A PREMIER four-star city centre hotel and restaurant is giving back to residents with a chance to rediscover the magic of the city with an exciting exclusive ‘Drinks and Dining’ offer in February.
In partnership with Forever Edinburgh Resident Rewards, Ten Hill Place Hotel is providing the perfect opportunity to relax and recuperate with £50 of food and drink for just £25 per person, saving 50%.
Located on the prime location of Nicholson Street in the buzzing Southside district, the exclusive offer allows guests to experience its relaxed and contemporary restaurant and enjoy locally sourced seasonal dishes paired with carefully selected drinks including its exclusive in-house 1505 gin and 1505 Ale for less.
Mark McKenzie, General Manager of Surgeons Quarter said: “We wanted to help Edinburgh locals beat the winter blues by offering an exclusive offer to city residents.
“The offer is a fantastic opportunity for people to escape in their own city and enjoy a top-class meal for half the price.
“The response so far has been fantastic, and it has been great to have a buzz in the hotel and campus – making for a perfect Valentine’s Day treat.”
Forever Edinburgh works with members, partners, and stakeholders to maintain the profile of Edinburgh as a world-class destination to visit, invest, live, work and study though championing Scotland’s capital city locally, nationally and internationally.
Eleanor Lee, Digital Marketing Lead at Forever Edinburgh said: “Resident Rewards Edinburgh, now in its third year, is an exclusive initiative for Edinburgh residents, offering substantial savings and a chance to try new experiences in the city we all call home.
“The enthusiastic participation of local businesses including the return of partners like Surgeons Quarter underscores the programme’s success and since July 2023, the Resident Rewards landing page has attracted over 57,000 visitors.
Edinburgh is bucking the trend when it comes to footfall to our city centre and was recently declared the top performing city in the UK, and I have no doubt that this is in part thanks to the incredible range of attractions on offer and initiatives like this.”
Ten Hill Place is run by Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RSCEd) with profits supporting the charitable aims of the College which are education, assessment and advancement in surgical standards worldwide.
The offer is valid from Monday 1st February to 29th February 2024 from 1pm-9.30pm, to learn more about the offer, visit: https://edinburgh.org/residentrewards/
More information about Ten Hill Place hotel can be found at:
Love found its way to the aisles of Scotmid Broxburn Store, where colleagues James and Lauren first crossed paths in 2014. The Scotmid sweethearts exchanged vows during a heartwarming ceremony at Balbirnie House in Markinch recently.
The flame was kindled during the staff Christmas party a decade ago when James finally plucked up the courage to ask Lauren on a date. To his delight, she accepted, and they ventured into Edinburgh together. Their bond continued to flourish as they worked shoulder to shoulder in Broxburn for another two years.
Lauren joined Scotmid Broxburn in 2014 before departing in 2016 to become a PE teacher, while James joined Scotmid in 2002 and now manages a Scotmid store in East Calder.
James said, “The aisles of Scotmid may not seem like the most conventional romantic setting to meet your future partner, yet for Lauren and me, they marked the beginning of our journey together.
“We’ll always cherish our time working together; our connection blossomed into a lifelong partnership.”
To mark Valentine’s Day, four classic romance films are returning to the big screen at Vue Edinburgh Omni and Edinburgh Ocean– for one night only.
To kick things off, the timeless love story of Jack and Rose is back with Titanic. The film is an epic, action-packed romance set against the ill-fated maiden voyage of the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic – at the time, the largest moving object ever built. James Cameron’s multi-Academy Award-winner will be on the big screen in 3D 4K HDR and high-frame rate, with a cast headed by Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
For those looking for a more uplifting spectacle, 10 Things I Hate About You will also be returning to the big screen for Valentine’s Day. The 90s classic stars Julia Stiles and the late Heath Ledger as they navigate high school dating in this wildly entertaining romcom – as loved now as it was 25 years ago.
For lovers of musicals, one of the most celebrated productions of all time will be returning to Vue. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells the story of ex-prisoner Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe), after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Anne Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.
