Love is in the air and a perfect evening of romance is on the cards. If you have that special someone you want to pamper and spoil. We have a few ideas on how to make February 14th a special night.
Eat and Drink
Foxglove have crafted a special dessert sharing platter for Valentines (pictured above). This is available in all their dining areas. So you can choose to book in for a full gourmet experience, or casually drop in for a sweet course only. If you don’t have a beloved in your life, The Plus Ones endorse bringing a bestie and celebrating your friendship over sorbet and wine.
La Bella Italia, always a beautiful venue, adds to the romantic atmosphere with a mouth-watering set menu and live music. That’s amore! If a more relaxed Italian experience is what you’re after join the Mediterranean Food Warehouse for their Tunes in the Trattoria. With a lively atmosphere, fresh food and live music you’ll be able to chat to your date all night long. And if it goes well, you always have the option of buying a bottle of Italian prosecco before moving onto the next venue.
Two of our other favourite restaurants, the Grill at the Amora Hotel and CQ Hotel will be offering Valentines menus with complimentary bubbles. These tend to fill up very quickly so make sure you book in.
Busy but still want to impress? Tomboy Cakery are taking orders for delectable heart-shaped cakes, perfect for a cozy night in. Or surprise your special someone at with a bouquet from Just Because Flowers, delivery included.
If you’re just after drinks, The Library Bar tops our recommendation list. Make sure you book in to get a candlelit booth for two. Enjoy some unique cocktails, world class whiskey or premium champagne. If you’re not able to get a table there, head down the road to Crumpet. With some of the finest bartenders in Wellington, they’ll make you a drink made to measure. And add that extra dash of class to a fine night out.
Experience
What’s more heart-warming than cute animals? Wellington Zoo knows this and have put together some great packages for an adults-only evening. You’re invited to take a stroll around the Zoo and head along to special themed talks about the romantic exploits of some of your favourite animals. The Zoo will be open until 8.30pm, with live music from local band The Ratbags. They also offer a Valentine’s Day package, which includes a delicious hamper and Zoo entry for two. Or perhaps explore your wild side with a Close Encounter with your favourite animals – but get in fast, as they tend to fill up quick!
Maybe you’re part of a pair of star-crossed lovers? Space Place is running Aphrodite’s’ Delight. Their package for two including admission to Space Place, a special live planetarium show about the famous romances of Greek mythology, telescope viewing (weather dependent) and delicious sweet treats for two.
The Roxy Cinema can take care of all the details for you. Chat to their lovely staff and they’ll organise the wine, artisan chocolate, a delectable meal for two and a romantic movie! With lush settings, this is a delightful night out.
For an experience your Valentine will never forget, why not order them a Singing Valentine? Arrange it in secret, and the Harbour City Chorus quartet will surprise your beloved. Serenade them with two delightful love songs, wherever they are in the city.
For the Artistic Lovers
Join Mākaro Press for a book launch of a tale originally told in French. “A Tale of Love”. French Vietnamese author Linda Lê’s novel is a powerful and many-faceted tale brought into English for the first time by New Zealand translator and writer Sian Robyns. Listen to excerpts, with wine and nibbles provided up at Vic Books.
For the visual art lovers Precint 35 hosts a Valentine’s day launch called ‘Pink Bits’. Celebrating works from six contemporary artists, each charmed by their own rosy-fingered dawn. Including both retrospective and new works, PINK BITS also serves as a precursor to each of their solo shows this year. Further down the road Deluxe Café hosts the opening of Iconoclastic by Natalie Ex. Somewhere between the clean line styles of Julian Opie, Dick Bruna and Eguchi Hisashi, Natalie’s minimalist illustrations reduce each subject down to the essential, elemental features. Icons of icons.
For a laugh at the weird thing people do in relationships. Head over to Meow for the acclaimed NZ Fringe show Marjolein Robertson: Relations. Fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe, Shetland comedian Marjolein Robertson explores relations of all types. You can also book a table for drinks and dinner as well as a show.
For Something Completely Different
Perhaps your lover is more of a factual person than a lover of whimsy. Cafe Scientifique has your back. A place where anyone can come along and enjoy a range of science speakers in a relaxed, friendly environment. This month’s topic is Bearing Witness to Climate Change with international artist Diane Burko. Or maybe you could form a two-person team and enter the first night of the Kelburn Pub Quiz for 2017. Or if you’re more interested in the Patron saint of this whole day, join Cardinal John Dew in a celebratory mass with bubbles afterwards at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
-Hilaire and Team TPO Wellington
The entire team at The Plus Ones helps put together this guide for lovers. We hope you like it.
