The food of love
We all know that the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, so with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to get a table booked! We’ve asked three romantic Essex restaurants what plans they have to get couples in the mood for love...
The George Hotel, Colchester
The George Hotel in Colchester has the perfect romantic package – a chance to really treat your loved one to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day in 2023. Whether you’re planning an evening of celebration or you want to make it an extra-special getaway for two, there is an option for you.
Stays include £50 towards your romantic evening meal in its fabulous restaurant, a complimentary bottle of prosecco in your room upon arrival and a delicious breakfast for you both the following morning. Prices are from £149.00 per couple (upgrades are available).
The restaurant at the George Hotel is just made for an intimate experience. With three separate levels to the restaurant, no matter where you sit you can pay full attention to your date on this special night, and there’s plenty of warm, ambient lighting to set the mood. Make sure you sample its new wine and cocktail menu.
Marc Pembroke is the operations manager for the George Hotel. He says, ‘On Valentine’s Day, I will be on hand to greet our guests and make sure they have a fantastic night out with their loved one.
‘I’m also planning to send some chocolates, a card and some flowers to my girlfriend’s workplace to let her know that I am thinking about her – even though I am at work!’
Mark came to the George Hotel after 12 years of running hotels and holiday parks abroad and is committed to bringing his expertise to Colchester. ‘Helping guests from all over the world has given me the experience needed to become operations manager of such a beautiful and prominent city centre hotel.’
The Hoop’s chef owner is Phil Utz, who runs the award-winning gastro pub with his wife, Michelle. This year, the Hoop will be offering couples a romantic sharing menu for two; think salmon and lobster ravioli with a creamy lobster bisque, creamed leeks and herb-crusted rack of lamb with gratin potatoes and French beans. This delicious meal finishes with a French flourish – an apple tart for two topped off with Calvados brandy.
The Hoop is a traditional real ale pub with a beautiful, award-winning restaurant on the first floor, which is sure to impress the love of your life. There’s also a good selection of real ales and wines from around the world. Phil and Michelle’s personal service and attention to detail will complete your intimate night perfectly.
Phil was inspired to get into the food business by his father, who was also a chef at a hotel in London’s Charing Cross.
Phil tells us, ‘As we own and run the Hoop together, Michelle and I will be at work on Valentine’s Day – but at least we always spend it together! To show her just how much I love and appreciate her, I always buy her some lovely flowers from our local florist here in the village of Stock; always keeping it local.’
Executive chef Ellis Manchee of the Magic Mushroom, which is set at the very front of the ever-popular Barleylands, has an impressive four-course menu planned for the most romantic day of the year, priced at £75 per person.
The restaurant offers freshly cooked food, and it brilliantly fuses contemporary menus with a traditional style. The atmosphere will be further enhanced by a live singer and the most intimate of surroundings. This is achieved with spaced-out restaurant settings, giving it a private-dining feel.
The team of attentive but unobtrusive staff will ensure you enjoy an unrushed and relaxed evening together. The four-course menu will include snacks specially prepared by Ellis and his team, plus a rather special sharing dessert.
Ellis has worked his way through the ranks, starting as a kitchen porter at the Magic Mushroom, which first sparked his interest in a career in food and hospitality. He says, ‘With a lot of commitment and training I am proud to say I have worked my way up to executive chef.’
On Valentine’s Day, like everyone featured this month, Ellis will be working hard to give you the best evening he possibly can. ‘However, I will be treating my wife on my day off to something very special to make up for not being with her on Valentine’s Day.
Get the taste...
The George Hotel
116 High Street
Colchester
01206 578 494
suryahotels.co.uk/thegeorgehotel
The Hoop
21 High Street
Stock
01277 841 137
thehoop.co.uk
The Magic Mushroom
Barleylands Road
Billericay
01268 289 963
magicmushroomrestaurant.co.uk
