Celebrating Valentines Day in Stroud

It's the start of February so it must be time to start thinking about Valentine's Day.  If you are anything like me you won't have made any plans yet so I thought I'd summarise what's available in Stroud to help.

Based on my research, most of the restaurants (and some of the cafes) are planning a special menu.  The only restaurant I found not offering a special menu is The Imperial who will just have their normal, delicious menu on offer.

For fans of Italian, Sorrento's are offering a three course menu for £24.95.  Options include seared duck, goat cheese in carrozza or mussels to start.  This can be followed by mushroom risotto, chicken supreme, halibut or steak.  Their dessert options are Tiramisu, crème brulee, chocolate soufflé, pannacotta or Italian ice cream.   The full menu is available on their web site at www.sorrentostroud.co.uk

JRool are in the final stages of planning their menu and hope to have something available on Saturday so check their window for details on your way to the market.  They will be offering a two or three course menu, which should cost around £22 and £27, but this hasn't been confirmed.

A cheaper option would be The Market Tavern who are offering a three course meal for £17.95 per person.   I haven't eaten here but have read a few good reviews.  It's seems to be less gourmet and more pub food.

Woodru*** Organic Café who are now offering a pop up style restaurant on Saturday nights from 11th February will also be open on Valentines evening for a special meal.  The menu I was given was an example of their Saturday night line-up but at least gives you an idea of the cost which was £25 for two courses and £29.50 for three.  Options included lobster, Duck and an Artichoke and Wild Mushroom lattice.  Booking is essential and given the lack of example menus they, be quick about it.

Venturing out of town, why not try The Old Lodge on Minchinhampton Common.  They are offering a special menu on both Saturday 11th and Valentines day itself.  Options include gorgonzola tart, ham hock to start or steak, ravioli or half a Cornish lobster.  Deserts are just as mouth-watering and include crème brulee (a favourite for valentines it seems), trio of chocolate or hazelnut and vanilla torte.

On the other side of Stroud, the Edgemoor Inn is offering a special menu, again individually priced, but with more choice.   Options include a sharing platter to start and a chocolate fondue to share for desert. Someone has really thought through the romantic side of valentines.  Main courses are between £11 and £16.50 for a beef stack(!). 

For an extra special night why not take advantage of the Valentines special running at The Bear of Rodborough Hotel?  This includes a box of Hotel Chocolat chocolates and half bottle of Duval Leroy Champagne in your room on arrival.  This is followed by a candlelit dinner in the restaurant and a night's accommodation and Cotswold Breakfast for £158 for a double room.  No need to worry about taxis and you can still be at work on time the following morning.

If that all sounds lovely, but you haven't even paid for Christmas yet why not rent a film from Blockbusters or a local charity shop?  A member of Filmbuffer, a web site for film fans, has put together a pretty good list of romantic films at www.Filmbuffer.com so you could pick a few you haven't seen.  For pure indulgence I'd recommend 1, 2, 7 and 13 on their list.