The Ultimate Bedfordshire Valentine's Guide 2024

The season of love is upon us and Bedfordshire is filled with romantic restaurants, charming cafes and intimate bars to woo that special someone.

I have collated a selection of the finest eateries, events and gifts that you can find in Bedfordshire to celebrate Valentines, Galentines or Palentines.

And if you’re not celebrating, that’s okay too. Why not show your self a little love and support an independent business at the same time? You deserve it!

Restaurants for romancing ❤️

The Cross Keys at Woodend
Undoubtedly one of Bedfordshire’s most romantic and luxurious pubs, the Cross Keys offers a decadent menu of indulgent Italian food and cocktails. If you want to seriously impress this year, then treat your loved one to an indulgent 3 course meal with live music from Laura Menozzi for £40pp. For the full romantic experience, add a bunch of roses to the booking to be on the table when you arrive.
‍https://www.crosskeyswoodend.co.uk/

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‍‍The Oakley Arms, Harrold
If you’re looking to impress your valentine, then there is no better spot than the Oakley Arms. Tucked away in north Bedfordshire, this pub offers rustic charm and cosy nooks paired with some of the best food in the county.Enjoy the valentines menu for lunch or dinner with two courses for £35.
‍https://www.theoakleyharrold.co.uk/

The Bedford Cheese Company at the Barn
The Barn at Cardington reopened last year with a new cheesy twist. With Bedford’s finest purveyors of cheese at the helm and a new look, it makes to the perfect place for a romantic lunch date or pick up all the essentials for a cosy night in with a cheeseboard.The Barn is open with a special 3 course lunch menu on Valentine's Day including romantic sharing main courses.

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‍Deshi Spice
The winner of multiple awards and a locals favourite, Deshi Spice offers up some of Bedford’s best Indian food alongside a very warm welcome. Book in this Valentine’s Day for an evening of delicious food with a 4 course menu including a special dessert for £29.95 per person.
‍https://www.deshi-spice.com

The Legstraps Wootton
For fine dining and cosy country vibes, head to the Legstraps. A gorgeous pub well known for offering a delightful menu of fine dining and pub classics.The pub is offering an intimate evening of live piano music, roses on tables and a sumptuous 5 course menu with wine pairings.
‍https://www.thelegstraps.uk/

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‍The Mill Coffee Shop
One of my favourite cafes in Bedfordshire and they’re collaborating with a fantastic local chef to put on a romantic supper club for one day only. Andrew’s Kitchen will be serving up a delightful 4 course meal on the 17th of February. The menu costs £40, plus it’s BYOB!
‍https://www.andrewskitchenandcatering.com/themill

Bedford Swan Hotel
The Swan Hotel is a Bedford institution, the hotel has undergone huge renovations in recent years and stylish luxury for dining, stays and spa.For Valentines Day, why not book a staycation? Book the date night package which includes an overnight stay, Prosecco in the room on arrival, dinner and breakfast. Sounds like a dream!
‍https://bedfordswanhotel.co.uk/events-and-offers/date-night-package/

The Greedy Italian
Just a short hop over the border in to Buckinghamshire brings you to an authentic Italian restaurant that oozes charm. For the day of San Valentino, you can book for a 3 course meal of true Italian decadence. Well worth the drive to truly wow your foodie Valentine.
‍https://www.greedy-italian.co.uk

Gifts for Lovers

Sweet Dem Sugar
Maybe the best sweet treat business in the game. Bedfordshire’s finest mother/daughter baking duo have created a beautiful selection of baked goods for the lovers out there. Perfect way to treat that special someone, whether that be a lover, friend or yourself!

Rachel Alexander Floral
What better way to say ‘I love you’ than with the gift of beautifully wild natural flowers? Rachel is an expert at crafting whimsical and sustainable bouquets. Head to Milton Ernest Garden Centre today to purchase seasonal bouquets and dried posies, and to order for V-Day!

The Luxury Cake Co.
Food is the way to many people’s heart and cake is always a good place to start. The Luxury Cake Co. is offering beautiful cupcakes and a dipping sharing box (although, who says you have to share?). Order on the website now.
‍https://www.theluxurycakeco.com/shop

Great Gelato
Another Milton Keynes based business has slipped through the net here and for good reason. Great Gelato is a fantastic ice cream shop on Stony Stratford high street, but they also offer up delicious cookies and brownies too.The Valentine’s gift box contains a selection of decadent cookie cups. Best of all, it’s available for UK wide delivery too!

The Cake Shop Putnoe
My local cake shop is a delectable treasure trove. A great spot for breakfast and lunch, as well as tea and cake too, of course! The Valentines gift box comes with a stunning love heart cake and cupcakes. I think this would go down a treat for Galentines day celebrations too!
‍https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2awmL4K2le/?igsh=MTFucndicGR3cXIxZQ==

Impakt Interior Shop
Not everyone wants cake for Valentines Day, I get that. Head to Impakt Interior Shop for an array of gorgeous homeware, seasonally themed with love too. Great for picking up all sorts of gifts, and supporting a fab local charity while you’re at it.
‍https://impakt.org.uk/interiors/

Willow Tree Gin
For the gin lover in your life, or the Galentines cocktail party, grab a bottle of Bedfordshire’s very own gin! This small batch gin is handcrafted using smoked botanicals. You can also book on to gin making courses, distillery tours and cocktails.