Finally, one of (if not the) ultimate romcom, Notting Hill will also be returning to the big screen on 14 February. Hugh Grant stars as a London bookstore owner whose humdrum existence is thrown into romantic turmoil when a famous American actress (Julia Roberts) appears in his shop.
A chance encounter over spilled orange juice leads to a kiss that blossoms into a full-blown affair.
As the average bloke and glamorous movie star draw closer and closer together, they struggle to reconcile their radically different lifestyles in the name of love.
Toby Bradon, General Manager of Vue UK & Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to be showing four classic romance films this Valentine’s Day.
“No matter who you choose to spend the day with, these titles are sure to bring back fond emotions for lovers of film.
“There’s nothing quite like the magic of the big screens and Vue is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s!”
Tickets are available online from just £4.99 at select venues at www.myvue.com.
Located in the heart of the Scottish capital, Eden Mill has opened the doors of its first-ever city centre Edinburgh venue in time for the most romantic day of the year; the city’s brand-new drinks venue offers a delicious journey through Eden Mill’s best-selling fruity & floral Love Gin
Edinburgh’s drinks lovers will enjoy the perfect Valentine’s Day date as independent distiller Eden Mill announces The Eden Mill Experience is now open in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End.
The capital’s latest drinks experience, and Eden Mill’s first venue in central Edinburgh, is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD, inviting gin lovers to share their love for the spirit through an interactive & immersive mixology experience.
Eden Mill’s delectably fruity and subtly floral pink Love Gin, originally created as a limited-edition for Valentine’s Day in 2015, is available in the ‘Share The Love Gin’ session. Gin fans are whisked through a dreamy experience with three uniquely delicious cocktails, one of which guests will learn to mix themselves.
SHARE THE LOVE GIN | (From £30)
Love Gin (40% ABV) is Eden Mill’s floral pink gin joined the Eden Mill portfolio in 2015 as a limited-edition, but the taste of fresh rhubarb spice, sweet strawberries & vanilla combined with green apple, citrus and a hint of rose water, was adored and earned Love Gin a permanent position in the Eden Mill portfolio.
During the Share The Love Gin session, gin enthusiasts will hear the story of how Love Gin was born and the flavoursome botanicals used to make it so delicious. With three uniquely delicious cocktails and some sweet treats, this immersive session will tell the story of Eden Mill’s best-selling Love Gin.
The Eden Mill Experience joins a flourishing area of the capital’s drinks scene; bursting with culture, innovative bars and restaurants. Positioned as an experience and journey into the Eden Mill brand, the location is the ideal venue for drinks fans to begin their perfect day or night out in the beautiful Scottish capital.
Hannah Ingram, Head of Marketing at Eden Mill, said: “We are thrilled to bring a taste of St Andrews to the Scottish capital. Valentine’s Day is a fabulous opportunity for Edinburgh’s gin fans to experience the versatility of our Love Gin through a range of inventive & delicious cocktails.
“The Eden Mill Experience is the perfect opportunity to showcase our wonderful expressions in an interactive and immersive way, and it’s a privilege to launch in a city with such a vibrant drinks scene.”
‘The Guard Bridge Masterclass’ is also available for whisky fans; Eden Mill’s blended malt Scotch whisky is designed to be enjoyed in cocktails, and guests will enjoy three – all expressing the whisky’s deliciously sweet tasting notes of sherried fruit and light warm gingerbread.
THE GUARD BRIDGE MASTERCLASS | (From £35) The Guard Bridge Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (46% ABV) is a new addition to Eden Mill’s range, crafted using an eclectic mix of single malts sourced from the Highland and Lowland regions of Scotland; the blend also contains Eden Mill Single Malt whisky which is highly scarce in quantity.
The expression soothes the palate with the taste of creamy vanilla and barley sugar, finished with sherried fruit and light warm gingerbread.
During The Guard Bridge Masterclass, whisky fans will learn the journey and discover the story behind this new blended malt Scotch whisky while delving into its deliciously sweet tasting notes. Designed to be enjoyed in cocktails, attendees will try three as part of the experience to demonstrate the whisky’s versatility, with one cocktail “guaranteed to feature an ingredient guests have never tasted before!”.
