Who would have thought we would be having a lockdown Valentine’s? Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, I think this year we can safely say it’s nice to have SOMETHING in the diary! With restaurants remaining closed during lockdown, the next best thing is Valentine’s dinner from the comfort of your own home to spend ANOTHER night with the one person you’ve probably spent nearly 365 waking days with.
I jest! Sort of…
Anyway, we all deserve to look forward to something and I’ve got some epic picks for you! In this blog post, you’ll find my edit of lockdown Valentine’s Day dinners, meal kits and goodies you can enjoy from home. Pretty much every restaurant in Milton Keynes is offering a special set menu for 14th February, so I’ve picked out some of my favourites that Dan and I would most enjoy. When we eventually decide what we’re up to that is!
Valentine’s at home experience by The Cross Keys
The Cross Keys in Woolstone is our new favourite pub. It’s a good job because it’s not a long walk for us! It’s a shame we can’t enjoy a dog walk there, but they are bringing their goods to you with a special Valentine’s experience at home. The menu is pretty special – It features baked camembert (ideal sharing starter!) beef wellington (pictured) and lobster.
It’s £110 for two, and the spaces are selling out fast! Delivery will be on Saturday 13th February. Full menu and booking details can be found on their Facebook page..
Valentine’s Taster Menu by Cornwall Place Kitchen
If you’re based out Buckingham way, Cornwall Place Kitchen is one of the hot new spots in town. Run by George and Sarah, previously of The Brasserie at MK College, this café come restaurant is churning out some excellent goodies throughout lockdown. The Valentine’s Taster Menu is a complete meal kit for you to finish cooking and plate at home, great if you don’t mind an extra bit of effort. It’s a great-looking menu and features one of my favourites – duck!
Cornwall Place Kitchen’s menu is £45 per person with the option to add a drinks flight for £30. Pick up or delivery will be on the 13th February. Pre-order now via www.inspiresdining.co.uk.
Valentine’s Extravaganza by French Affaire
French Affaire is one of my absolute favourite local restaurants and they have been smashing the fine dining takeaway. It’s been a while since I’ve visited for dinner, but everything they put out is stunning! The Valentine’s menu is no exception. An epic six-course feast (seven if you want to add cheese!) featuring delicious choices for meat, fish and vegetarian options. The menu is available on 12th, 13th and 14th February, but only limited spaces remain for Friday 12th.
The menu is £58 per person. You can add a cheese course for £8.50. Full menu and booking information on their Facebook page.
Valentine’s sharing box by Local Market MK
If you don’t fancy going all out for Valentine’s, but want to do something a little bit special, this hamper from Local Market MK could be for you! Featuring sweet treats to enjoy for breakfast and throughout the day, with some meat and fruity spirit from The Fruity Farmer to finish the day, this is a great way to celebrate but not celebrate.
The hamper is £42 from Local Market MK. It will be delivered or can be collected on Saturday 13th February or available for Nationwide Courier (£10) delivered 12th February.
Read the feature: Everything you need to know about Local Market MK
Valentine’s Home Kit by Nonna’s
Nonna’s have three different choices for you this Valentine’s Day and it’s so hard to decide which one to go for, because to be honest, they all look excellent. Choose from a seven course at home kit (£140 for two) a lamb roast set menu (£90 for two) or the traditional Sunday roast menu (prices vary) – yes that includes the epic Mega Roast. Nonna’s don’t do things by halves, and their food is always excellent, so I have full confidence if you opt for this, it will be a meal to remember!
The full menu and bookings details can be found on Nonna’s Facebook Page.
Paella for two by Olé Tapas Bar
Oh Olé! We this wonderful Spanish restaurant in Wolverton and really miss being able to visit. I have loved seeing the owner and chef, Juan, develop his menu and turn this restaurant into something amazing. In true Spanish style, Olé is putting on a Tapas and Paella feast for two. A range of signature starters including their delicious croquettes is the prelude to a paella to share. Wash it down with a glass or two of sangria, and that sounds like the perfect Valentine’s Day, no?
Olé’s Valentine’s menu is £70 per couple for a three course meal. There is the options to add lobster (recommended!) For full details, head to Olé Tapas Bar’s Facebook page.
‘Lock your Love Down’ box by The Pig & Chicken
Padbury-based Husband and Wife, Adam and Ashleigh, run The Pig & Chicken. They very kindly gave me one of their Festive Feast boxes just before Christmas, and we loved it so much we ended up ordering a tonne of scotch eggs and sausage rolls for Christmas Day (only for Christmas to be cancelled – oh well, there was more for us!) They’ve launched a gorgeous grazing box for Valentine’s which includes their epic scotch eggs, as well as other treats like brownies! It also comes with a Âme Candle Studio Rosemary & Lemongrass Soy Candle and a single stem rose. Because Valentine’s!!!
The box is £40 and available for delivery on Friday 5th, 12th and 19th February. Order on The Pig & Chicken’s website.
Punjabi Roast by Saf’s Kitchen
Sunday roast but Saf’s Kitchen style! If you fancy something a bit different, Saf’s Punjabi roast will spice up your day. Choose from Desi (pictured) or Tandoori roast chicken or cauliflower, accompanies by Masala roast potatoes or gunpowder potatoes. Dan and I road-tested this roast before Saf offered it for Christmas, and I can confirm it was absolutely delicious. Everything is prepped ready for you to just pop in the oven.
Chicken is £35 for two and cauliflower is £28 for two. Check out the Facebook event for full details.
‘Lucha Love’ box by Wingmania
Wrestling themed wing box for two? Oh I’m in. Kings of Wings, Wingmania (brought to you by the guys behind MK11) are bring you an epic wing experience at home for Valentine’s. Get down and dirty with the Lucha Love box, featuring three types of Mexican topped wings and plenty of Tequila. It also comes with wedges and fun instructions with some couples games on. We had SO much fun doing our wing experience, I’d definitely recommend it!
The Lucha Love Box is £45 per couple. You can add a bottle of wine for £10. Delivery will be on Saturday 13th February. Head to Wingmania’s Facebook page to order.
I hope you enjoyed having a browse through some of these great lockdown Valentine’s Day menus in Milton Keynes. I chose some traditional, some not so much and I can’t wait to hear from you guys if you try any of them. If you do, make sure you tag #EatandExploreMiltonKeynes on Instagram and share your pictures with my community group, Eat & Explore MK on Facebook!
What are your lockdown Valentine’s Day plans?
You might also like:
- The Ultimate Independent Milton Keynes Christmas Gift Guide
- Best romantic date night destinations for foodies in Milton Keynes
- A foodie’s guide to celebrating at home during lockdown
