No, we\u2019re not talking about 2018\u2019s health food trend for activated charcoal, mushroom lattes or anything labelled plant based! This Valentine\u2019s, we\u2019re thinking self-indulgent couples baths and soothing outdoor\u00a0hot tubs. Sparkles of some kind are a certain, and foods that pair well with Champagne are the likes of cheese, figs and nuts, which are ideal for this time of year.<\/p>\n
Canap\u00e9s are often the bedfellow of France\u2019s most famous quaff and if you choose cold canap\u00e9s, such as salmon with\u00a0vodka flavoured cr\u00e8me fra\u00eeche, they can be enjoyed all the better at your own\u00a0pace.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/the-chocolate-loft-ambleside-8.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe Chocolate Loft, Ambleside<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/foxdenecottage-bowness-11-new.jpg\")
<\/p>\nFoxdene Cottage, Bowness<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Fresh Hamper<\/strong><\/h3>\nYou don\u2019t have to brave a picnic in the fresh outdoors to enjoy the romance of a hamper-style meal. Why\u00a0not enjoy an indoor picnic.<\/p>\n
Choose the freshest of local produce, of which you are spoilt for choice when holidaying here in the Lake District. Lay your\u00a0spread \u2013 local cheeses, preserves and pickles, artisan breads,\u00a0tantalising\u00a0chutney\u2019s and moreish\u00a0Morcambe Bay Shrimps \u2013 out on a picnic rug, \u00a0in front of your cottage log burner, or open fire and enjoy the simplicity of love in the Lakes.<\/p>\n
It really is the simple things that count and\u00a0location can speak volumes. If you\u2019re determined to dine\u00a0outdoors, what could be more perfect than\u00a0a secluded, picturesque lakeside spot, a picnic rug and bottle of something special for creating memories that you\u2019ll cherish.<\/p>\n
![\"Romance](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/millcottage-windermere-14.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Al Fresco<\/strong><\/h3>\nFor the full al fresco dining experience, we\u2019re\u00a0thinking a relaxed supper with your loved one, blankets over your legs, chiminea stoked and patio heater cranked up. Us Brits are experts at enjoying the great outdoors, no matter the weather. The Mason\u2019s Arms Inn in the blissful South Lakes, has a well enjoyed beer terrace, and whilst the ale is good it is the dreamy views across the rolling Lyth Valley that makes this beer garden so attractive. To create\u00a0your very own slice of Lake District al fresco dining\u00a0heaven, have\u00a0a look at the idyllic\u00a0gardens available in\u00a0our Valentine\u2019s Breaks in the Lake District<\/a><\/strong> collection. Take your pick from picturesque patio\u2019s designed to trap the winter sun, chic and luxuriously furnished\u00a0lawns and private hideaways with spectacular views. Sometimes all that is needed is a simple bench and a tree stump as a table, where the views will sweep you and your loved ones off your feet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/the-stables-hawkshead-12.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMiddle Wray Cottage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Cooking in \u2013 the New Eating Out <\/strong><\/h3>\nThese days, many of us fancy ourselves as the new Michel Roux Jr or Mary Berry. And the\u00a0Cumbrian foodie scene is not exempt, with two Lake District chef\u2019s recently battling it out on Masterchef.<\/p>\n
Eating out in one of the Lake\u2019s top restaurant\u2019s, welcoming gastro\u00a0pubs or cosy, walkers inns is extremely tempting. But, this Valentine\u2019s why not pull on the apron strings for your loved one. Check out seasonal menu\u2019s from the likes of The Old Stamp House, The Samling or L\u2019Enclume, and have a go at your own signature version.<\/p>\n
Treat your loved one to your take on\u00a0The Forest Side\u2019s winter dinner menu of goats cheese, wood sorrel and parsnip, followed by some exquisitely tasty rib of Cumbrian beef and root vegetable puree, washed down with a warming Malbec, perhaps.<\/p>\n
The Lakes is a hotbed of artisan producers, passionate growers and\u00a0bustling farmer\u2019s markets. Getting in on the foodie scene is a great way to spend your romantic break in the Lakes. What\u2019s that saying? Food is the way to the heart.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/byways-ambleside-16.jpg\")
<\/p>\nRomantic night in at Byways, Ambleside<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/old-honeysuckle-cottage-40.jpg\")
<\/p>\nOld Honeysuckle Cottage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Breakfast in Bed<\/h3>\n