LAYING FOUNDATIONS
Eden Mill is currently building a contemporary Scotch Whisky and gin distillery which is due to become operational in 2024. Set to be one of Scotland’s iconic distilleries, it will also be a major St Andrews landmark and a key Scottish tourism attraction. The brand has been recording progress with work on the exterior of the distillery now complete; a time-lapse video capturing the first stage of the journey is available on the Eden Mill website.
The Eden Mill Experience opened on Saturday 3rd February 2024 and is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End. Offering immersive whisky & gin experiences, bookings are available now via the Eden Mill website.
Houseplants are the new bouquets according to a recent survey by Dobbies Garden Centres, in which 24% of Edinburgh residents said they preferred to receive houseplants rather than cut flowers because they last longer.
A further 31% of Brits said they would happily give a houseplant as a gift.
Houseplants are the ultimate sustainable gift, especially for Valentine’s Day, where a long-lasting houseplant acts as a reminder to your loved ones for years to come.
Dobbies’ Edinburgh and little dobbies’ Stockbridge stores have a wide range of cost-effective houseplants are the perfect way to show your appreciation for your partner with a gift that will last. With a multitude of positive effects, houseplants have air-purifying benefits, and can enhance your home, as well as your wellbeing.
From the green-fingered plant parent to the novice gardener, Dobbies has a houseplant to make everyone feel good. Follow Dobbies’ Senior Houseplant Buyer Claire Bishop’s top tips on ensuring your gift will grow to its fullest potential:
“Houseplants make a beautiful addition to any space with their greenery and colour.
“If you are in search of a romantic but low-maintenance plant, Phalaenopsis will make an impression. These are one of the most popular houseplants, and flowering houseplants are a key trend for 2023. They make a wonderful present for anyone, coming in a range of colours as well as being easy to care for. Place them in bright, centrally heated room (but out of direct summer sun) and watch them bloom!
“Our limited edition Anthurium Clarinervium is ideal if you prefer a tropical look, with its stunning deep green leaves overlain with decorative white. Native to southern Mexico, this rare houseplant loves humidity and would find itself at home in a shower room or steamy kitchen. Ensure its soil is damp but not over-saturated by misting regularly.
“Aglaonema’s stunning variegated leaves and variations of colours lend a pop of colour to any home, guaranteeing your loved one will be thrilled to receive this patterned beauty. This houseplant loves a warm, consistent temperature so keep away from any cold air drafts. In lower light areas, aim to periodically rotate your plant for even growth.”
Visit in store or online at www.dobbies.com to explore Dobbies range of houseplants and Valentine’s gifting ideas, with plenty of styles and sizes to suit every budget and space.
For top tips on caring for houseplants, listen to Claire’s advice on the Positively Plants podcast www.dobbies.com/podcasts
Mark McCarthy, owner of local salon MARKDAVID, on Valentine’s date night hairstyles and how to create them at home:
HOLLYWOOD WAVES – for romantic dinners out what better hairstyle than big, voluminous, Hollywood waves.
This is a fantastic and very popular hair choice for those who want to make an effort on their date nights, where they can come into the salon to receive a bouncy blow-dry or pin curls to help achieve the look.
I always like creating this look with pin curls to achieve curls with maximum bounce and volume. I also love pairing this style with a deep side parting, which as well as adding further volume and height to the style, also adds to the glamour of the look.
Before blow-drying and then styling with curling tong and pinning into place, I always mist some volumising spray to give the hair added volume and lift and finish with a hairspray to give the curls hold and a light shine.
CRIMPS – crimped hair and loose waves have made a major comeback for 2022 and for Valentine’s this is a great way to style your hair and experiment with a look out with the ordinary hair ups and curls.
Hair crimping instantly gives the hair drama and volume and is the perfect look if you want to make a lasting impression! If your hair is naturally straight, this is a great way to add texture and to update your hairstyle for date night.
Always use a heat defence spray prior to crimping your hair and once complete, finish by spritizing some texture spray through the finished look for further texture and hold for a more edgy look.
