Here’s my edit of the best Valentine’s Day menus from the loveliest independent restaurants across Derbyshire. I’ve also included dine in options for those who struggle to get a babysitter or who just prefer to stay in the comfort of their own house.
All of the details of these were found on the Instagram or Facebook pages of each establishment – head there for more details. Booking is essential everywhere and places are likely to get booked up quickly. You might also be interested in my general guide to the most romantic restaurants in Derbyshire (which are gorgeous all year round).
For Valentine’s Day gift ideas – click here.
The Factory Kitchen, Ilkeston
Situated in a 19th century malt house, this family run business is a coffee shop by day but by night transforms into a delectable fine dining restaurant. Michelin trained chef Jacob Robinson has put together a five course tasting menu on Thursday 10th, Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Monday 14th February. There’s also a fully vegan menu. Advanced booking only, £50 per person.
The George Alstonefield
The George are running a special tasting menu complete with wine pairings, all prepared with a good dose of love and passion!
The Palfrey, Milford
The Palfrey are running a Valentine’s Day menu on Saturday 12th as well as the day itself. It’s four courses for £50 per person and includes a glass of fizz on arrival to accompany the fresh oysters!
The Seafood Cave and Grill, Matlock Bath
The Seafood Cave are offering a four course sharing menu for £60 per couple. Starting with a glass of prosecco and canape, then a choice of platter from either the land, the sea (or a combination of both!), then a choice of main including seafood mixed grill or surf and turf (£10 supplement) and then a sharing platter dessert.
The White Lion at Great Longstone
Enjoy three courses and homemade chocolates with a pianist for a very reasonable £50 per couple. Starters include a delicious sounding baked camembert.
Amalfi White, Melbourne
This beautifully contemporary Italian restaurant in the pretty village of Melbourne is running a Valentine’s menu on both the day itself and Saturday 12th. It’s six sumptuous courses for £75 per person, with live music.
Vegan Valentine’s Day Menus
Sin Carne Cantina is a vegan Mexican restaurant in Matlock Bath. They’re offering a mezze style vegan meal for just £20 per person.
The Factory Kitchen in Ilkeston also has a fully vegan tasting menu – see above.
Dine In Options for Valentine’s Day
Whether you just prefer to stay home and cosy, or are constrained by a lack of childcare, here’s a round up of some great dine at home options for Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day Dine at Home Box from Aqua Garden
[AD – previous PR invite – no obligation to post this]. I’m a big fan of Aqua Garden. This Chesterfield based, family run business hosts fabulous pop-up restaurant nights across Derbyshire and Sheffield. They also put together amazing ‘dine at home’ boxes. I’ve been lucky enough to try one of these (it previously used to be called ‘Dear Chef’) and they genuinely make restaurant quality food a doddle to put together at home. It’s not cheap at £40 per person – but the quality is top-notch and we had a wonderful night when we trialled a box.
The Valentine’s menu looks delicious. It includes freshly baked bread, canapés, Lobster Thermidor tart, rack of lamb, Bullion dark chocolate delice and petit fours.
Tori & Ben’s Valentine’s Hamper
Fabulous farm shop, Tori & Ben’s are offering hampers full of local artisan produce. One hamper serves two people, collection only and must be pre-booked by 4th February. Inside the hamper is a delicious meal for two, including a sharing platter starter, two 10 oz dry aged Longhorn rump steaks (and the steak from Tori & Ben’s is divine) and sides and a choice of dessert.
Click here for other great farm shops across Derbyshire
Remarkable Hare Prep Box
The Remarkable Hare are offering Valentine’s Day ‘prep boxes’ from Friday 11th to Valentine’s Day itself on 14th February. The box is prepped by the chefs at the Remarkable Hare and finished and enjoyed by you!
The box costs £30pp and includes focaccia with red pepper hummus, hot smoked salmon and prawn cocktail, slow braised blade of beef, horseradish mash and carrots and then a classic lemon meringue tart with raspberry sorbet. Message the pub directly to book.
Tipple Adventures
Tipple Adventures is a family business that delivers gorgeous grazing platters to Chesterfield and the surrounding area. There’s a stunning Brie heart (vegetarian option available) topped with cured meats and garnishes, supplied with crackers and chutney. You can also choose to add on flowers, wine and/or a cute heart shaped balloon.
Emily’s Home Cooked Kitchen is offering a dine at home menu box including either chicken liver or veggie ‘faux gras’ parfait, beef or veggie Wellington and chocolate ‘love bomb’ dessert. £75 for two people, including coffee and petit fours. Free delivery to DE4. DM to order.
Family friendly Valentine’s Event
Junction Arts are running a Love Bolsover event on Saturday 12th February. There will be live music and activities for all ages. At sunset the town will come to life and be lit up by beautiful light projections.
