We’re taking all the pressure off all you romantics out there by picking the best, most exciting and novel ideas for Valentine’s Day, with everything from film nights to jazz, tasting menus, supper clubs, sharing specials, besties brunch, Japanese tea and romantic dinners to pick from.
The Plough, West Hanney – Is running a romantic movie weekend with all the cinema trimmings. Think popcorn, hotdogs and nachos with the film of you choice for just £30 per couple. Pick from Dirty Dancing, Four Weddings And A Funeral or Pretty Woman running on Friday Feb 14 and Saturday Feb 15, with a Saturday lunchtime film on offer too. Book here https://theploughathanney.co.uk/event/valentines-day-3/
Five Little Pigs, Wallingford. A special supper club with Hundred Hills on Tuesday Feb 18. The first in their Supplier Supper series, enjoy a five course tasting-style menu, each course designed with a Hundred Hill wine. Think hand-dived Loch Fyne scallop ceviche, Nettlebed Witheridge & Blenheim Orange bon bons, Cornish skate wing, Cotswold chicken, new season wild garlic gnocchi, and Nettlebed milk ice cream. Throw in a Hundred Hills cocktail and a talk on how they craft such great wine and you’ll leave the evening on a romantic high. Tickets cost £65 per person. Book here: https://www.fivelittlepigs.co.uk/events/supplier-supper-hundred-hills
Kibou Japanese Tea, Little Clarendon Street, Oxford – as much of a treat as any romantic dinner featuring tasters of some of its most popular dishes (£23) alongside traditional Japanese sweets, served on a 3-tiered stand, available with tea and champagne if you fancy a glass. There’s also a vegetarian version for £19 per person. Must be pre-booked 48 hours in advance and available from 2.30pm to 4.30pm Sunday to Friday. https://kibou.co.uk/locations/kibou-oxford#offers
And for those who are looking to celebrate the love between friends, Flight Club in The Westgate is running a Besties Brunch for Valentine’s get-togethers between February 13-16. Whether you’re planning a date night for your other half and a group of your best couple friends, or you’re single and looking for somewhere to celebrate with your mates, go have a good time with a two-hour bottomless brunch, live DJs, a welcome drink Social Darts, a bottle of Prosecco or four beers each, sourdough pizza paddles and a table at the bar. £35 per person. Book here: https://flightclubdarts.com/brunch/besties
The Yurt at Nicholsons pop up dinner, North Aston, Feb 14, 7.15pm-11pm. Indulge your loved one with a unique dining experience, greeted with an aperitif and canapés, followed by a seasonal three-course supper. If the amuse bouche of black truffle and mushroom beignet, the whipped Oxford Isis cheese tart with preserved quince, the chalk stream trout, apple, yoghurt and preserved lemon croustade or the Forge House Bakery sourdough with yeast butter, are anything to go by, you’re in for a treat. £65 per person. https://www.nicholsonsgb.com/eventsyp/
Make your own dosas on Feb 14 at Dosa Park in Botley. Throw in an unlimited dinner buffet and cocktails, all for £19.99, it’ll be a night to remember. And as they serve the best dosas in town, you’ll be learning from the best. https://www.botley.dosapark.com
The Old Parsonage, Oxford. Feb 14. Head Chef Russ has devised a nostalgic old-school set of specials including a classic crayfish cocktail, lamb cutlets with curly kale, and potato galette, and a sumptuous rhubarb soufflé, with live jazz from 7pm to get you in the mood. https://www.parsonagegrill.co.uk
Kingsley Cafe’s Bottomless Brunch – Feb 14-15. Noon til 8pm. Celebrate love, friendship, or simply enjoy your night with live music on both days from 6-8pm. Pick a two hour slot for some top cocktails and romantic specials. £50 per person. https://kingsleycafe.co.uk/event/bottomless-brunch/
The Feathers, Woodstock is running a Valentines Menu from Feb 12-16 in The Nest. Dine in style and impress your other half with this five course tasting menu. Start with a Couple’s Cocktail in The Aviary bar before embarking on a feast including salt baked beetroot with coconut yoghurt, cashew and ras el hanout, Loch Duart salmon wellington with a sauce grenobloise, Merryfield duck breast and leg with salsify, Yorkshire rhubarb, port and a 70% chocolate tart with rose ice cream and candied pistachios. £159 for two. Book at https://www.feathers.co.uk/dine