If you prefer a polished appearance, a shine spray, which will give your waves softness and a beautiful shine. If you don’t have crimpers on hand, sleep overnight with braids to create a similar look!
LOW SLEEK BUN –If you prefer a hair up, a topknot or low sleek bun are perfect choices for Valentine’s and look incredibly elegant and chic.
Decide on your bun style and ensure to use a hair serum such to sleek your hair off of the face and get rid of any frizz and flyaways before creating the bun. I love teaming a low with a bun to give the look added drama.
Firstly create your ponytail at the name of the neck and then create your braid (take your serum again and distribute a small amount through your mid lengths and ends before creating your braid for manageability and shine).
Once the braid is complete, gently pull at some sections of the braid to give it volume and then wrap it around the base of your ponytail to create your bun.
It may not be the Valentine’s Day we expected, but lockdown lovers and sassy singletons can still indulge from the comfort of their own home with Aldi’s Specialbuy Scottish Oysters.
On sale from today (11th February), there’s no need to shell out for the romantic delicacy, because love struck Aldi customers can pick up a pack of six fresh Scottish Oysters for just £2.99 (360g).
They do say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach and at these everyday amazing prices, there really is no reason to be shellfish this Valentine’s Day.
The oysters are being supplied to Aldi specially for Valentine’s Day by a co-operative of small-scale shellfish farmers based on the West Coast of Scotland, who belong to the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group.
Grown in mesh bags that are laid on low trestles on the shore at the low tide mark, the oysters grow naturally by feeding from the nutrient-rich tidal flows of Scotland’s seas. As the oysters grow, they are checked daily by the farmers and regularly sorted by hand to ensure optimum quality.
Derek Sharp, Commercial Manager at Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group, said: “With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it is great to see Aldi support our small-scale farmers, who work collaboratively to provide the best quality oysters.
“Our oyster farms are Friend of the Sea certified, which demonstrates the use of responsible management systems, sustainability of production, social accountability and full traceability. Aldi customers can be confident that they are buying top quality produce.”
Although typically associated with all things romance, oysters also boast a wealth of health benefits. Rich in both vitamins and minerals, they are a fantastic source of Omega-3, meaning that it won’t just be your other half looking after your heart this Valentine’s Day.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said:“Oysters are known to be a delicacy, and we are really pleased to be working with the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group to give our customers a taste of luxury, at excellent value, this Valentine’s Day.
“This is another step forward in our championing of top-tier Scottish produce, and a chance for customers to celebrate their love in style. Aldi’s oysters will make the perfect appetiser for a special Valentine’s feast at home.”
Aldi’s fresh Scottish oysters are available from all UK stores from today (11th February) while stocks last. You can find your nearest Aldi store here.
‘A day in the life’ of an oyster farmer
Gordon Turnbull, Isle of Mull Oysters Ltd
“An oyster farmer’s schedule depends on the tide and my days are dictated by the moon. Typically, I’ll arrive at my oyster shed on the Isle of Mull around 7am to sort and grade the oysters from the previous day.
“I’ll wait for the tide to go out which reveals our trestle tables, home to between three and four million oysters at any one time.
“Then its go, go, go. The oysters that aren’t ready for market are returned to the shore. We’re really working against the tide as we only have a short window, between two and three hours, when our trestle tables are visible above the water.
When the tide comes back in we can take a short break and then its all go again a few hours later in the afternoon.
“This is my typical day during spring tide, which occurs twice each lunar month, during full or new moons when the average tidal ranges are slightly larger. A typical spring tide lasts for about seven to 10 days and during this time, we work seven days a week.
“Neap tides occur twice a month as well: when the sun and moon are at right angles to the Earth. When this happens, the tide does not go out far enough for us to access our trestle tables, so it’s a time for the oysters to relax and concentrate on growing, and I can get on with paperwork and general maintenance on the farm.
“It takes an oyster three to four years before it is ready for market, so there is a lot of checking and sorting involved in the job. It’s important that as the oysters grow, they are rearranged so that they live next to ones of similar size: this helps the oysters get sufficient nutrients from the sea and allows them to grow at an optimum rate.
