Not much is known about Saint Valentine, in fact no one is completely

sure which of the three Saints called Valentine is being remembered. 

What we do know is that ‘a day to honour St Valentine’ has

been in practice since 496AD and he gradually became adopted as the patron

saint of lovers. 

In William Shakespheare's Hamlet Valentine's Day is mentioned ruefully by Ophelia (1600-1601)

To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day,

All in the morning betime,

And I a maid at your window,

To be your Valentine.

Then up he rose, and donn'd his clothes,

And dupp'd the chamber-door;

Let in the maid, that out a maid

Never departed more.

Unsurprisingly, it was the Victorians who embraced and commercialised

Valentine’s Day, shaping the customs we still observe today.  Until this time Valentine’s Day was a

celebration for ‘intimate companions’, the Victorians were the first people to adopt

the tradition of sending anonymous Valentines in the hope of romantic

beginnings.  Cards became mass produced

and more and more elaborate featuring things like real and exotic bird

feathers, some with so much embellishment they had to be delivered in a

box.  Many of these customs remained

important until the start of the First World War when, for obvious reasons,

they became more subdued, not unlike how we celebrate Valentine’s Day

today. 

We have been looking into what Hitchin has to offer to make

your Valentine’s Day special in 2011, starting with that romantic dinner for

two. 

Just 32’s Valentines menu looks just divine this year.  This place

is perfect for any special occasion but would be wonderfully romantic on Valentine’s

night.  The tasteful decor, well spaced

tables and excellent service are perfect for the occasion. 

Offley Place are having two Valentine’s days this year one on Saturday 12th

February where you can expect champagne and canapés on arrival followed by a 5

course meal and musical entertainment.  Their

second is on Monday 14th February where you can expect all of the

above (minus the champagne and canapés) check out their menu here.  Both come with the option to add a

night’s stay and enjoy the romantic surroundings for a little longer. 

As always Doughty’s on Bancroft has pulled out all the stops when it comes to putting together an

extra special menu to celebrate Valentine’s day.  For those

of you who have not visited Doughty’s yet it come highly recommended as you can

see from the reviews. 

Can you think of anywhere else that would make a great

romantic dinner setting, if so please let us know?