‍Fire Nest Workshops
For the creative and crafty lovers, look no further than a Fire Nest workshop. From candle making to polymer jewellery classes, there is something new for everyone to try. Take a look at the courses available here.
‍https://www.fire-nest.com/workshops

‍St Valentine's Events

Galentines Day Gala at the Arc
Here’s a gala for the gals! The Arc & You For Coffee is throwing an exciting evening soirée to celebrate Galentine’s day on the 13th of February. Join them for delicious burgers from Crown & Heel, rosé wine and shopping! There’s a promise of disco balls, discounts and potentially overthrowing the patriarchy.
‍https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2SfGX5KA_M/?igsh=YWxocDg1NDllc25n

Galentines Party at Bridges Espresso Bar
If you need any more excuse to celebrate the power of female friendship, then head to Bridges Espresso Bar for a bottomless Galentines party on the 9th of February. A 2 course dinner, 90 mins of bottomless booze and music from Sophia Soul.
‍https://www.bridgesespressobar.co.uk/product-page/galentines-party-with-sophia-soul

Valentines Lock & Key Party
Are you single and ready to mingle? Well, Cubana has got you covered! Spend your Valentine’s night, seeking out the key to your lock, whilst dancing the night away. Tickets available on the website.
‍https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bedford/Cubana-Bedford/Lock--Key-Valentines-Party---Cubana-Nightclub---140224/37271181/

Pretty Woman at 3 St Peters
There’s nothing better than snuggling up and watching one of the best rom coms ever made to get you in the mood for love. Bedfords premium private members club is open to the public for a romantic screening of Pretty Woman on the 11th of Feb.
‍https://3stpeters.com/3sp-events/pretty-woman

Palentines Yoga
If you want to combine good friends, exercise and relaxation, get booked on to the Little Yoga Co’s Palentines yoga session. A calming evening of yoga, smooth music and candlelight.Sunday 18th February 7pm at the Bedford Athletic Club.
‍https://www.instagram.com/p/C2k08WqK2sE/?igsh=dml1YzdzejNhZXM2

Galentines Ceramic Painting
For a different Valentine’s evening, the Friendly Nettle Cafe in Shortstown has put together a relaxing evening of ceramic painting. Perfect for getting the gals together for some creativity, Prosecco and cocktails! No bookings required, starting at 7:30pm.
‍https://friendlynettle.co.uk/event/

Castle Comedy Valentines Special
If you need a laugh this Valentines, get your tickets booked in for the Castle Comedy night at the Quarry theatre. The night includes 3 well seasoned comedians including Sarah Keyworth, well known from shows such as Mock the Week  8 Out of 10 Cats. Last few tickets remaining.
‍https://quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873654202

Vintage Date Night / Sweetheart Afternoon tea at Bletchley Park
Take a step back in time woo that special someone the old fashioned way. Bletchley Park is a fascinating place to visit to learn about the WW2 codebreakers. They also offer a whole host of exciting events and for the season of love, they have 2 to choose from!
The Vintage Date Night offers a delicious 3 course meal in the iconic Bletchley Park Mansion. Live music in the form of Lili Redman’s dulcet tones sets the Saturday night mood too. https://bletchleypark.org.uk/event/vintage-date-night-2024/‍

If an afternoon delight is more your thing, the Sweetheart Afternoon Tea should not be missed. Traditional afternoon tea with Prosecco and the mellow sounds of cellist Alice Murray, served in the elegant Mansion dining room. https://bletchleypark.org.uk/event/sweetheart-afternoon-tea/

Valentine Tea with Owls
Animal lovers, this one is for you. A day out at the farm is a great date if you ask me, plus you can include the whole family. For something even more special, check out Herrings Green’s Valentine’s tea with owls experience.For £21, spend time with a whole host of beautiful owls including the chance to handle and fly them! Finish with a cup of tea and a tasty cake.Available on the 17th of February. Check out their other experiences for special Valentines deals.
‍https://birdsofpreycentre.co.uk/product/valentine-tea-with-owls-february-17th-10-30-1-00/

Love is in the Air Cat Experience
If you prefer your animals in the shape of furry felines, then I’ve found the event for you. The team at Bedford Cat Cafe are offering an afternoon tea experience like no other. Spend 2 hours surrounded by their fluffy friends and enjoy a sweetheart afternoon tea with a glass of Bucks Fizz for £75 per couple.Available on the 14th of February.
To book, email bedfordcatcafe@gmail.com

Sending lots of love to you all however you’re celebrating this St Valentine’s Day!

Keep an eye out for more guides and reviews coming soon.