Extend the love this Valentine’s with these easy steps

Proposal packages, love potions and being inclusive

Valentine’s Day has gone beyond a one-off romantic dinner. Today, it’s about celebrating all forms of love, including friendships and family bonds. With the event falling on a Friday this year, venues have an ideal opportunity to stretch the love into a long weekend or seven days of celebrations… and beyond

There are endless ways to bring more people through your doors. From promoting female-only Galentine’s events – why should it be a singles day? – to offering experiences or more casual invitations. Discover how to lock in profits with love.

Toast to friendship

Galentine’s or (for the chaps) Palentine’s is a fantastic opportunity for venues to cater to groups of friends looking to celebrate their bonds. Create an inviting atmosphere with fun decor, perhaps avoiding cliché’s like red, pink and roses to make it feel neutral. Offering a prix fixe or shareable plates will allow friends to gather and indulge in a curated dining experience without breaking the bank.

Love is love

These celebrations should be about embracing queer and platonic love, inviting everyone to join festivities. Instead of typical romantic events, try laid-back brunches and lunches. The key is to provide an environment where everyone feels welcome. An easy way is by flying the rainbow flag or adding a Pride sticker to your front door.

65% of Brits celebrated Valentine’s Day last year

Source: Valentine’s Day Statistics 2024: What is the average spend? Finder.com

A sophisticated twist

For those looking for a refined and quirky experience, consider offering a special high tea service throughout the Valentine’s season. This is a delightful way to celebrate friendships, family and romantic partnerships alike. Check out our article on page 36 to discover which brews work best for an elegant afternoon event.

Small celebrations, big impact

Don’t underestimate the power of more intimate celebrations. Encourage guests to gather over a simple glass of fizz or beer and snacks after work to celebrate their relationships in a relaxed atmosphere. By providing a range of options for varying group sizes, your venue will become a key spot for celebrating love in all its forms.

Cater to couples

To honour the origins of Valentine’s Day, remember to reserve a place for romantic love. Why not try something unique and craft an ‘aphrodisiac menu’? Spotlight oysters, spicy chilli, dark chocolate and indulgent red wine to ignite passion and create a memorable experience.

For the recipe for Raspberry & White Chocolate Fudge click here.

For the recipe for Brad’s Ice Tea click here.

5 ways to capitalise on Cupid

1 Proposal packages - For those looking to pop the question, offer a proposal bundle. Make their nerve-wracking night go smoothly with the best table, a gift on arrival and personalised food, drinks or music for the big moment.

2 Say it with merch - Branded merch makes the perfect takeaway. Think packaged sweet treats (like our Raspberry & White Chocolate Fudge recipe), limited edition crockery, or tote bags that promote your venue when carried around.

3 Cosy cooking - Host cooking or cocktail-making classes for couples and groups of friends. These hands-on experiences are memorable and a perfect way to bring in customers seeking something a little different.

4 Love potions - Drinks give you a great opportunity to upsell, especially when matched to a theme. Craft romantic cocktails, served in luxurious glassware, as well as a beer-based or whisky concoction (see left) for a masculine edge.

5 Elevate the plate - Make your menu extra special with premium options. This could be high-quality add-ons, like a sprinkle of caviar and truffle oil in pasta. Or offer luxurious sharing dishes like chateaubriand and lobster.

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