Valentine's Day in Exeter
Surprisingly, what is heralded as the most romantic day of the year can quite often be one of the most stressful for all those couples out there trying to design the perfect Valentine’s Date. Exeter, despite being a wonderful town (or city if you so desire), doesn’t appear to provide the widest variety of ideas for Valentine’s Day, but I have tried to pick up on a few that might be helpful.
Overdose on Chocolate
Having done this at the weekend, I highly recommend sampling one of Exeter’s artisan chocolate cafes, Chococo and Choccie bar. Both located conveniently on Gandy’s Street, it would be silly not to pull out all of the stops and try both on such a special day. I personally recommend treating yourself to an ice-cream sundae at Chococo- £6.50 each or 2 for £12.
2. Classy Cocktails
You can never go wrong with a snazzy cocktail bar, and luckily in Exeter, we have the one and only Book Cover on Longbrook Street, a 1920’s speakeasy disguised as an old book shop. To gain access to this “vintage bookshop”, you will need a secret password which changes every week. It is revealed every Friday on the Book Cover’s facebook page or can be found out by directly emailing the bar. So why not step back in time this Valentine’s Day?
3. Afternoon Tea
Sit back and enjoy the view at Tea on the Green, a cute and cosy restaurant overlooking Exeter’s beautiful Cathedral Green. Afternoon Tea starts at 2:30pm offering the classic scones, dainty sandwiches and locally baked sweet treats. If you’re feeling a bit wild, don’t just limit yourself to tea- upgrade to the ‘Sparkling Exeter’ which adds a glass of prosecco to your order.
4. Catch a Film
Exeter’s Vue Cinema, located just an 8-minute walk from the high street, is the perfect place to snuggle up and watch the latest hit before indulging in a romantic meal. The Valentine’s Day line-up is out to impress, from the critically acclaimed musical ‘The Greatest Showman’ to the historical drama on Churchill ‘Darkest Hour’. Or perhaps ‘Fifty Shades Freed’ is more appropriate for Valentine’s Day.
5. Romantic Meal for two
Having never been to Exeter before University, I was shocked at how many restaurants I found on the high street and tucked away in all its nooks and crannies. One of my favourites is Harry’s- a stylish family run restaurant with a wide-ranging menu. This would definitely need to be booked in advance. Las Iguanas are offering a free class of cava for everyone booked in from the 12th to 14th of February, whilst Zizzi’s has whipped up a tantalizing 3-course Valentine’s set menu for £19.99. Some good food and even better company in a romantic setting can’t go wrong.
6. Escaping Exeter- Exmouth
Although admittedly it’s absolutely freezing, a stroll along Exmouth Beach could be both refreshing and romantic, giving you some nice quiet alone time together to relax, chat and take in the nature. Wrap up extra warm and you could enjoy an intimate picnic on the sand, Lovely.
