Who’d have thought that we’d end up feeling nostalgic for that annual scramble to find a restaurant table on Valentine’s Day?
We may not need reminding we’re all in lockdown this time round, but that doesn’t mean the perennially disorganised or the romantically inexpressive are off the hook. Many restaurants are providing fantastic takeaways and deliveries at the moment and, in a nod to Cupid, some of them will be doing something extra special this weekend for the amorously entwined.
Anyone unattached or whose ardour has been dulled by propinquity can perhaps use the occasion to demonstrate a different kind of love – the love they feel for their local restaurant – by ordering something special from them for Sunday night. Remember, 14 February is also called The Feast of Saint Valentine – so who’s to say “My heart aches, and a drowsy numbness pains” can’t simply refer to the after-effects of a really big dinner?
To get you in the mood, here what’s on offer from some of the UK’s Michelin Starred restaurants:
alchemilla
192 Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 1NF
5 course dinner with an option of adding flowers, English champagne and hand-made chocolates.
Elephant
3-4 Beacon Terrace, Torquay, TQ1 2BH
A takeaway menu with everything from smoked salmon and Brixham scallops to corn-fed chicken and chocolate fondant.
Elystan Street
43 Elystan Street, London, SW3 3NT
The menu includes oysters, venison and a tarte fine for two; cocktails and wines can also be added to the order.
House of Tides
28-30 The Close, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3RF
Who can resist a Valentine’s menu when the first item is ‘Poached lobster, sweetcorn & caviar Tart’?
L’Enclume
Cavendish Street, Cartmel, LA11 6PZ
A menu designed to be finished off at home in a series of easy steps; English champagne is included.
Pea Porridge
28-29 Cannon Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1JR
A “Get my Goat” Moorish feast, with small plates, a goat shank and chocolate and tahini pudding.
Pied à Terre
34 Charlotte Street, London, W1T 2NH
A vegan feast for two, with optional vegan rosé champagne. Full instructions on finishing dishes at home included in the box.
Sabor
35-37 Heddon Street, London, W1B 4BR
Make up your own dinner, with dishes like crab empanadilla, arroz negro and Iberian pig’s cheek.
The Whitebrook
Whitebrook, NP25 4TX
A 5 course menu for collection that includes scallops and short-rib, plus an optional bag of Welsh cakes.
Ynyshir
Eglwysfach, Machynlleth, SY20 8TA
A box with everything from English champagne to chicken katsu and slow-cooked short-rib.
This year, the Michelin Guide is being published in a digital format only, both on our website (UK and Republic of Ireland) and via the iOS app.
