With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, why not use it as a great excuse to treat your family, friends or even yourself to something local.

If you enjoy shopping online from the warmth of your own home, then be sure to check out Basingstoke and Deane’s own online marketplace, The Borough Basket. You’ll find inspiration from local businesses within the Valentine’s gift category.

The Borough Basket Online gift inspiration

Say it with flowers with a beautiful flower box or rose bear from Absolute Roses.  Pick a perennial from Hardy’s Plants which will flower year on year, see Hardy’s Plants A-Z of some of the most romantic perennials available. While not all will be in flower in February, they’re sure to bring joy throughout the year, not only to your loved ones but to our bees and butterflies too!

If your Valentine is a beer lover then take a look at the gift packs on offer from local brewery Longdog. This independent family-run business produces a range of hand-crafted ales.

Treat your loved on to a beautiful silk scarf or tie from Whitchurch Silk Mill. The Page silk scarf pays homage to senior weaver Marie Page by replicating one of her favourite silks. If your valentine is a book lover then a silk bookmark would make the perfect gift. Individually made by a local maker using silk from the Mill they are finished with beading at either end.

For a bit of sparkle, Laura Llewellyn Design creates individual handmade sterling silver jewellery including heart stud earrings or a silver heart shaped necklace.

The Bee Good Advanced Skincare Set is the perfect valentines gift, containing four natural products for all skin types. An advanced, pro-ageing natural skincare regime, presented in a beautiful display box, all for just £59.50. The set comprises: Cream Cleanser, Honey and Wild Flax Daily Moisturiser, Plump and Firm Moisturiser, Lift & Brighten Eye Cream, Pack of Native Wildflower Seedballs. Made by British Bees combined with natural ingredients. If you buy before 14 February through Love Basingstoke, use code LB2302 for a 25% discount.

Not going to see your someone special but want to let them know you are thinking of them this Valentine’s? Brew and Bakes have a cute selection of letterbox gifts, including afternoon tea, breakfast in bed and treat boxes! Or deliver a brownie gift box with a personalised message anywhere within the UK from The Homemade Brownie Company. Flavours include salted caramel, chocolate orange, nutella blondie, raspberry blondie and triple chocolate – yum!

Town Centre

If you prefer shopping in person, love is in the air at All Our Own Crafts in Festival Place, you’ll find lots of inspiration including casting kits, framed prints, canvas artwork and stamped silver spoons.

At The Malls Shopping Centre, visit The Works for paper craft supplies to make a handmade gift or card.

Eating out

In need of some inspiration of places to eat out this Valentine’s? You are spoilt for choice in Basingstoke and Deane for restaurants, pubs and bars or a quick bite to eat.

Head to The Top of the Town to Gabardine Bar this Valentine’s Day. They are opening their doors for a special evening three course meal to dine with your special one (pre-bookings only). In Festival Place you will find Cosy Club where you can share the love with your Valentine, Gals or Pals with their limited edition cocktail and dessert. From Saturday 11 to Tuesday 14 February. ASK Italian and Cote Brasserie both have three course set menus available between 10 and 14 February.

Beyond the Town Centre, enjoy the beautiful Oakley Hall Hotel for a romantic evening with a 4-course valentine’s day dinner in the Glasshouse restaurant on Saturday 11 or Tuesday 14 February. The Purefoy Arms have a Valentine’s tasting menu on Tuesday 14 February. Take a look at their menu here. Spoil your Valentine and make them feel special at the Hoddington Arms or Silchester Farm both offering a 4 course dinner by candlelight. Longbridge Mill will be serving their valentine's day menu from Friday 10 to Friday 17 February.

If you prefer to dine at home take a look at Global Catering.

Please note the inclusion of any business within this listing should not be seen as an endorsement of their services. Whilst the information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. If your business has adapted and we’ve missed you off the list then drop us an email: hello@lovebasingstoke.co.uk 

February 2023