Seven romantic things to do in Reading on Valentine’s Day
Do you “heart” Valentine’s Day, now only one week away at the time of writing? Here are 7 things to do in Reading and the Reading area to make it a romantic day to remember:
1. Go for a romantic walk in the gorgeous countryside surrounding Reading and combine this with an intimate Sunday pub lunch. Country pubs offering top food, beer and rural views (for popping that important question) in the Reading area include The Pot Kiln near Yattendon and The Five Horseshoes near Henley.
2. Feed the swans by Caversham Bridge (Holiday Inn side). Giving is better than receiving, after all. Once the bread has run out, hop across the river to the charming Griffin pub for yummy food, wine and beer.
3. Similar to the above, consider a candlelit dinner at cellar restaurant Chronicles (Valpy St.), where you can try oysters on ice, or Art of Siam (King’s Walk), for a taste of the East.
4. Watch London Irish take on Bath at the Madejski Stadium. Sport brings people together (especially on a cold day). Hug him or her close as Irish’s brawny lads tear up the pitch, then enjoy a Guinness or two in a cosy pub afterwards.
5. Spend the weekend away. The elegant-looking 5* Forbury Hotel in the heart of Reading is offering a bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne, a single red rose and a showing of “The Proposal” in their private cinema to customers purchasing their Valentine’s Package. Alternatively, stylish Malmaison, located opposite Reading Station, is offering a complimentary glass of Prosecco. A little further afield is Tylney Country House Hotel, offering a bottle of champagne, a rose and canapés to couples.
6. Cook for your nearest and dearest. Go to County Deli for local cheeses and beer (they also do pasta, olives and a range of meat products - perfect for that Italian meal). Cook that something special, then watch a romantic movie starring Reading’s Kate Winslet (there is more than one!) together. And after?
7. If you are single and available, join a Red Hat Salsa salsa class at Bar Risa (Friar St.) from 7.30pm until 9.30pm. Forget where to place your left foot; look deep into your partner’s eyes and bring him or her close… and closer still.
What are your tips for a top day of romance in Reading?
For the one romantic, single, unavailable, un-food-centric person in Reading there is this event in the evening
Steven Isserlis, playing Cello at the concert hall . There’s a free pre-concert talk http://www.readingarts.com/concerthall/whatson/event.asp?id=SX7FF0-A7819525
During the day I could have a floating sensation: http://www.floatingsensations.co.uk/
My favourite romantic things to do in Reading include 1. going for coffee at Carluccios, 2. walking to Sonning Lock along the Thames, 3. difficult to beat a pint at The Hop Leaf, if you just fancied a quiet table, a nice little chat and a decent pint of tasty ale, 4. walking all around Mapledurham and Pangbourne (lovely spots!) and 5. heading out towards barn acre gallery for a little bit of culture.
http://www.barnacregallery.co.uk/
I also love the Oakford for 6. dancing together, and I think Speech Debelle at play studios on 19th is going to be a good gig for taking a loved-one too. She’s lofi and the queen of the heartful confession, so I’m hoping this too will be a little bit rosemantic for 7. enjoying some beautiful music together.