Love is in the air
Spread the love this Valentine’s Day with our guide to the best gifts & dining options
If you’ve been struck by Cupid’s arrow, you’ll know that Valentine’s Day is fast approaching (Tuesday 14 February for those not in the know). OK, it’s a school night, but it gives you something to look forward to in the week – or you can choose to celebrate Valentine’s on the previous weekend or the following one.
Whether you’re on a first date or sharing it with your partner of 50 years, St Valentine’s Day lets you celebrate your love and break the ‘every day’ routine. A romantic meal could be on the cards, or even a game of cards if you head down to Rendezvous Casino this Valentine’s Day. If you’re thinking of proposing – it’s Leap Year ladies, so take the plunge! – here you will find the most stunning jewellers for that all important ring. If the perfect gift is what you are after then look no further: a unique work of art is both personal and longlasting, as is a gorgeous piece of jewellery.
Guys, still stuck for ideas? Ladies love to shop and a vintage accessory is the perfect present to show you’ve made the extra effort. Seek out Tramp in Brighton where the staff will help you find the perfect Valentine’s gift.
If it’s been a busy period, take the time out and unwind as a couple, sharing in a luxury therapy at The Treatment Rooms. Indulgent, pampering and extremely relaxing, this will be make the perfect beginning or end to your Valentine’s Day.
Dining out needn’t be expensive.?There are fabulous Valentine’s Day offers on these very pages for many restaurants. From buffets and Tapas to a full three-course menu, all you have to do now is remember to buy the card!
The Medicine Chest
The Medicine Chest continues to show off its sassy side with a 2012 season of Burlesque Supper Clubs starting just in time for Valentine’s on Saturday 11 February. There is a wonderful new menu to tempt your tastebuds, two great courses, a welcome glass of Prosecco and two shows to choose from: 7.30pm or 9.30pm. Tickets are £37.50 in advance on 01273 770002 or book online quoting Burlesque.
The Valentine’s menu will delight your loved one, with two courses for £30 or three for £35. Everything is made in-house using the finest ingredients, including a special walnut bread and a complimentary granité between courses. Book early as spaces are limited.
Relax in the bar after dinner with a Kir Royal, a stunningly crafted cocktail, or a bottle of champagne in a cosy alcove. The Medicine Chest’s Wine Appreciation Course with Jonathan Ray is under way with a series of tastings at 8pm in the bar. Join them for Red Wines from around the world on 9 February 2012; Dessert and Fortified Wines on 23 February, and Champagne and Sparkling Wines on 9 March 2012. All the tastings include six glasses of wine/champagne plus canapés and the chance to take part in a quiz.
Look out for their new Friday Soul nights commencing in March with DJ Mick Fuller who will be spinning some great sounds in the bar starting on Friday 2 March till 2am.
The Medicine Chest Restaurant and Bar, 51-55 Brunswick Street East, Hove, BN3 1AU, 01273 770002, www.themedicinechest.co.uk.
Agua Dulce
You can say it with flowers if you like but flowers don’t say passion in the same way as dinner at Agua Dulce. There, both the atmosphere and the cooking are always filled with Spanish passion.
This year, to celebrate the saint of love, they have two offerings. The set menu at £24.95 for three courses with a glass of cava is filled with great choices from crab gratin to beef carpaccio to start, pollack, pork or filled crépes to follow and fabulous home-made desserts.
Alternatively you can go for the tapas menu where you can choose three for £19.95 a head and includes a glass of cava. Whatever you choose, it’s a perfect recipe for red hot latin lovers.
Agua Dulce, 10-11 King’s Road, Brighton, BN1 1NE, 01273 328672, www.aguadulce-restaurant.com
Tramp Vintage
Right gentlemen, it’s that time of year again when you can really show the one you love just how much you care. Whether it’s to say ‘I love you’ or just plain old ‘thanks’, us women feel that sometimes words simply aren’t enough and that flowers and chocolates just don’t do it for us anymore either. So, why not treat the one you love to a truly unique gift this year? Whether it’s a vintage piece of clothing, handbag or accessory, at Tramp they can simplify the process for you. Forget about traipsing around Churchill Square for hours, Tramp’s lovely assistants are here to help you find that special gift that really shows her how much you care and the trouble you have gone to find it.
Tramp stocks a great range of vintage evening dresses and daywear to fit most shapes and sizes. Alternatively, a vintage evening bag or piece of statement jewellery would compliment most wardrobes and they offer gift vouchers too. So if you are looking for that special gift that won’t break the bank, then head down to Trafalgar Street and give her a gift she will treasure forever.
Tramp Vintage Boutique, 22 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4EQ, 01273 687968, www.trampvintageclothing.com
Rendezvous Casino
Celebrate this Valentine’s Day in style at Rendezvous Casino, Brighton Marina. Enjoy a glass of pink bubbly, a five-course dinner, and live entertainment by the dazzling Keri Arundel, all for just £50 per couple. On the night they will have a fabulous spa treatment to be won. The event is from 8pm onwards; call to book or for more information.
