How to increase your Valentine’s Day bookings

Make the big day irresistible for customers and you. Here are five ways to go big on romance and revenue

Unforgettable experiences

Move beyond the standard dinner-for-two by adding an experience element. Offer a hands-on cookery or cocktail-making class followed by a meal where couples get to enjoy what they’ve made. These interactive sessions feel personal, create great photo moments and can run earlier in the day to maximise sittings. Collaborating with local mixologists, chefs or chocolatiers adds value, boosts reach and gives you ready-made content for your social channels. It’s the perfect way to offer something memorable – and marketable.

Picture-perfect moments

Make your venue the backdrop for their story. Set up an attractive photo zone for couples to pose together and capture the moment – think fairy lights, neon signs or floral arches. Have staff offer to take photos for them as a thoughtful touch. You could even add a branded frame or hashtag to spread the word online. The result? Happy guests, shareable content and free publicity that keeps your venue front of mind for future celebrations.

More tables for two

Maximise bookings by offering two timed sittings – one early evening and one a little later. It helps you manage flow, upsell pre-dinner drinks and customers avoid long waits. Add quick-turn bar bites for walk-ins and advertise last-minute table availability online. A little planning keeps the service smooth and the buzz going throughout the night.

Drinks that sparkle

Elevate your offer with drink specials that ooze celebration. Create a short list of Valentine’s cocktails, premium wines and fizz options with easy upgrades. Offer a ‘perfect pairing’ suggestion for each course and showcase mocktails too like the Caleño Dark and Spicy. Add finishing touches with rose petals, chocolate rims or heart-shaped garnishes.

A menu for everyone

Not every customer wants the same Valentine’s experience, so offer choice. Create tiered ‘good, better, best’ packages with set menus and clear pricing. For example, a ‘classic’ menu could include Welsh rarebit canapés, rump steak, and ice cream; a ‘premium’ menu might feature a cheese soufflé, Châteaubriand or tomahawk to share, and chocolate fondant. Take pre-orders to reduce waste and prep time, and make each tier feel special with small touches like welcome drinks.