From fizz and oysters to stinky cheese, here’s a pick of places to celebrate love your way
SHARE A LUXURIOUS SEAFOOD FEAST
DN1 Doncaster
Dining decadence awaits at this Doncaster institution. One of our Yorkshire Life Food and Drink Award winners, Sarah Wilson and Martyn Pippard have created food heaven in this corner of our county. For a true Valentine’s treat, pull up a stool at the bar and sip on champagne and feast on oysters at their Chef’s Bench or try the tasting menus created by head chef Marcus Ashton-Simpson and his team, Adam Barratt, Oscar Ready and Tom Lister, who works front of house. Looking for a midnight feast? DN1 is also home to a deli where the shelves groan with food offering global flavours and indulgent delights – think the best wines, rare cheeses and just about every food you can think of. dn1online.co.uk
CATCH THE WAVES IN WHITBY
Fisherman’s Wife, Whitby
This local institution in the seaside town that offers some of the best views of the bay. Stroll through the town before lunch of fish and fizz. And you couldn’t get fresher fish - all of it comes from the fish market, just a few steps away; crab and lobsters – perfect for with that glass of fizz - are caught daily from local Whitby waters and meat is supplied by Radford’s award-winning butchers, just up the hill out of Whitby in Sleights and a good pitstop for holiday provisions if you need. Once you’ve finished, head outside for a walk along the sands you’ve just been overlooking. Don’t want to sit in? Grab fish and chips to go before you head to the beach. Thefishermanswife.co.uk
GASTROPUB GET-TOGETHER
The Owl, Hawnby
This pub is perfect for a daytime date – you could start off with a gorgeous walk in this stunning part of North Yorkshire or a ramble round Helmsley which is just a short drive away. This smart pub, packed with character, has been taken over recently by the folks who opened up the popular Bantam restaurant in Helmsley – which is lauded in the Michelin Guide. Run by Yorkshire-born chef Sam Varley and his team, The Owl is all about putting local ingredients front and centre, so you’ll find moorland game, hearty pies, seasonal dishes – and great ales waiting – not to mention a roaring fire – cosy and perfect. Theowlhawnby.co.uk
PERFECT FOR GALENTINE GATHERING
Pom Kitchen, Sheffield
Grab your girl pals and head to one of these pretty in pink plant-based cafés and delis in foodie spot Sharrow Vale or Crookes where bagels, milkshakes, salads and cocktails come in all colours of the rainbow. It’s a place where the surroundings are just as gorgeous as the food. When not cooking up veggie and vegan breakfast and brunch heaven, making food to bring smiles to the faces of all who dine there, they’re catering for big Yorkshire brands including Lucy and Yak. Pomkitchen.co.uk
TEATIME TREATS
Mama Doreen
Gather a group of your best pals and make your way down to Mama Doreen’s Emporium for the loveliest afternoon tea in town. With a new site open on the outskirts of York, as well as Mama Doreen’s famed central Harrogate tearoom, it’s the perfect place to celebrate love between friends. Tuck into an array of delectable delights with towers of savoury treats including a starter of warm homemade soup, bruschetta, and an array of sandwiches. There’s sweet treats aplenty with the prettiest cakes and desserts you ever did see, perfectly paired with a variety of teas served in dainty, mismatching teacups or add a glass of bubbles to really feel the love. Opt for afternoon tea-style breakfast for something a little different. mamadoreensemporium.co.uk
FRESH AIR FEELS
Riverbank, Burnsall
If you like an outdoorsy date with a bacon butty to go, there are few spots as picturesque as Burnsall in the Yorkshire Dales. Big views by the River Wharfe are made for getting wrapped up for muddy walks that leave you with a rosy-cheeked glow and feeling of achievement. There are signposted walks by the bridge at Burnsall and you could start or finish at cool and cosy Riverbank café where you can fill up the aforementioned bacon butty, a wood-fired pizza or mouth-watering cakes and bakes. Riverbankburnsall.com
SAY CHEESE
Rind, Settle
If you can share a stinky cheeseboard you know it’s love. The place to do just that is Rind, the new cheese café based in Settle next door to the famous Courtyard Dairy. On the menu? Yes, cheese galore – and variations in the form of pizza – such as the crazily fabulous Cheesy Beano topped with cheddar, mozzarella, house baked beans and Hendersons Relish. Try a tasty Tartiflette full of cheese, potato and garlic – or your choice of an artisan cheeseboard. All housed in a bright café with fine views. Thecheesebar.com
