We know Valentine’s might look a little different this year, but there’s no reason why it has to be any less special. While going out to fancy restaurants and cocktail bars might be off the cards, there’s still plenty of amazing ways to celebrate the special occasion in lockdown. From shake-at-home cocktail kits, to jewellery making masterclasses, baking, and even a live cook-along with professional chefs! Here’s our rundown of 12 ways to spend Valentine’s in lockdown.
1. The Valentine’s Menu from Frank’s bar
Enjoy a romantic night in this year with the Valentine’s menu from Frank’s bar. Choose 6 tapas dishes – everything from Lamb shwarma to Chilli and garlic tiger prawns – and 2 delicious desserts, all for £50. Or why not celebrate with their ‘Night Out In’ kit? A shake-at-home cocktail kit, 2 gin & tonics, and 2 Adnams lagers for £15.
Frank’s Bar, Norwich
2. A night in at the theatre – OUTPOST Gallery
Bring the theatre to your living room this Valentine’s Day, with OUTPOST Gallery. Last year, OUTPOST Gallery launched a fantastic online series of live shows, comedy events, poetry and more. The series is still live on their site and is the perfect entertainment for a Valentine’s night in. Enjoy stand-up comedy, poetry readings from Molly Naylor, and a one-off online performance from The Neutrinos.
Outpost Gallery, Norwich
3. Lockdown lessons with Print to the People
For anyone looking to make their own Valentine’s gifts this year, we’d recommend checking out Print to the People. Their lockdown lessons project is packed full of free workshops and videos on everything from mono-printing from home to basic photography tips, lino printing, and more. There’s even some great family activities to enjoy, too!
Letter press
4. Binge-watch Bridgerton
Romance, comedy, and scandal. Netflix’s new hit, Bridgerton, has all the components for the perfect Valentine’s celebration at home. And once you’ve finished binge-watching this smash-hit, check out our latest blog post, ‘7 Bridgerton-inspired Norwich experiences’. It’s packed with amazing activities to enjoy in Norwich post-lockdown.
5. Baking with Bread Source
It’s fair to say that 2020 was truly the year of baking. By June, we’d eaten more banana bread than we care to admit! But if you’ve still got the baking bug, then our friends at Bread Source have got you covered, with their sourdough starter kit. This bake-from-home kit contains everything you’ll need to hone your sourdough skills. There’s even a ‘how to’ guide with tips and tricks from the pros.
Bread Source, credit Hannah Hutchins
6. Sweet treats from Cupcake & Co
If bread isn’t quite your thing, then why not try your hand at baking something a little sweeter this year? The team at Cupcake & Co. have all your baking needs catered for this Valentine’s, with everything you’ll need to make the perfect cake, brownie, blondie, or brioche! But, if like us, you’d rather spend your time eating cake instead of baking it, you can also have some freshly-made sweet treats delivered straight to your door!
Cupcake & Co.
7. Art at the heart of your day
If you’re lucky enough to live nearby, we’d recommend a stroll around the UEA lake and Sculpture Park. With incredible waterside walks and thought-provoking art from the Sainsbury Centre, it’s a great free day out. If you fancy a longer stroll, you can wander into the nature reserve and immerse yourself in the local landscape.
UEA Lake, Norwich
8. Cakeaway from The Assembly House
If there’s ever been a time to overindulge, Valentine’s Day in lockdown is it! Thankfully, our friends at The Assembly House have got you covered, with their incredible Cakeaway offer. Head pastry chef, Mark Mitson has put together a delicious afternoon tea experience, consisting of triple chocolate scones, sticky toffee cupcakes, sea-salt caramel eclairs, lemon meringue pie, and more!
Afternoon Tea at The Assembly House. Photo : Steve Adams
9. Ring-making with Studio Adorn
Founded in 2017 by Bonnie Doonan, Studio Adorn specialises in award-winning, hand-crafted jewellery made in the heart of Norwich. As well as a stunning range of necklaces, rings, bracelets, and brooches, the studio offer incredible jewellery making kits so you can create your very own unique pieces. Delivered straight to your front door, this is the perfect activity for couples or friends looking to try something different this Valentine’s.
Studio Adorn hoop earing kit
10. Cook-along with Woolf & Social
This Valentine’s why not spice things up in the kitchen, with a little help from Woolf & Social! After the success of their Summer cooking kits, the Norwich-based restaurant is launching a nationwide Valentine’s cook-along. For just £10, you’ll get access to the cook-along live stream as well as a full list of necessary equipment and ingredients (all readily available in your local shops). Or, if you’re Norwich-based, Woolf & Social can deliver an ingredients hamper and recipe card for just £50. This is a great opportunity to hone your cooking skills and produce a restaurant-quality meal for you and your loved ones.
11. A special delivery from Jack Valentine & Lacons
If you’re local to Norfolk, then there’s a very good chance you’re aware of the tale of Jack Valentine (if not, check out our latest blog on good ‘ol Jack!). Well to celebrate the 200 year old legend, local brewery, Lacons have launched a limited edition Jack Valentine mini cask, with delicious aromas of peach & plum! Why not celebrate Valentine’s with a few drinks in honour of Jack. Each cask costs £22 and is packed with enough golden ale to keep you going throughout Valentine’s weekend!
Jack Valentine mini cask from Lacons
12. Hampers from the Goat Shed
Wine and dine your loved ones this year, with delicious food hampers from The Goat Shed at Fielding Cottage. Their English breakfast hamper is full of amazing local meats, eggs, sauces, and fresh juice, while the ‘Date Night’ hamper offers up everything needed for the perfect lockdown celebration. Two Brick pizzas, a bucket of Algys popcorn, and a box of sweet treats! When you collect your hamper, you’ll also find a great range of cards, gifts, skin care products, and even freshly-cut flowers.