The Upper Deck Restaurant is set in the heart of the casino action while also offering spectacular views over the English Channel, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds during your dining experience at the Rendezvous Casino Brighton Marina. The chefs source as many ingredients as possible from the best produce Sussex has to offer! Rendezvous Casino also has other fantastic offers running throughout February, including; 2 for 1 on all A La Carte meals in the Upper Deck Restaurant every Wednesday, plus live entertainment from 8pm.
New for 2012 is the Cocktail, Dinner, Show, which takes place the last Friday of every month. It costs just £22.50 and includes a cocktail on arrival, three-course dinner, and a spectacular show. There are full entertainment and events programme running every month, so check out the events page on their website for more details: www.brighton.rendezvouscasino.com.
Food is served daily from 12pm to 3am. The à la carte menu is served every day from 6pm to 11.30pm. On Sundays you can enjoy a Sunday roast between 1pm and 10pm. At just £9.95 for two courses and £12.95 for three, it’s great value and a wonderful way to relax on a Sunday. On Sunday evenings a fabulous Chinese buffet is served, available for just £5 per person. Player Rewards customers can redeem 500 points against this Chinese feast.
Rendezvous Casino, Brighton Marina Village, Brighton, BN2 5UT, 01273 605602 www.brighton.rendezvouscasino.com
Baroque Jewellery
Baroque Jewellery has created the perfect collection of diamond rings for those looking to surprise their sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. Designed by Pippa Knowles, the inspiration behind the new ‘Coeur’ collection comes from the universal symbol of love – the heart – that is used in the delicate collet that holds the diamond in place. Prices start from £1,500 for an 18ct gold ring with a pink sapphire and from £2,500 for a ring set with a half-carat diamond in 18-carat gold. Rings are also available in rose gold and platinum, with a choice of different sized diamonds.
The heart locket is silver and rose gold-plated and is also available in plain, polished silver and retails at £225 or £195 respectively. Baroque Jewellery has many other inspired Valentine’s gifts ranging from £45 up to £10,995 – make sure you get your brownie points this Valentine’s!
Baroque Jewellery, 9 Union Street, Brighton, BN1 1HA, 01273 777003, www.baroquejewellery.com
art at five
art at five is offering a fantastic collection of artwork this February to inspire all those romantics on a quest to find that perfect present for their loved one. From vibrant florals, rich sunsets to colourful abstracts, an original painting will make an extra special Valentine’s gift this year.
art at five is situated in the heart of Brighton, in the famous Lanes, and over the past eight years has established itself as one of Sussex’s leading contemporary galleries. art at five represents a diverse selection of national and international artists and showcases an extensive range of original art at affordable prices. The gallery offers a free home and business consultancy service which allows customers to view a selection of artwork in situ.
art at five, 5 Bartholomews, Brighton, BN1 1HG, 01273 774222, www.artatfive.com www.facebook.com/artatfive www.twitter.com/artatfive
The Treatment Rooms
This Valentine’s Day, spoil yourself and the one you love at The Treatment Rooms with The Romance Ritual (two hours for two people in the double room, £225). Together, with candlelight and soft music, two therapists work on a couple to bring about balance and harmony. The Romance Ritual begins with a full body exfoliation followed by a soothing massage to ease tired and tense muscles. Completed with an aromatherapy facial with pressure point massage on the face and scalp.
Buy gift vouchers online or pop into the salon. Treatments available for men and women. Open seven days a week.
The Treatment Rooms, 21 New Road, Brighton, 01273 818444, www.thetreatmentrooms.co.uk
The Courtyard Restaurant & Bar
The perfect place to meet up for a traditional English breakfast, a quick lunch, afternoon tea with homemade cakes, a pre-theatre fixed price two-course meal for £9.95 or a relaxed leisurely dinner. Enjoy the stunning freshly prepared modern British menus and daily traditional great classic British specials. All the ingredients are from local suppliers ensuring the very freshest and best quality. You can expect a warm friendly greeting in a beautiful indoor courtyard setting along with some fabulous food and drink.
Open every day from 9am to 10.30 pm. The Courtyard Restaurant and Bar, 20 New Road, Brighton, BN1 1UF, 01273 819600, www.courtyardbrighton.co.uk
Naked Eye Gallery
Naked Eye Gallery presents a visual feast for Valentine’s and beyond! Come and browse their fantastic new collection of art and find that special present for the one you love from the unique Hove Mews Gallery. Featured artists include St Ringell, Kate Orton and Silvene, who are showing unique jewellery pieces. Naked Eye also has a top quality selection of contemporary paintings, drawings, ceramics and prints available to enhance any environment and bring a smile come Valentine’s Day.
Naked Eye Gallery, 32 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1AF, 01273 204800, www.nakedeyebrighton.com