“The conditions at the moment are perfect for harvesting oysters. High pressure is great because it makes the tide go out more, and that combined with clear, cold days is just ideal. Oysters tend to triple in size between June and October, so we spend the winter months sorting and harvesting, and the summer months sorting and carrying out the husbandry that creates the best possible oyster.
“Being part of the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group has been so important in helping me to grow my business, particularly over the past year. The work they do on behalf of us is just terrific, and it allows us to put all our focus on growing the best tasting oysters.”
Don’t know how to shuck?
Ideally you need an oyster shucking knife, but any other type of stout, short-bladed knife will do.
Wrap a tea towel over one hand and use it to hold the oyster firmly, the flattened side facing upwards.
In the other hand, place the tip of the shucking knife at the base of the hinge (sharp end of the oyster), twist the knife using pressure, then lever the knife upwards, or twist it to prise the hinge open.
Slide the knife right along and under the top shell to release the oyster and remove the top shell.
Try and hold the oyster level so as not to spill any tasty juices (especially if you are eating raw).
Use the knife to cut along the bottom shell to make sure the oyster is free and clear of that shell too.
Serve the oysters as soon as possible after opening. They can be enjoyed as they are, or with a simple squirt of lemon juice. Many people enjoy with a sprinkle of tabasco sauce.
Grilled Oysters with Butter
By Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group
Serves 2 people
Ingredients
6 whole live oysters
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3 tablespoons of unsalted Scottish butter, softened
Squeeze of lemon juice
Cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon of parsley, chopped very finely
Method
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 4 minutes
Ready in: 14 minutes
In a bowl, mix together all of the sauce ingredients until well combined.
To keep the oysters upright, use piles of rock salt or rice if you don’t have any salt.
Divide the butter mixture between the shell and place under the grill for 2-4 minutes.
Recognising that around 40% of people in the UK are either sick of Valentine’s Day or don’t celebrate it because they’re single, a leading Scottish tourism business has revealed a risqué Sin in the City tour that offers the perfect remedy and delves into a hidden history that no other tour covers.
The special edition adults-only walking tour of Edinburgh, delivered by the award-winning storytellers at five star Mercat Tours, will explore the lanes that hid Scotland’s historical capital city’s darker establishments. Those on the tour will hear intimate secrets about some of the most iconic Scots, such as Mary Queen of Scots, and the city’s naughtiest residents, including the famous Scottish biographer and diarist James Boswell (who had a thing for bark!)
Speaking about the new tour, Lauren Ni Maoilmhichil, a tour guide at Mercat Tours said: “For some Valentine’s day is a tough reminder that they’re single or their marriage or relationship has broken down.
“Others are simply sick of Valentine’s Day and prefer to spend it with their friends instead. Indeed in recent years there has been a move towards a global Galetines trend, celebrating friendships among women.
“We invite all of those people to join us and break with slushy Valentine’s traditions on our new tour for an evening of sordid stories and hearty laughs as we keep the true risqué tales of Edinburgh’s most rampant historical residents alive. It’s the perfect Galentine’s or alternative Valentine’s night out.”
For the last 30 minutes of the tour, participants can curl up in the cosy Megget’s Cellar for candlelit storytelling and a complimentary glass of fizz.
Dates: Friday 14 February 9.15pm and Saturday 15 February 6.15pm
Come dine with celebrity chef TONY SINGH and TV presenter GAIL PORTER this Valentine’s Day
In support of two wonderful charities – Pulse of the Place and Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) The Soldiers’ Charity”
A top Edinburgh fundraising team has created a sizzling Curry & Ceilidh night to help send North Leith youth samba band, Pulse of The Place, to New York City Tartan Week this April, as well as supporting the fundraising efforts of the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
The exciting Curry and Ceilidh, masterminded by celebrity chef Tony Singh MBE and Major Del Hamilton, Personnel Recovery Centre (PRC) Edinburgh aims to build on the work by Tania Pramschufer and Olya Arren of Hand Up Events who have been the driving force behind the NYC trip.
