Plan The Perfect Date With These Valentine's Day Ideas

With Cupid’s arrow quickly heading our way, the pressure is on to locate the perfect romantic spot.
From elegant French haute-cuisine to farmhouse abodes, here are our favourite restaurants where you can nibble, taste, savour and devour this Valentine’s Day! Plus our round-up of quirky alternatives...

Nestled in the hustle and bustle of central London, Dalloway Terrace is a far cry from city slick or over-cramped haunts - imagine opening the doors to Narnia and finding yourself in a romantic winter wonderland just behind Tottenham Court Road.
This is the perfect spot for a Valentine's day meal that comes with a side of hygge, cosy, snuggly romance. Oh, and a divine menu too! The terrace itself is completely London weatherproof, with heaters, faux-fur draped seats, blankets and even hot water bottles. The candle-lit dining room is covered in wall to ceiling snow dusted foliage and tiny twinkle lights. It's Insta perfect.
Food-wise, the menu is a mixture of quintessentially British classics with delightful and flavoursome twists. For the ultimate Valentine's day choice, opt for the Swiss cheese fondue for two, served with freshly baked sourdough and crudités - there is no doubt this will have you drooling! Their cocktail and wine lists are extensive and feature a world collection of delicious champagnes and wines to complement your meal and your mood.

If you fancy popping out of London to celebrate the day of love, look no further than Daylesford's sister hotel and restaurant The Wild Rabbit in the quaint village of Kingham, Cotswolds.
The Wild rabbit is eco-elegance at its most cosy. The space is rustic and warm and you'll be pampered by attentive yet unpretentious service. Book a nook for two and you can lose yourself in snug fireside chit-chat with a serving of delicious, local, seasonal food.
The menu is modern-day homely and packed with fresh organic ingredients. Standout dishes include slow-cooked duck egg served with whipped buttermilk, smoked sausage and lovage emulsion, and for vegetarians, the Cevenne onions topped with grated chestnuts, parmesan air and crispy kale sounds tantalisingly healthy. Dessert does not disappoint, with British delights such as a contemporary take on traditional apple pie complemented with pink peppercorn sorbet, and of course a cheese platter to die for, straight from the Daylesford farm.
The added plus? The Wild Rabbit has a number of luxurious yet intimate bedrooms for guests, but make sure to book in advance as the rooms are popular. Alternatively, book a room in one of the other gorgeous Cotswolds rentals in the area for the ultimate romantic whisk-away weekend.  

COTSWOLDS, OX7 6YA
PRICE RANGE: ££££
thewildrabbit.co.uk

Neverland was already a pretty popular spot when it launched last year. So it's unsurprising that they've extended the Thames-side pop-up until March and you can now book to have dinner in a flower covered igloo.
To keep you occupied during your stay at Winterland, they've also got curling lanes, mini-golf, prosecco-pong and a karaoke booth. So if you and your partner prefer more of an activity date, this is perfect!

FULHAM, SW6 2TY
PRICE RANGE: £
winterlandlondon.com

Each table at Bob Bob Ricard is in a private booth and comes with a special button to summon a bottle of champagne!
Most of the booths cater to groups of four, so it is perfect for a double date. As well as champagne on tap, the food is exquisite and we highly recommend the beef wellington. The menu combines classic British and Russian dishes (including an initial shot of vodka to cleanse the palette and to ease the nerves). Definitely worth it as a one-off treat and if you're really looking to impress!

SOHO, W1F 9DF
PRICE RANGE: ££££
bobbobricard.com

There is a reason that Clos Maggiore has been voted as one of the world’s most romantic restaurants. Step inside and you are instantly transported to an intimate and romantic chateau in the hills of Provence. The dining rooms are delicately decorated with hanging blossoms, fairy lights and crackling fireplaces. Try to nab a table in the breathtakingly picturesque conservatory which is teeming with candles and gives you a view of the glittery sky above (London weather permitting, of course).
The food is contemporary French and is served alongside an exquisite wine menu. The Valentine’s Day Set Menu is a five-course flavour extravaganza featuring dishes such as Native Lobster and King Crab Tortellini and for vegetarians, a tantalising set truffle tasting menu. Set in Covent Garden, it’s a prime destination for pre and post-theatre diners, so be quick to book a table at this highly sought-after love spot.

COVENT GARDEN, WC2E 8JD
PRICE RANGE: ££££
closmaggiore.com

THE LONDON CABARET CLUB

A Valentine's show spectacular. Combining high-end dining with a live cabaret show. 3-course meal for £105 | Bloomsbury WC1B 4DA | more info

DANS LE NOIR?

First date? Fancy dining in the dark? Dine in complete darkness and choose one of the four surprise menus. Menus from £46 | Clerkenwell EC1R 0DU | more info

HALF HITCH

Get involved with an hour's masterclass and distillation session, where you can make your own gin with literally any ingredients you like. £60 per person, includes tastings, 100ml of your gin, 100ml of HALF HITCH Gin | Camden NW1 8AF | more info

HOT TUG

London's most unique experience, have a 'romantic' valentine's date in the world's first floating hot tub along Regent's canal. £225 for the whole HotTug which fits up to 7 ppl so from £32pp | Islington N1 8JX | more info

GOOCE

Single? Setting up dates with plates, London's alternative to Cilla Black. If you're looking for love, this Valentine's day, try Gooce. This unique restaurant brings together a group of 8-10 eligible singles to bond on one table over a yummy three-course meal. Guests will all be a similar age and you have the option to come by yourself, or with friends. Tickets from £25.50 | Tooting | more info Recommendations from The PRESS team and Clarissa Lenherr.