One of the\u00a0best things about a cottage holiday is the flexibility and privacy to come and go as you please. You set your Valentine\u2019s weekend break agenda. And if that means a lazy breakfast in bed, followed by a romantic stroll around your own private gardens as you plan your day,\u00a0then be our guest. In fact, as a Lakelovers guest you\u2019ll see that our cottages are filled with tempting delights\u00a0that you may find yourselves not wanting to go out at all!<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/applethwaite-cottage-troutbeck-6.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSay it with Champagne and flowers in bed at Applethwaite Cottage, Troutbeck<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Sofa Snacks<\/strong><\/h3>\nPerhaps you fancy giving chef a night off. Well, how does a romantic film, an easy to prepare meal and some snacks sound? Head to Booths in Windermere and pick up a couple of sirloin steaks, some pre-prepared pepper sauce and a famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding for two. Curl up in your dreamy love nest and let your hearts fill with happiness.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nFor the full al fresco dining experience, we\u2019re\u00a0thinking a relaxed supper with your loved one, blankets over your legs, chiminea stoked and patio heater cranked up. Us Brits are experts at enjoying the great outdoors, no matter the weather. The Mason\u2019s Arms Inn in the blissful South Lakes, has a well enjoyed beer terrace, and whilst the ale is good it is the dreamy views across the rolling Lyth Valley that makes this beer garden so attractive. To create\u00a0your very own slice of Lake District al fresco dining\u00a0heaven, have\u00a0a look at the idyllic\u00a0gardens available in\u00a0our Valentine\u2019s Breaks in the Lake District<\/a><\/strong> collection. Take your pick from picturesque patio\u2019s designed to trap the winter sun, chic and luxuriously furnished\u00a0lawns and private hideaways with spectacular views. Sometimes all that is needed is a simple bench and a tree stump as a table, where the views will sweep you and your loved ones off your feet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Middle Wray Cottage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n These days, many of us fancy ourselves as the new Michel Roux Jr or Mary Berry. And the\u00a0Cumbrian foodie scene is not exempt, with two Lake District chef\u2019s recently battling it out on Masterchef.<\/p>\n Eating out in one of the Lake\u2019s top restaurant\u2019s, welcoming gastro\u00a0pubs or cosy, walkers inns is extremely tempting. But, this Valentine\u2019s why not pull on the apron strings for your loved one. Check out seasonal menu\u2019s from the likes of The Old Stamp House, The Samling or L\u2019Enclume, and have a go at your own signature version.<\/p>\n Treat your loved one to your take on\u00a0The Forest Side\u2019s winter dinner menu of goats cheese, wood sorrel and parsnip, followed by some exquisitely tasty rib of Cumbrian beef and root vegetable puree, washed down with a warming Malbec, perhaps.<\/p>\n The Lakes is a hotbed of artisan producers, passionate growers and\u00a0bustling farmer\u2019s markets. Getting in on the foodie scene is a great way to spend your romantic break in the Lakes. What\u2019s that saying? Food is the way to the heart.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Romantic night in at Byways, Ambleside<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n Old Honeysuckle Cottage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n One of the\u00a0best things about a cottage holiday is the flexibility and privacy to come and go as you please. You set your Valentine\u2019s weekend break agenda. And if that means a lazy breakfast in bed, followed by a romantic stroll around your own private gardens as you plan your day,\u00a0then be our guest. In fact, as a Lakelovers guest you\u2019ll see that our cottages are filled with tempting delights\u00a0that you may find yourselves not wanting to go out at all!<\/p>\n Say it with Champagne and flowers in bed at Applethwaite Cottage, Troutbeck<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Perhaps you fancy giving chef a night off. Well, how does a romantic film, an easy to prepare meal and some snacks sound? Head to Booths in Windermere and pick up a couple of sirloin steaks, some pre-prepared pepper sauce and a famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding for two. Curl up in your dreamy love nest and let your hearts fill with happiness.<\/p>\n<\/p>\nCooking in \u2013 the New Eating Out <\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\nBreakfast in Bed<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nSofa Snacks<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/partridge-at-stonecliffe-windermere-59.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Coffee](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/crag-view-bowness-51.jpg\")
<\/p>\n