Date-Night Destinations
Love stories often unfold at a favourite restaurant, and whether it’s a tiny local eatery or a Michelin-starred sensation, these venues become a romantic home from home. So we asked a few stylish couples where they’ll be canoodling on Valentine’s night…
Cobbie Yates & Joseph Hyland
Love: Marcella
“Marcella is our favourite local Italian restaurant. It’s a two-minute walk from our house and they do the most incredible pasta, wine and dessert – we were there last Friday and enjoyed beautiful service. They change the menu every two weeks, but the pasta is always so special.”
Image: Cobbie Yates & Joseph Highland
Image: Marcella
Sophie Ashby & Charlie Casely-Hayford
Love: Jikoni
“Jikoni is our favourite date-night spot in London. Helmed by the talented and lovely Ravinder, it is warm, charming, cosy and unique. Most importantly, the food is delicious – a special blend of global flavours which is totally unique – and we find ourselves going back over and over again. The service is thoughtful, the interiors so sweet and friendly, and Chiltern Firehouse is a few steps away for a nightcap.”
Image: Jikoni
Image: Sophie Ashby & Charlie Casely-Hayford
Lisa King & Sam Way
Love: Plaza Khao Gaeng
“If we’re doing a casual date night, we’re usually going to satiate a Thai food craving, so one of our favourite spots has to be Plaza Khao Gaeng on Tottenham Court Road. It serves authentic southern Thai food in a buzzing atmosphere, with nostalgic pink plates and patterned tablecloths that remind of me the street stalls back home in Bangkok.”
Image: Lisa King & Sam Way
Image: Plaza Khao Gaeng
Tish Weinstock & Tom Guinness
Love: St. John
“We don't go out for dinner because of our two little parasites and hectic work schedules, but we have always had great times at St. John. Lots of wine and ‘nose-to-tail’ dining (not to be mistake for ‘ass-to-mouth’, which I’ve had people give me very odd looks for getting wrong!) It’s very cosy there and a great place for a slap-up meal with your loved one.”
Image: St. John
Image: Tish Weinstock & Tom Guinness
Sarah & Ned Corbett-Winder
Love: Carmel
“We love Carmel on Lonsdale Road. It’s a must to sit at the counter by the kitchen – you get the chefs’ extra intel! It does sharing plates, which always adds to the romance. The lighting is spot on, too – cosy yet cool. A sexy spot with really great food.”
Image: Sarah & Ned Corbett-Winder
Image: Carmel
Charlie Bigham & Claire Worthington
Love: The Anglesea Arms
“Going out for us is all about a relaxed atmosphere and no-nonsense, delicious food. Where better than our neighbourhood gastro pub, The Anglesea Arms? Tasty food, a lovely team and nobody interrupting you to talk through your ‘food experience’. And all a five-minute stroll around the corner. It puts many restaurants in the shade.”
Image: The Anglesea Arms
Image: Charlie Bigham & Clare Worthington
Jasmine Hemsley & Nick Hopper
Love: Apricity
“You’ll find us at chef Chatelle Nicholson’s Apricity – a name which means ‘the warmth of the sun in winter’. It’s the kind of restaurant I wish I’d created, from the way they’ve designed the space to the sourcing of their ingredients and emphasis on sustainability. The intimate atmosphere and the lovely staff all make it very date-appropriate – we’ve tried and tested this one quite a few times! We are also keen to book Jackson Boxer’s latest opening, Dove. I love the look of the menu already – it feels like Jackson’s signature: global inspiration using seasonal British ingredients to make the best comfort food.”
Image: Jasmine Hemsley & Nick Hopper
Image: Apricity