Mamma Mia, Jericho and Summertown – Always a favourite place for lovers young and old – its low key, welcoming vibe perfect for romance. Seduce the one you love over a plate of fabulous spaghetti, tiramisu and some great red wine. Or as Dean Martin would say – That’s amore! https://www.mammamiapizzeria.co.uk/menus.php
Brasserie Blanc, Jericho – Feb 12-15. Only the French can take the day of love and turn it into four days of celebrating, with a trio of specials: crab & scallop mousse agnolotti to start, herb-crusted cornish rack of lamb for mains and a selection of mini soufflés for pud. Plus Lanson champagne at £10.95 a glass. Why not? https://brasserieblanc.com/news-cat/who-will-bb-your-valentine/
The Cotswold Guy, Gagingwell – For those who haven’t been it’s a must, so why not start with the Valentine’s Dinner on Feb 14. Start with a glass of bubbly, move onto Cotswold venison tartare, wild garlic emulsion, and a wild sea bass crudo with ahi Amarillo and toasted quinoa, then the award winning beef wellington finished off with a lemon meringue pie, sticky toffee slice and a gelato selection. £70 per person. Email office@thecotswoldguy.co.uk
Go all out at Quod, Oxford with Porthilly oysters; delicately cured salmon; meaty fillet of turbot served with a luxurious lobster sauce and an exquisite apple tarte tartin, with boozy Calvados ice cream. Accompanied with the twinkling ivories of live piano, you’re set for an impressive evening in Oxford city centre. https://www.quod.co.uk
Love is in the air at The Black Horse in Standlake! Treat that special someone to a romantic dining experience with the Valentine’s Set Menu, available from Feb 13-15 with a delicious selection of lovingly prepared dishes, perfect for sharing with your Valentine. Whether you’re planning an intimate date night or celebration with friends, the cozy atmosphere in the historic village pub will make it a night to remember. Book here https://www.theblackhorsestandlake.com
Sir Charles Napier, Chinnor – There’s only a few tables left for Valentine’s Day here, head chef Andy Lewis‘ renowned food speaking for itself. Expect to be seduced with some culinary wizardry. https://www.sircharlesnapier.co.uk/index.html
No 1 Ship Street, Oxford – voted one of the country’s most romantic restaurants by Open Table, you can’t go wrong at this stylish city centre eaterie whose decadent menu suits any occasion with everything from French onion soup, lobster and oysters to burgers and steak. https://www.no1shipstreet.com
Royal Oak, Ramsden is running a St Valentine’s Feast for three nights from Feb 13-15. Chefs Luke and Tom have created an incredible Italian inspired five course tasting menu to wine and dine your loved one plus a glass of pink bubbly of arrival for £150 a couple. https://www.royaloakramsden.com/events
White Hart, Fyfield. Serving an a la carte menu with Valentines specials, including a sharing chateaubriand steak and sharing desserts. If you can’t make the 14th, you’ll be pleased to hear that the sharing specials are on all week. Find out more here
Porterhouse Grill, Osney, Oxford – head for this steak-centric eatery for their Valentine’s Dinner. Enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival followed by two starters, a chateaubriand for two with a steak sauce and a dessert to share for £100 this Valentine’s Day. But as they are almost fully booked get in touch! https://www.theporterhouse-oxford.com
Left it too late to book a babysitter or too tired after a long week to peel yourself off the sofa? Why not opt for brunch at Gees in Oxford? Bring the whole family along to enjoy a relaxed morning of great food – without the pressures usually associated with Valentine’s. https://www.geesrestaurant.co.uk/menus/brunch/
Greyhound, Letcombe Regis – new head chef James Boniface has pulled out all the stops with his five course Valentine’s menu running from Feb 14-15 including a Côte de Boeuf to share with hand-cut chips, red wine & bone marrow sauce, watercress and roasted onion. Or you could really push the boat out and stay overnight in the bespoke rooms with a late check out and hearty breakfast thrown in. Brownie points all round! https://www.thegreyhoundletcombe.co.uk/menu-valentine/
