Top-notch Valen-dine suggestions

Jacklyn Swiecicki has some suggestions for Valentines Day Dining In London.

Working in a flashy office environment where it is not uncommon for someone to spend £400 on the latest pair of Chanel socks, it can easily be said that my co-workers have expensive tastes. And generally speaking, expensive tastes can allude to ‘better’ tasting menu choices.

As it is coming up to that time of the year when many partners are panicking about where to take their loved ones for that much expected Valentine’s Day dinner, I asked around the office to see where the most ‘romantic’ venues for Valentines dinner these ‘in-the-know’ restaurant diners expect on February 14th.

Get your wallets out lads. The Wolseley in Piccadilly was a strong contender; as was Andrew Edmunds in Soho and St John’s in Smithfield, where menu prices will set you back approximately £35-40 per person for 3 courses. Or, if you want to be ultra romantic and seen as ultra-worldly, Portal in St Johns is an original choice, serving a traditional Portuguese feast. Whilst 3 courses at Portal will set you back about £50 per person, the romantic conservatory will score you major brownie points!

However, if you are strapped for cash-which is probably most of us following the January sales, there are much ‘cheaper’ options to woe your loved one. Whilst you could still locate some fantastic cheap eats in London, like the fun Spanish tapas bar, Nevarro’s in Charlotte Street, why not try something a little more personal.

They say a way to a mans heart is through his stomach. Well, whilst this may be true, I guess I must also be a man! Food is the ultimate thing to share with a loved one. It is the one day of the year when indulgence is a key ingredient. I recall the first Valentine’s Day with my partner where he baked me a cake. It may have been a packet mix, I am not sure, but the time and care that he took in preparing that chocolate cake meant so much more to me than having someone else prepare my Valentine’s meal.

So, if spending £100 or more on just ‘one day of the year’ seems simply ludicrous to you, why not dabble in the kitchen and whip up some strawberries dipped in chocolate, or some homemade love heart shaped chocolates – pretty much anything chocolate will do. Oh and don’t forget the champers!

Jacklyn Swiecicki