Shop local to treat your special someone this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a bit off and you might not have planned anything yet but the English Market has you covered.

A lot of people are still uncomfortable going out, so the traders in the market have got you covered to create a beautiful feast at home. And is there anything more romantic than a dinner cooked by your special person (gentlemen, make sure to take note here)?

In case you are not athe most confident cook, why not just pop into the market for some outstanding cheese at On The Pigs Back (they have a special Valentine’s offer with their charcuterie hamper filled with cheese, paté, hummus and more)?

Try the Olive Stall (grab some tasty olives while you are at it), grab some fresh salads and a fine bottle of wine at Bubble Brothers along with bread from the ABC stall.

Light a few candles at home, arrange the cheese and olives nicely on platters and serve it with fresh bread and a good wine and romance will bloom (it works for me!).

Or trust the team at the Farmgate Café who are selling some of their signature dishes to take home for you just to reheat them.

Roughty’s Little Sister offers delicious food hampers including a Pure Cork Tapas Box – romance never tasted better.

In case you are going out on Valentine’s Day, you can still pick some gifts at the English Market at the Chocolate Shop who are offering special Valentine’s heart boxes filled to the brim with tasty treasures – these boxes come in varied sizes to cater for every budget.

The new ceramic stall offers some amazing creations, all handmade and painted – a lovely keepsake for your special person.

But if all that Valentine stuff is too kitschy for you, why not grab your friends and celebrate your friendship with a lavish Galentine’s feast – and guess what, all you need is at the English Market?

I remember when Kate Lawlor ran Fenn’s Quay; she always opened the restaurant for Galentine’s and it was a great success.

I haven’t heard of any restaurant continuing the tradition but there’s nothing stopping you from just booking a table for your friends in a nice restaurant and celebrate the night away.

Valentine’s Day is not really important for Mr T and myself – some years, he cooks a lovely meal for us, other years we just ignore it.

So don’t feel pressure to do some kind of grand gesture – but really it’s the small things that count.