The best food and drink for an indulgent Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, it won’t be possible to surprise a partner with a spontaneous trip to Paris, book a table at the restaurant where you had your first date or even go to the local for a pint. However, perhaps staying in could be a blessing in disguise: spending the night at home means less pressure, no crowds and most importantly, more quality time with your loved one. Even if you aren’t able to be together, you can still treat your other half to a fancy bottle or a box of indulgent treats. Your romantic gesture is only a click away.

Aviation Gin

Though we may not be able to deliver the fantasy of Ryan Reynolds walking through your door on Valentine’s Day, we can offer the nest best thing. The actor’s very own branded tipple, Aviation Gin, is distilled in Portland, Oregon and available to order online for just £32. The sleek and stylish bottle looks the part on any shelf, while the distinct blend of seven botanicals, including Indian Sarsaparilla, lavender and sweet orange peel, makes for an equally distinguished glass. The perfectly balanced spirit is a fantastic base for cocktails, in particular the classy purple concoction after which the brand is named. If your loved one prefers a classic G&T, simply mix the gin with elderflower tonic and garnish with a wedge of fresh pink grapefruit – we also recommend a slice of lemon and a sprig of rosemary for your second round. 

Devon Hampers

A fancy gift doesn’t have to be sourced from quite so far afield: Devon Hampers have an equally classy array of decadent delights. Their hampers, comprised of only the best British produce, come in all shapes and sizes, tailored to taste and budget. If your other half has a sweet tooth, you could treat them to the tempting Cornish Lust box, containing an indulgent strawberry and cream liqueur and handcrafted chocolates nestled in an adorable heart-shaped box. Or if you are spending the day apart, show you care by sending the Valentine’s Luxury Slate Heart Cheese Board & Prosecco, which includes two delicious artisan cheeses (including a wonderfully tangy mature cheddar) along with Snowdonia spiced tomato and vodka chutney, Cornish oat sea salt biscuits, a beautiful slate cheese board and a Sheffield Steel cheese knife, and even handmade Melchoir chocolates and a bottle of bubbly for one. Those lucky enough to be locked in together may want to try the Devon Love Hamper: a selection of strawberry and prosecco fudge, Willie’s Cocoa salted caramels and a bottle of pink fizz from Lyme Bay in Devon promise a sparkling evening. Check out the whole range on Devon Hampers’ website.

Pierre Marcolini’s Valentine’s Day range

Could there be a better way to show your affection than chocolates from the legendary Pierre Marcolini? Recently voted best pastry chef in the world, Marcolini is now offering up his 2021 Vantine’s day range, and it’s every bit as exquisite as you would expect. Go classic with an assortment of beautifully crafted ganache hearts in tempting flavours such as lemon, passion fruit and pistachio praline. Decorated with natural fruit powders, these signature chocolates come in a beautiful array of colours that look every bit as good as they taste. For an upgrade, buy them as part of a bigger selection such as Haute Couture Cuddles or Happiness, for two, both containing a selection of favourites and ideal for sharing your special night. Shop the range here.

Perrier-Jouët and Rumor rosé

Following an uncertain year, it’s important to make this Valentine’s Day extra special by showing those who matter most how you truly feel. Rosé lovers rejoice with the perfect wines to celebrate the month of love this February. From the floral Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé Champagne to the sophisticated Rumor Rosé, these beautiful pink wines encompass romance and surprise at their very core – guaranteed to provide an elegant addition to any Valentine’s Day celebration, whether it’s to sip during a romantic meal at home, or to gift to a loved one. As pink wines continue to rise in popularity, with 2020 sales up 57%, Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé Champagne and Rumor Rosé are sure to capture the hearts of your nearest and dearest. 

The Perfect Valentine’s Night in a Box with Rhug Estate

Romance at home this St Dwynwen and Valentine’s Day with a Rhug Estate Valentine’s box full of luxury food and drink delivered direct to your door. The boxes include everything to make your night special including the ingredients for a luxurious four-course meal and a Jonathan Ward candle so your evening can be candle-lit. There are three Valentine’s boxes on offer and each includes a range of the finest products from Rhug’s Farm Shop to accompany a selection of Rhug Estate’s award-winning organic meat. You can choose from Welsh organic lamb noisettes, organic chicken breasts or Aberdeen Angus fillet steaks. For starters, there is Rhug Salmon Terrine. For pudding, there is Cartmel’s sticky toffee pudding and sauce and for your fourth course, there is Caws Cenarth Perl Wen and Snowdonia Cheese Company Black Bomber cheese with Cradocs crackers. To accompany the meal there is Adobe organic wine and an exclusive Jonathan Ward candle. To order your exclusive Rhug Estate Valentine’s Box visit the website.

Manchester Gin’s Valentine’s Cocktails at Home Kit

To help celebrate Valentine’s Day at home, The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, home to Manchester Gin, is launching the ultimate cocktail kit to shake things up for a lockdown date night. The Valentine’s Cocktails at Home Kit is the perfect addition to your evening, whether it’s to accompany a home-cooked feast or an easy-peasy takeaway. The limited-edition kit contains not only the ingredients for some amorous cocktails for two, but a step-by-step video guide from Seb Heeley and Jen Wiggins, Manchester Gin founders and Master Distillers. These extra-special kits will be available from £75 and contain a full-sized bottle of Manchester Gin Raspberry Infused, all of the ingredients and instructions to make three delicious Valentine’s cocktails each and a selection of beautifully paired chocolate truffles from local chocolatier Cocoa Cabana. Order online now.

The Cheese Club

The Cheese Club has been elevated this Valentine’s Day to include a new selection of seven artisan cheeses (150g each), accompanied by crackers, hand-made chutney and paired with half a bottle of a rich sweet white port. The box will include the spongy and moist Ogleshield from Somerset; the traditional buttery and smooth Westcombe Cheddar; the rich and creamy Colston Bassett Stilton from Nottinghamshire; the crumbly and fresh Gorwydd Caerphilly from Somerset; Inglewhite Goat’s Cheese from Lancashire; smooth Berkswell from West Midlands and the sharp and tangy Dorset Blue Vinny cheese. This month’s Cheese Club offering is paired with a Domaine l’Ermitage Le Muscat from France. The Cheese Club is priced at £50 and includes UK national delivery. Order online today.

Chococo’s Valentine’s Day Range

Share the lockdown love with Dorset-based artisan chocolatier Chococo. This year the team has created a collection of gorgeous chocolates that are sure to lift the spirits even when we are still stuck in the house come Sunday 14^th February. Aspiring lovers can select from the following gifts: freshly handcrafted Valentine’s selection boxes, edible chocolate heart boxes filled with chocolates, personalised chocolate hearts, its popular chocolate lobsters, newly re-designed chocolate hearts and a tailor-your-own Valentine gift bag. 100% of their Valentine’s range is in plastic-free packaging which is either compostable or recyclable. Shop the whole selection on their website.

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