Host a romantic Valentine’s evening in the comfort of your own pad with these local offerings

Valentine’s Day has not escaped the confines of coronavirus so, unfortunately, going out for a romantic dinner is not on the cards this year. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up and make an occasion of it at home.

Luckily a host of local businesses are here to help you make the evening a little more exciting than a bog-standard box set and takeaway. Who likes date night among the crowds anyway?

Create a Michelin-starred dinner at home with Sorrel Suppers

Despite the harsh realities of the past year, Sorrel restaurant in Dorking has had a pretty good start to 2021 with the recognition of a Michelin star for the third year in a row.

The fine dining restaurant, led by Steve Drake, also launched Sorrel Suppers, a fortnightly takeaway menu expertly pre-prepared by Steve and his team for you to finish off at home.

The Valentine’s offering features mouth-watering dishes, such as cured Salmon with Lapsang Souchong tea and salmon caviar, slow cooked short rib of beef and a rum baba with pineapple and chamomile tea.

If you’re local, we recommend popping into The VineYard in Dorking to pick up a bottle of English fizz to enjoy with it when you collect.

£180 for two including a candle and live cook along video with Steve.

The ultimate Indian takeaway with Mandira’s Kitchen and Albury Organic Vineyard

Fancy something a little more special than the usual Saturday night Indian takeaway from the local curry house?

Mandira’s Kitchen makes fabulous homemade Indian dishes, which are frozen so you can heat up and serve at home when it suits. The special Valentine’s menu features Mandira’s famous samosa’s as well as a selection of her authentic dishes including chicken rezala, dal makhani and mango and cardamom gelato.

Her kitchen sits right next to Albury Organic Vineyard near Guildford in Surrey and the menu includes a bottle of their English sparkling Classic Cuvée.

£77, serves two with free delivery nationwide. A vegetarian and vegan version is available.

Picnic at home with Rathfinny Valentine’s hamper

The weather might not be quite right for a picnic outdoors but what’s more romantic than a blanket spread out in front of the fire, a glass of bubbly and selection of British nibbles?

Rathfinny Valentine’s Hamper contains the Sussex-based vineyard’s 2017 sparkling rosé and artisanal treats from producers including Paxton and Whitfield’s biscuits and chutneys, Drinks Biscuits, Olly’s Olives, Rebel charcuterie, Sussex Charmer cheddar cheese and delicious confectionery from The Chocolate Society.

£56, free nationwide delivery.

Host a virtual wine tasting evening with Chapel Down

Chapel Down’s head winemaker, Josh Donaghay-Spire, is hosting a special wine tasting on Valentine’s Day evening with just 30 spaces available.

Enjoy the exclusive one-hour live tasting from 5.30-6.30pm with three of Chapel Down’s best sparkling wines Chapel Down Rosé Brut NV, Chapel Down Three Graces 2016 and Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Blanc de Blancs.

The wine-tasting kit includes a bottle of each as well as a Chapel Down ice bucket, flutes fizz sealer and tasting cards.

£250, a recording of the event is available on request should you wish to enjoy the session at your own leisure.