Whilst Valentine’s Day is set to look a little different this year, York’s indie businesses are on hand to help you make the most of the lockdown celebrations. From virtual cooking classes and at-home dining experiences, to one-of-a-kind gifts, there is something for everyone.
Here’s our top pick of ten of York’s best Valentine’s experiences and gift ideas to help you get inspired this February:
- Learn a new skill at the Cookery School at The Grand, York with their Valentine’s special Beef Wellington class:
Although dining out may not be an option this Valentine’s Day, The Grand York’s Head Chef Tutor is here to ensure that dining-in is a truly romantic treat. This online class will allow beginners to create a delicious meal, together with your loved one, to celebrate the most romantic day of the year. Throughout this 1.5 – 2 hour immersive and interactive class, the head chef tutor will guide you through each step of the recipe and cook along with you whilst answering any burning questions you may have. Book your spot here.
2. Treat your loved ones to a special Valentine’s gift from Bettys Tea Rooms:
Choose from exquisite chocolate collections to hand-decorated Valentine’s themed biscuits, macaroons, truffles and more – the perfect gifts for those with a sweet tooth! For an at-home dining experience you can also collect a takeaway afternoon tea from Bettys shops. With freshly made cakes and sandwiches, and a scone with jam and clotted cream, you have everything you need to create a beautiful, spirit-lifting afternoon tea at home. Find out more here.
3. Enjoy an at-home dining experience with Ambiente’s Valentine’s Day box for two:
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your lockdown love and enjoy a fabulous Valentine’s Day Box from tapas restaurant Ambiente. The box offers a three course tapas meal for two and includes a sharing platter to start, five tapas, a sharing dessert and a bottle of Cava for only £50. Available to collect from Ambiente Fossgate (York) or for delivery within York Ring Road on Friday 12th February 2021, the dishes have a three-day shelf-life making them perfect to enjoy on Valentine’s Day! Book yours now.
4. Gift a loved one unique York-themed jewellery from Azendi’s Heart of Yorkshire collection:
Did you know it’s a local tradition that couples who kiss under the Heart of Yorkshire window at York Minster will stay together forever? Why not treat your loved one to a piece of jewellery inspired by York Minster’s famous stained-glass window – the Heart of Yorkshire this Valentine’s Day? Azendi’s collection recreates the flowing lines of romantic tracery in detailed designs with a range to choose from. Find out more here.
5. Enjoy some delicious York Gin in a unique personalised engraved bottle:
The perfect gift for gin lovers (or a treat for yourself), York Gin make some of the world’s best gins in York’s only distillery. With a range of flavours available (including the very special Chocolate and Orange gin), York Gin also offer gift sets for a home tasting session. For Valentine’s gifts they are also offering free beautiful gift wrapping. Find out more.
- Show your love by gifting some of York Cocoa House’s finest Valentine’s chocolates:
York Cocoa House chocolates make fabulous gifts all year round, but especially so when you want to show someone you care and are celebrating the season of love. From Valentine’s luxury chocolate hampers to chocolate fondue and seasonal truffles – there is something for every chocolate lover here. View the Valentine’s collection here.
7. Get cheesy this Valentine’s with a Love Cheese gift:
Love Cheese have everything from cheese making kits to delicious hampers and tasting selections for you to try at home. They also run virtual cheese tasting events throughout the year – offering five hand-picked pairings on Facebook Live to put some extra flavour in your Saturday night in! Find out more.
8.Learn how to make authentic Indian dishes with a cookery class from Sharmini Thomas:
Try something new and treat yourself or a loved one to an online cookery class from Sharmini Thomas – with a variety of new and delicious Indian recipes that you can easily replicate from the comfort of your home. Sharmini Thomas will guide you through the use of the key spices to create your own authentic Indian dishes. Find out more here.
9.Surprise someone special with a beautiful Valentine’s balloon bouquet from The Little Balloon Company:
Make someone’s day with a stunning Valentine’s balloon – with balloon bouquets and personalised love themed balloons to choose from, The Little Balloon company have got you covered for something extra special this year. Find out more.
10. Shop local at York’s Virtual market and find an extra special gift:
Support one of York’s independent businesses this Valentine’s and get the unique shopping experience of a York Market in the comfort of your own home. From premium local produce and delicious beverages, to stunning homeware and fabulous fashion – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Sit back, relax and get shopping, supporting Yorkshire’s outstanding retailers and producers with everything you buy. For a very special York-themed present why not also check out the Visit York online shop for a range of gift ideas from local artists and businesses which are inspired by York and celebrate our city. Find out more.
You can also show your love for York businesses and attractions this February by voting for your favourites in the Visit York #LoveYork awards. With categories focusing on the ‘best of the best’ experiences and initiatives introduced by organisations during the lockdown, voters are encouraged to choose their favourite virtual and foodie experiences.
Cast your votes now for businesses who’ve gone above and beyond in the ‘Going the Extra Mile’ and choose your ‘Lockdown Hero’. Voting is open until 5PM on Wednesday 10th February 2021 – to cast your votes, visit www.visityork.org/loveyorkawards.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
Make It York
Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally – as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. The company’s remit covers leisure and business tourism, city centre management, festivals and events, business support and inward investment.
One of Make It York’s strategic aims is to promote York as a brilliant place to do business, helping to support business growth and innovation across a range of business sectors, such as financial & professional services, rail and high value manufacturing and to stimulate greater inward investment.
For further information please contact:
Amy Goodman – Consumer Communications Manager
Email: amy.goodman@makeityork.com
