Look, let’s level with each other. Nobody wants to be seen to be making too much of an effort for Valentine’s Day, but get this one wrong and ‘romance’ might be a bit thin on the ground for a few weeks. So maybe a bit of effort isn’t such a bad idea after all?
The good news is we’ve done the leg work for you. St Albans is home to some of the best hidden gems outside of Paris, guaranteed to get you some...brownie points. All you need to do is follow our guide. Sit back, relax - and you’ll be getting more action than Barry White at Batchwood.
1. Dylan’s at The Kings Arms
Not been to Dylan’s before? Trust us on this one, you’ll get a first rate dining experience in a relaxed, laid back setting. Being independent, it serves a great range of craft beers, ales, fine wines - and of course, great food. Not cheap, but treat yourself, you deserve it.
*we mean they deserve it*
2. The Pudding Stop
Why? Because it’s The Pudding Stop, that’s why. Straight to the point, straight to the pudding (And face it, we only really have starters and main courses because we have to). Maybe not for Valentine’s Day, but check out Sunday nights when The Pudding Stop screen a free film. No need to book, just turn up, chose your puddings, order your cocktails and forget Monday.
3. The Odyssey
The fact that it’s not Hemel or Hatfield means you’re already off to a great start... and nothing says ‘I love you’ like an evening watching a classic film in a restored ‘Art Deco’ cinema, with a couple of drinks and a cheeseboard, sitting on a screen side sofa. Trouble is, tickets for The Odyssey are like gold dust - so if you’ve left things to the last minute then this might not be a go-er... but for anniversaries, birthdays or anything in between (they do sell vouchers), this’ll be a sure fire winner with that person in your life!
4. Phoenix Barber Co.
Oh come on, there’s no point in you (us) making all of this effort if you’re not going to cover the basics. Valentine’s Day is always busy. Beat the queue by booking ahead - you choose the time, you choose the barber.