Love is in the Henley air for Valentine’s Day. Being in Henley itself with your lover, partner, friend, mate should be enough, however, no matter what your plans are, here are few ideas to help you along the way.

*****

Wow with a bit of ‘home’ cooking

Impress the love in your life with a romantic meal at home made by your fair hand, well someone elses, but you thought of it and you’re being the domestic God/Godess in the kitchen right? Check out Pavilion Foods finish at home Valentine’s menu, maybe Simon McKenzie’s Valentine’s Day Restaurant boxes or completely push the boat out with Tom Kerridge’s £185 ‘With Love from Tom Kerridge’ home box.

Image: Pavilion Foods Valentine’s Menu

Go out on a HOT date (see what we did there!)

Anywhere is good with the right company but why not earn some brownie points by taking someone out on a hot date. Doesn’t matter who it is, could even be your Mum, Dad, or uncle Bob. So here’s a few ideas. The Baskerville in Shiplake with their Valentine’s/Galentine’s dinner on Saturday 12th Feb of 2 courses for £40/3 courses for £50 is a great choice, or maybe a candlelit dinner at The Relais by the river, £48.50 per person or as they say go big or go home with a stunning six course Valentine’s tasting menu at Orwells Restaurant for £90 (*4 course menu £70 available also).

Image: Orwells

Schmooze with booze!

You can’t go wrong with a glass or two of fizz, get yourselves down to The Henley Larder and bag yourself a bottle or two of Fairmile Vineyard cuvee or maybe splash out on some Hundred Hills wine from the Stonor Valley. Of course, it’s not all about the fizz, if your fella or lady are into their beer why not create a personalised choice of beer by building your own pack from Lovibonds or grab a Kicking Goat cider gift pack from Woods Wines.

The way to your man’s lover’s heart is through their stomach

This is a winner is it not? Buying someone you love something they love to eat. We’re spoilt for choice with Pavilion Foods and The Henley Larder on our doorstep for all manor of glorious goodies as well as other farm shops and foodie destinations, but here’s our pick. Who wouldn’t want to be tucking into a heart shaped proper steak & ale pie from Pielicious? That’s love at first sight surely. For those with a sweet tooth you can’t go wrong with chocolates from Gorvett & Stone, we’re loving the look of the Strawberry Gin Fizz Truffles. Staying with the gin theme, those clever folk at Gelato Henley have created a delicious pink gin sorbet and The Henley Distillery have a special offer of a personalised label for your Henley Gin. Check them out at the Farmer’s Market this weekend (12th Feb) where they will even be able to print the customised label there and then for you to take home in a gift box.

Say it with flowers

The traditional way and why not. You don’t have to go the whole hog with masses of red roses if you don’t want to, there are many beautiful flowers and statement bouquets that you can just pick out yourself. Pop along to The Henley Florist in Hart Street where Lorna and her team will be on hand to help you choose what you need. Don’t forget that the wonderful Bosley Patch has the most gorgeous British tulips in (image at top) if you want that wow factor whilst reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact and supporting local growers. Fresh flowers don’t last forever, so why not think about some beautiful dried flowers. Wild & Rust have a fantastic Dried Flower Bar in their shop, where they really know what they’re talking about. Also, if you take in a photo of where you’re planning on your display going they will help you with what to choose. How brilliant is that?

Lastly, if you’re really stuck, just pop into their favourite shop and ask for a voucher, that way you can guarantee that they’ll get something they really love.

Happy Valentine’s Henley, keep it local and love to all.