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 popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd February 2024 
