M&S has just revealed the menu for this year’s edition of its mega popular Valentine’s ‘Dine In for Two’ meal deal.
And this year it’s sounding tastier than ever.
Last year, more than a million Brits headed on down to their nearest M&S to make the most of the retailer‘s now-legendary Valentine’s dining deal and celebrate the international day of love in a more low-key way from the comfort of their own home.
But this year, M&S says it wants to top that success, and is hoping that its “most luxurious” menu yet will do just the trick.
Image: M&S
For the first time ever, the retailer has added lobster to the main courses lineup on this year’s ‘Dine In’ menu after it proved so popular with shoppers and flew off the shelves over the Christmas season, with some of the other options sitting alongside that including steak, lamb shanks, and beef wellington, as well as mushroom stroganoff pies for plant-based foodies.
Just some of the starters and sides on the menu this year include king prawns, breaded camembert, tempura veg fritters, a leek and cheddar souffle tart, truffle mash, smashed potatoes, a cheesy green veg bake, and so much more.
To satisfy those sweet tooths at the end of an indulgent meal, triple chocolate brownies, a melt-in-the-middle chocolate pudding, tiramisu mousse cake, salted caramel profiteroles, white chocolate and raspberry mousse hearts, and even a mini cheese board are among the delights you can choose from.
Image: M&S
Then, to wash it all down with, you can pick from a wide range of different wines and proseccos, or even a four-pack of M&S’s social media sensation Passionstar Martini cocktail tinnies instead.
Lobster isn’t the only newbie this year either, as 2024 also marks the first time the Valentine’s ‘Dine In for Two’ deal has a fully gluten free menu, as well as a brand-new vegan menu too, so no lovers need be left out.
“This year’s menu is sure to set hearts racing,” an M&S spokesperson said.
“Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than hump day at home with the most delicious food, because after all, the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, right?”
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the limited-edition ‘Dine In for Two’ deal will be available to pick up at M&S stores from Friday 9 – Wednesday 14 February, and will set you back an affordable £25 – which works out at just £12.50 per person.
A Leeds pizza takeaway has received a glowing review from popular review duo.
Edges Pizza opened up their first permanent spot in Leeds back in June this year, after making a name for themselves slinging out pizzas at multiple pop-ups across the city.
Owners Grace and Edge from Harrogate opened Edges Pizza two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their pizzas are a love letter to the class New York slice, think thin and crispy rather than chewy and floppy. But above all else, think absolutely delicious.
And now, they've caught the attention of a major review page, with Bite Twice Food Reviews (a page with almost 300k followers) paying Edges a visit.
The food review duo of Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany popped up in Holbeck beneath the arches to get their hands on a pizza, and the outcome is brilliant.
In the video, Bite Twice said that the pizza is 'f**cking exceptional' and up there with 'one of the best pizzas in the UK'.
Before even taking a bite, they said: "On aesthetic, I don't think anywhere in the UK is doing pizza like this".
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Then after the first bite, they go on to say: "There are very few pizzas in the UK that create this, I’m a little bit blown away".
As Londoners themselves, they go on to say that Edges is 'easily hitting with the best that we’ve got down south'.
And if that's not high praise enough, they sign off the video saying: "Leeds has got an absolute gem. I give this a stamp so hard my foot went through the pizza. Edges. Don Level."
The 42-year-old Kirkgate Market stall serving freshly shucked oysters for £1.90 a pop
Clementine Hall
Tucked away in Leeds Kirkgate Market you'll find a wonderful seafood stall selling freshly shucked oysters for £1.90 each.
It's places like these that remind us why we love Leeds so much.
Established in 1880, Hayes Seafood is widely regarded as the oldest trader within the historic Kirkgate Market.
For the past 42 years, it has been run by Cliff and Michelle, the loveliest couple who welcome every customer with open arms.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu here is small but perfectly formed, focusing on fresh, ready-to-eat seafood that you can enjoy with a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of mayonnaise at most.
Delivered fresh every morning, there's pre-cracked crab shells, brown and white crab meat, cockles, crawfish tails - all perfectly prepared for you to eat at their bar or high tables opposite.
But, it's the oysters that you'll see people queueing for. And rightly so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Everything here is prepared to order right in front of you, and for no extra fee. You can choose from two types of oysters: super salty Lindisfarne oysters or the slightly sweeter English Loch Fyne.
We recommend having a couple of each, pulling up a stool right by the counter and getting stuck in. If you ask Cliff nicely, he might tell you a bit about the history of the place - but you may have to order a couple more oysters for that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You're left to dress them yourself, whether you prefer dash of fiery tabasco or a few pickled shallots. But to be honest, they're delicious just as they come.
This spot is a real piece of Leeds history, and the queues at lunchtime as well as the repeat regular customers proves just how special it is.
All it's missing is a champagne stall next to it...now wouldn't that be perfect?
Emily Sergeant -
2nd February 2024 
