Banca Ristorante Italiano

Acclaimed Italian restaurant Banca is bringing the romance and glamour of Milan to their prestigious Mayfair locale this February, with the launch of its luxurious Valentine’s Day menus. 

Diners can choose from a three or four course traditional Italian set menu, which fuses fresh, seasonal and authentic ingredients including oysters, caviar and truffles - ingredients that have long been associated with aphrodisiac properties.   

On arrival, guests will be presented with a glass of champagne, followed by oysters, and can then expect dishes including Warm Fassona Beef Carpaccio with Norcia’s Black Truffle or Grilled Beef Fillet with Aged Balsamic of Modena, and a dessert choice of Chocolate Fondant with Raspberry Heart and Madagascar Vanilla Sauce or Coffee and Petit Fours.

Banca is offering guests the choice of two seatings: 7pm (three course menu at £80) or 9pm (four course menu at £110).

Kitchen chemistry

Nothing says romance like a lavish candlelit dinner on Valentine’s Day, and even more so when one’s sweetheart is surprised with a home-cooked gourmet meal prepared with love, and served in one’s own home.

The Stafford London by Kempinski offers lovebirds a little help in the kitchen this year with an exclusive Valentine's Day Cookery Class, held in the kitchens of the hotel’s new Lyttelton restaurant on Sunday, February 12, 2012.  Led by Executive Chef Brendan Fyldes, it’s an intimate experience for just eight participants, allowing for hands-on learning in a warm and engaging atmosphere.

“Whether planning a special surprise for your spouse or looking for a way to wow someone new, Chef Fyldes will guide participants through a four-course menu that is sure to inspire a memorable evening,” says Leon Baum, General Manager of The Stafford.  “Couples are also invited to join in the fun.”

The class runs from 8:30 to 11:30 am, followed by canapés and a glass of Champagne in the Hotel’s famous American Bar before luncheon at The Lyttelton, where Master Sommelier Gino Nardella will personally select the wine pairings.  Afterwards, participants leave with a gift bag that includes a Kempinski cookery book, an apron adorned with The Lyttelton logo, homemade chutneys and biscuits, and a solid plan for a fabulous home-cooked Valentine’s Day dinner à deux.

The class costs £220.00 per person including three-hour hands on cookery lesson, Champagne, canapés and lunch with wines at The Lyttelton, and gift bag.  Advance registration is a must due to limited space.

Tel 0207 493 0111

Coming up roses...

It's not too late to spoil her and there can be few better places to spend Valentine's than Lime Wood's delectable spa, Herb House.  This year they have rustled up a Coming Up Roses spa day for that love struck man to give to his heart throb. 

Coming Up Roses includes a Bamford Rose Relaxing Upper Body and Facial massage, lunch in the Raw & Cured spa cafe with a glass of English bubbly, full use of all the Herb House's award winning facilities and a very special gift to take home. 

This day in paradise costs a mere £175 per person and if you'd like top it off by saying it with flowers then Herb House can arrange for a stunning Real Flower Company bouquet to be delivered to the spa or to your loved ones home from just £59.50. 

The reservations team will order the bouquet at the time of booking.  To book contact Herb House on 02380 286 998 or visit www.herbhouse.co.uk