It’s all about Valentine’s Day this week with a great round-up of deals and possibilities...

* Browns in St Giles has compiled a special “You Had Me at Hello”, Valentine’s menu priced at £29.95 per person for three courses.

Mains include a 21 day-aged sirloin steak, mushroom pappardelle and fillets of sea bass with caper and yoghurt dressing. Desserts include a trio of crème brulee, Eton mess and the brownie indulgence to share.

There’ll also be love-infused cocktails, including ‘First Love’, a mix of Absolut Raspberri, Mercier Champagne and Chambord, ‘Valentine’s Crush,’ with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, fresh mint, sugar and crushed ice. See browns-restaurants.co.uk/ locations/ n A Valentine’s Tea is a nice idea for those who don’t want an evening out. Waddesdon’s Manor Restaurant is offering St Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea on Sunday, February 9 and 16, for £16.50 with delicious pastries and dainty open sandwiches.

Pre-book for a complimentary glass of champagne on 01296 653226. Normal gardens admission apply.

* If you want to push the boat out on Valentine’s Day itself, venture down to the Five Arrows Hotel in Aylesbury, where for £59.50 you can enjoy a champagne cocktail, four-course dinner, coffee and chocolates.

Call 01296 651727 or email five.arrows@nationaltrust.org.uk
 

* Maison Blanc has lots of sugary nothings to spoil your loved one with or stay for coffee and cake, in the cafe. Maison Blanc’s brand new Valentine’s range includes Red Velvet Cake, pictured, Raspberry Ripple Cupcake and White Chocolate Heart Cake. See maisonblanc.co.uk n Fallowfields Country Hotel in Abingdon is offering a special seven-course tasting menu for all you love-birds out there. Highlighted courses include steamed halibut topped with lobster mousse and Fallowfields chargrilled Dexter Chateaubriand dishes – in the candle-lit restaurant on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 13-15, for £80 per person.

Call Michelle on 01865 820416 or email stay@fallowfields.com

* If sport is more your thing then get down to The Royal Oak Oxford in Woodstock Road to watch the Six Nations matches where until March 15, you can fill up with a burger and beer for £10 on match days only. Choices include West Country beef topped with mature cheddar and a lentil and spinach burger with houmous. Call 01865 310187 or see theroyaloakoxford.co.uk

* The piece de resistance however must be the Valentines Lock-in at Oxford Castle Unlocked where couples are given the chance to be locked up with their loved ones in their very own prison cell to enjoy a three-course meal in unique surroundings.

The menu includes winter vegetable soup, steak and organic ale pie, with creamy mash, fine green beans and gravy, chicken with Portabello mushrooms and madeira sauce served with creamy mash and carrot baton bundles, a trio of desserts, a glass of bubbly each all for £65 per couple.

There are two sittings on Friday, February 14, at 7pm and 9pm.

Call 01865 260666 or see oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk