Normally, the ultimate trick up your sleeve come Valentine’s Day would be to have secured a table at one of the UK’s best restaurants. But for any last-minute bookers out there, or even couples who prefer the comfort of their own home come the 14 February, our round-up of the best Valentine’s meal delivery kits to buy in 2024 is the next best thing.
These cleverly created Valentine’s meal boxes take all the pressure off when it comes to your culinary offering and guarantee to help woo that special person. These are a lifesaver for those not blessed with cookery talents or just wanting to concentrate on the other lovey-dovey touches such as over the top table décor, heartfelt poem-writing or big gesture gift-sourcing.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
- The best romantic restaurants in London
- Solo dining in London: Where to go when you’re on your tod
- The best Valentine's Day restaurants in London serving up special menus
The best Valentine’s Day meal kits are carefully designed to sweep someone off their feet, so you can expect some pretty impressive results. In most cases, we found three or more courses included in each kit, with some spreads hiding little extra treats like chocolates or even bottles of bubbly to set the mood. A handful of these Valentine’s deliveries are more like a takeaway – bringing a ready-made hot meal to your door – while others are in DIY format, where they just need heating and assembling. You’ll also find a tapas date night hamper and a gorgeous afternoon tea box, with something for every mood and preference.
While traditionally Valentine’s Day is of course for lovers, when it comes to enjoying delicious food, we say that anything goes. Fancy treating yourself and having leftovers for tomorrow? We’re backing you. Or maybe you want to send one of your best buds a lovely gift? You go for it. What we’re trying to say is that these delicious dinners shouldn’t be reserved only for those in the throes of romantic love. You do you.
These are the best valentine’s meal kits we’ve found so far for 2024, but we'll keep you updated here with all the latest meal kits as they become available.
Six-Course Beef Valentine’s Menu - Made in Oldstead
What: Part of the Tommy Banks Group, Made in Oldstead delivers high-quality meals and menus made using produce from Oldstead Farm in Yorkshire. This six-course extravaganza is a real treat to be enjoyed with your other half on Valentine’s Day. The meal revolves around a showstopping beef Wellington served with an onion sauce and leek emulsion, but there’s plenty to get your tastebuds going beforehand. Courses include a beetroot and goat’s curd croustade, halibut with celeriac puree and roast chicken butter sauce, and an apple and gooseberry palate cleanser. You can bet that dessert brings its A-game too! Think salted caramel and yoghurt cremeux with chicory root caramel.
Where do they deliver: Nationwide
How much: £155
How to order: Six Course Beef Valentine’s Menu
Valentine’s ‘At Home’ Menu - Simon Rogan
What: We'd argue that £60 for a five-course menu from a three-Michelin-starred chef is pretty good going. Simon Rogan’s special Valentine’s menu includes stuffed cheese and onion gougeres, celeriac veloute with parsley oil and a crispy fruit cracker, stuffed Guinea hen with confit leg and creamed parsnips, and Cumbrian honey cake with citrus ham and honey cream to finish. You’ll also receive a box of whisky chocolate truffles if you still have room. Plus, sourdough with butter and salt is included too!
Where do they deliver: Nationwide
How much: From £60
How to order: Valentine’s ‘At Home’ Menu
Luxurious Lobster Thermidor - Rick Stein
What: When better to enjoy a splash of indulgence than Valentine’s Day? Seafood expert Rick Stein has created a luxurious lobster thermidor meal kit so you can enjoy the cheesy dish at home. But that’s not all – you'll also receive a starter and dessert to boot! Kick things off with grilled scallops with toasted hazelnut and coriander butter, and finish with a dark chocolate pave with cocoa nib crumb and Cornish clotted cream.
Where do they deliver: Nationwide
How much: £136 for two
How to order:Luxurious Lobster Thermidor
Tapas Selection Gift Box with Wine - Iberica
What: Spanish restaurant groupIberica is offering a Date Night Food Hamper which has everything you need for a romantic evening in. Discover a top-quality range of cured meats and Spanish cheeses, all washed down with a bottle of red.
Where do they deliver: Nationwide
How much: £44.95
How to order: Date Night Food Hamper
Steak & Chips Box - Fortnum & Mason
What: Is there anything more romantic than steak and red wine? This premium box by none other than Fortnum & Mason promises two exceptional quality rib eye steaks, a portion of triple-cooked chunky chips, and a sachet of peppercorn sauce made with cream and brandy. You’ll also receive a bottle of red – Fortnum's Rosso Piceno – which is heavy with notes of red fruits and vanilla.
Where do they deliver: Within the UK, excluding Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
How much: £75 for two
How to order:Steak & Chips Box
Winter Afternoon Tea - Sketch
What: Inspired by Sketch’s beautiful brasserie restaurant, The Gallery, this Winter Afternoon Tea is packaged inside a pink jewellery case that’s pretty enough to keep! Inside, you’ll find an assortment of exquisite finger sandwiches, scones, preserves and cakes. Start off with Coronation chicken on malted brown bread and a mini Croque Monsieur, before finishing on a sweet note with lemon Battenberg and pineapple eclairs. It’s easily portable too, so you can cart it to a special location of your choice for the ultimate romantic affair.
Where do they deliver: Collection only
How much: From £55 for two
How to order:Winter Afternoon Tea
Celebration Dinner for Two - Forman & Field
What: A celebration dinner for two seems like a fitting way to enjoy Valentine’s Day, especially when it’s filled with indulgent delights like smoked salmon paupiettes with crab and lobster, individual beef Wellingtons and dauphinoise potatoes. Finish on a chocolatey note with Valrhona chocolate and salted caramel pots.
Where do they deliver: Nationwide
How much: £81.50
How to order:Celebration Dinner for Two
Full Feast Bundle - Gymkhana
What: Enjoy a spectacular Indian feast created by a Michelin-starred restaurant with Gymkhana’s full feast bundle. This one includes a selection of curry sauces so you can easily create a fantastic meal in minutes. You’ll receive butter masala, Goan curry, Rogan Josh and Vindaloo, along with two marinades (classic tandoori and roasted garlic with chilli) and two chutneys. Add your choice of meat or veg, then serve with rice and naans!
Where do they deliver: Nationwide
How much: £49 for the full bundle
How to order: Full Feast Bundle
Fancy cooking up a storm on every other night of the week? We've reviewed the best DIY meal kits from UK restaurants.