Need some inspiration? Top pick of great ideas for Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day only around the corner, we have done the hard work, and put together a selection of great ideas for ways to treat your loved one this February 14th.

1. The Middle House, Mayfield, is one of our favourite places to eat, you can enjoy the contemporary bistro or the cosy restaurant area. For Valentine’s they have put together a delicious three course menu starting with a glass of pink fizz and featuring fresh seasonal produce, meat and fish sourced locally where possible, and a stunning selection of puddings or local cheeses,  booking is essential. 
2. Perhaps you prefer the idea of impressing your loved one with a meal cooked by your own fair hands but not sure if you can pull it off on the night? Then Cuculo in Heathfield have the solution, on February 13th, at their premises on the High Street, you can enjoy an evening of fun preparing a three-course meal for your loved one. But, rather than eat it right away you take it home, carefully packed and ready to present the following evening. This class is as suitable for the culinary nymphet as for the kitchen fumbler, for Love is the main ingredient! £40 per person.

3. Flowers are a traditional gift and are always popular, The Cuckoo Flower Co in Horam make beautiful hand ties, and offer much more than a conventional bouquet of red roses. Give Ana a call, 01435 813649 to discuss your order and  if you let her know your partner’s favourite colours and blooms, then she will create a unique bouquet to wow your loved one.

There is also lots of inspiration on their website. Delivery can be arranged too.

The shop also has a range of cute gift ideas and pot plants and candles. Pop in and you will be spoilt for choice.

4. A surprise gift could be more of an experience and something to look forward to. If your partner is a lover of wine, then you can surprise them with a Voucher for a Wine Tour & Tasting at one of the excellent local vineyards in the area. Hidden Spring in Horam run Tours all year round, the owners will welcome you with a visit to the winery and then their tasting room to sample four white, still and sparkling wines. Just down the road in Hellingly, is the Award Winning, Off The Line Vineyard, known for their delicious Rosé wines. A visit to Off The Line includes a tour of the vineyard, winery and a tasting of their three rosé wines.

5. More Than Just Cards stock a range of Flamingo Paperie cards and paper products for all occasions. You can see the full range and order ONLINE

Or pop in this Thursday 7th February for a New Products Open House in Hailsham from 1-5pm.

More Than Just Cards have a a full range of Valentines cards, birthday, special occasion and notelet cards; plus lots of gift wrapping and tags for every type of gift.

6. If the indulgent foodie treats don’t appeal then how about a treatment like a massage or facial. Emma Smith Beauty in Heathfield offers treatments to relax unwind and ease away the stresses of every day life with a 25 or 55 Minute Massage. Also with three different techniques to choose from Swedish , Aromatherapy and Deep tissue there is the option to select the therapy most suited to your loved one. There is a 15% discount on all massages during February.

Emma offers a range of beauty therapies and treatments, give her a call to discuss which one makes the best gift. Gift Vouchers can be purchased.

7. Looking for something heart shaped? Cheese also comes in the shape of a heart. Cuculo have a collection of heart shaped cheeses and a big choice of wine to pair with the cheese.

8. Still not tempted? What about a night gazing at the stars with your loved one? Maybe your partner is a keen astronomer or you just fancy something different. The next opportunity to star gaze will be February 16th 2019. During the evening you will experience an insight into the days when the Royal Observatory was located at Herstmonceux. With clear skies, you will have the opportunity to actually view the night sky through the historic telescopes. Expert guides will be on hand to answer your questions, point out interesting night features and tell you of the history of the site. In addition to the historic telescopes, the centre offers hands-on exhibits to explore and enjoy. Perfect timing for a Valentine’s celebration on the weekend. Go online to book at Herstmonceux Observatory and Science Centre.

8. This is our ‘hidden gem’ tucked away in Uckfield – chocolatier for 40 years, Howard Richard Hitchon of HRH Truffles who makes the most sumptious handmade chocolates. We know because we were given some samples to try and we were blown away by the flavours and silky texture – the vanilla, mango and blackberry were our favourites. These sublime chocolates can be bought fresh from the new chill cabinet at Cuculo in Heathfield, High St, and will not disappoint.

Whatever you decide to do we hope you have a wonderful time with the one you love!