Getting to the heart of things

You can’t say we didn’t give you fair warning – our latest issue got to the heart of Valentine’s Day with gift wish lists, aphrodisiac recipes, inspiration for feathering your love nest and even tips on buying engagement rings (a girl can dream) – so there’s really no excuse for having forgotten. For those who did, love it or hate, single or attached, fear not, we’re here to hold your hand and guide you through the sea of schmaltz and plan the perfect day…

First up, one for the foodies – whether dinner a deux or something more singular minded is on the menu, Hubbub’s Love Vs Hate Valentine’s campaign should give you a helping hand when it comes to recipe research. Just log in, cast a vote in favour of, or against the day of love, and you’ll be confronted with personalised suggestions to suit your mood, from all your favourite local suppliers. Think heart shaped cheeses from La Fromagerie or Hills & Parkes Deli, and Valrhona chocolate brownies from Melrose and Morgan for the lovers, versus products and recipes guaranteed to give you garlic breath and make you windy – posh beans on toast should do the trick – all thoughtfully designed to keep stupid Cupid away.

Want to get out of the house? Call into the Truscott Arms in Maida Vale where clever planning and careful segregation means that both singletons and loved up pairs can enjoy their night without fear of upsetting the other half. Upstairs in the dining room, woo the one for you with a seductively decadent menu including Champagne, oysters and caviar. Still looking for the one? You may just meet them downstairs in the bar, thanks to a game of Cupid snap. Buy a drink, get given a playing card, find someone with a matching card and escort the lucky holder back to the bar to share a complimentary love potion. Oh là là.

And if that hasn’t brightened Valentine’s Day’s prospects, we have one final suggestion. With a burn time of 50 hours, this limited edition Love candle from Neom will outlast flowers and chocs. Totally natural, and blended with tuberose, mimosa and jasmine it would make the a gorgeous gift – be that for yourself or your other half, ours is not to judge.