection of savouries and cakes, as well as a Valentine’s surprise and a glass of Champagne. In the evenings, the courtyard will be lit by candles as a tipsy edition of the afternoon tea commences (£64pp). Over in the restaurant, an air of romance will be conjured by the special Valentine’s Day set menu, available on 14th and 15th February. The three-course menu includes a Bitter Love cocktail as well as fine dining plates like Chorizo dust seared scallops and a tender Beef Wellington(£70pp).
Beautiful Views at Blueprint Café
Blueprint Café’s second floor location and floor-to-ceiling windows lend it one of the most romantic views of London’s skyline in the city, It’s the perfect location to enjoy Head Chef Rudi Warner’s special Valentine’s Day menu. The three-course dinner is priced at £45pp and includes dishes like Roast Barbary duck breast with red endive and pink grapefruit and an Apple tart Tatinfor two to share, served with Tahitian vanilla and Calvados crème fraiche.
A Romantic Affair at Arros QD
It’s romance as well as rice that’s at the heart of Arros QD’s Valentine’s Day fiesta. Guests will be met with cava and an edible rose as they enter the candlelit restaurant, before taking their seats for the five-course Spanish spectacle. As well as classic romantic dishes like Colchester rock oysters, Arros will serve its signature Paella Valenciana for couples to share alongside dishes like Grilled sea bream with citric sauce and a sweet course of either Carbon chocolate slates or, of course, Strawberries and cream. There’ll be live music all night long, and as they depart, guests will be treated to flowers and a box of chocolates to take home with them. £75pp for a minimum of two people.
The Aphrodite Menu at Meraki
Taking inspiration from the goddess of love herself, the Valentine’s Day Aphrodite menu at Meraki is a Grecian ode to everything romantic. Starting with Oysters with taramasalata and lemon and followed by Grilled king prawns with couscous pasta, the four-course feast also includes a jazzed up Mousaka, served with Foie Gras, truffle, mavrodafni wine and an all-spice sauce. It’s all finished off with a Dark chocolate sphere with strawberry and basil and a ‘little surprise’ courtesy of Meraki, and guests can keep the romance flowing by opting for an Eros cocktail (2012 Champagne brut and homemade hibiscus syrup, £19). Prices start at £75pp for the set menu, £115pp to add a Greek wine pairing and £135pp to add a Champagne pairing. Bookings can be made here.
Pastries & Pink Interiors at St Martins Lane’s EllaMia
EllaMia’s luxuriantly chic pink interiors and selection of delicate pastries have already established it as one of London’s romantic hot spots, and they’ve just added a range of delicious new cakes and pastries in time for Valentine’s Day. Order one of their pink lavender lattes and a Raw strawberry and coconut slice for a slice of romance in Covent Garden’s busy environs.
