It’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air. Romantic souls have sent a dozen roses, forgetful heads are having a late panic. Whichever you may be, and whether you’re reading this in advance of February 14th or on the day, this guide is here to help.
After last year’s Valentine lockdown, this time there are plenty of places to go on Valentines Day to treat your loved one, and of course enjoy yourself too. Here are ten tips of where to visit for an amorous Valentine’s Day in York.
Take a romantic stroll around this evocative city, and York will reward repeatedly. Nowhere is this more true than at the magnificent 7th century cathedral York Minster. There is much to explore at this spectacular site, but for Valentines be sure not miss a kiss under the ‘Heart of Yorkshire’ window, as legend has it that couples who do will stay together forever.
Sotano gets the romantic mood just right so that you don’t have to do anything other than book a table for two at this underground bar. Cosy up in the candle-lit ambience, share a mix of marvellous Mediterranean tapas, and float away together on craft cocktails and fine wine. Te amo.
As a city, York has elevated itself to chocolate luxury thanks to York Cocoa House. Joining their journey through the chocolate making process at York Cocoa Works is a fine thing to do any day all year, and is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for a chocoholic partner. You’ll see the magic created from the cocoa beans to their delicious chocolate products, which of course are irresistible not to purchase and take home.
If you’re a lover of proper traditional food, and looking for something affordable and delicious, Drakes is the place for you this Valentines. The perfect setting for a cosy and comfortable date night, share a platter with your partner, indulge in some gooey brownies or sticky toffee pudding, and drink the night away. It doesn’t get more perfect than that.
A standout restaurant in York, Roots is only three years old and has already gained its first Michelin star. So, with the highest quality officially awarded, a Valentines date at Roots is sure to impress. Couples can share the same experience together by sampling Roots’ remarkable tasting menu, made from produce grown on their farm and transformed into modern magnificence. A true treat.
An evening at Pairings Wine Bar is always a good idea, and their personal service and refined setting make it an ideal Valentines choice. You can snuggle up with a sharing platter and a flight of fine wine. And seeing as it’s Valentine’s Day, surely a bottle of champagne is the way to celebrate your love.
A table for two at this intimate restaurant is a winning Valentines date. Since opening in 2016, Skosh has quickly gained an enviable reputation for their stunning creations of playful and precise small plates. Skosh oozes quality and class, from stepping into the stylish grade II listed building to devouring their expert cuisine. You can choose favourites to lovingly share, or indulge each other with the full taster menu. Either way, this will be a Valentines date to remember.
Escape Rooms
How you feel about getting locked in a room together may be a good test of any relationship, so why not do just that in the funnest possible way on Valentine’s Day! Escape rooms are a trend of recent years which will bring you closer together, as you work as a team to solve puzzles and escape as one. York has plenty of excellent options, including Mindlock and Locked in Games, for some unique Valentines fun.
If you love cheese nearly as much as you love each other then Love Cheese is the perfect Valentine for you both. This charming cheese shop is a lovely visit; stay a while for the orgasmic joys of a cheese board and wine, and leave with Valentine gifts of your favourite selections to enjoy together back home.
For a livelier Valentines bar experience, Evil Eye provides a fabulously fun time. This quirky bar make a mean cocktail, which will perk your date right up. From traditional classics to creative inventions, you’ll want to sip through the extensive menu, but of course must order a Blue Valentine.
The Hole in Wand
Roses, champagne, chocolates… and golf. It may not be the first thing you think of for Valentine’s Day, but step out of the box and onto the green and this magical mini golf course will provide a fantastic fun experience. A no-brainier for Harry Potter lovers and great for couples with kids, The Hole in Wand might be just the potion to ignite the magic.
Images: Pairings Wine Bar, York Minster, Sotano, Skosh,