The 2020 vision for this year’s trip to the Big Apple is to provide young drummers with a new and exciting platform to perform at while joining the World Fair Trade Tartan Clan at the annual Tartan Week Parade.
Pulse of the Place has undertaken a serious fund-raising campaign to underpin their efforts over the past year and are making a the last hard effort to secure all the necessary funding. On hearing their plans, chef Tony Singh has drawn in huge support from the army Personnel Recovery Centre’s Edinburgh team to make the evening a “sought after” Valentine’s Day event at the exclusive Redford Barracks Garrison Sergeants’ Mess – this February the 14th.”
The evening will lift off with celebrity hosts Tony Singh showcasing his culinary skills and TV presenter Gail Porter adding her infectious fun touch to the exciting auction with a chance to bid for some luxury prizes, including:
*Three course dinner for six held exclusively in the Green Room, Edinburgh Castle Officers Mess;
*One o’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle for a family or a group of four people to have a memorable opportunity in getting a full insight into the One O’clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle. This will be followed by an exclusive lunch in the Castle Officers Mess.
*Dinner Bed & Breakfast for Two (Sun – Thurs) at Dunkeld House Hotel – one night stay in a double or twin guest bedroom with 3 course dinner and full Scottish breakfast as well as full use of the Estate Club.
Guests will also enjoy a performance from Pulse of the Place drummers and of course there will be all mighty Cheilidh taking place – compering for the ceilidh band “Drop of the Good Stuff” guaranteeing a full on fun night! Great beats and dancing the night away, Gail will talk the guests through the steps, meaning all levels are welcome to join.
Celebrity chef, Tony Singh MBE, said: “As soon as I heard about the fundraising plans to get the young drummers to New York – I thought I had to be able to help in some way.
“These are an incredible young group, who sometimes against the odds, come out playing, smiling and lifting people’s spirits. Gaining the backing of the wonderful army Personnel Recovery Centre team has been a real boost – and a really fun event to be involved in – especially as we will be fundraising for both charities.
So we are encouraging people to do something different on Valentine’s Day this year and join us at an incredaible location Redford Barracks for some great food and ceilidh on down! Singles, couples, friends, relatives, collegues – a night for everyone!”
Host of the evening TV presenter, author and journalist Gail Porter said: “I have been on stage with Pulse of the Place at the events organised by Hand Up Events a number of times now and they really do represent a truly professional and vibrant samba style with a Scottish twist.
“It will be an amazing sight and sound to see them march as part of the World Fair Trade Tartan Clan, in the Tartan Day Parade.”
Major Del Hamilton RLC, Officer Commanding, Personnel Recovery Centre Edinburghadded: “This is a terrific opportunity for us to showcase the hugely important work of the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity which provides an incredibly important service to many soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are most in need.
“This fundraiser will help give us the ongoing funds and profile for our charity. In addition, it is a great collaboration and way to bring our skills and talents together to create a fun, one off event and give our backing to these young people. Our ceilidh band “Drop of the Good Stuff” and the ABF team are ready to make the night a memorable one.”
Event organiser & director,Tania Pramschufer, Hand Up Eventssaid: “We are just over the moon with the support we have been given by Major Del Hamilton and his Personal Recovery Centre team alongside Tony and Gail.
“It is a real honour to hold this fun event in the exclusive Redford Barracks Garrison Sergeants’ Mess and join efforts in support of Pulse of the Place and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Both charities, even though different in nature, have got positive impact and outlook, that we want to draw attention to and raise funds for!
“Pulse of the Place have participated in events organised by Hand Up Events and performed in the Scottish Parliament and at a number of concerts and events including the World Fair Trade Fiesta 2017; fashionABLE fashion shows; World Fair Trade Day 2019 at the Usher Hall alongside our very own Gail Porter and now aim to represent Scotland at the Tartan Day Parade 2020.”
All profits from the event will go to the two charities Pulse of the Place and the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. No fees have been paid to hosts or third parties.
Royal Mail is celebrating Valentine’s Day by reaching into the archives and revealing the intriguing history of sending love through the post
The historic cards, which can be viewed in an online gallery, feature striking designs of lace, fabric flowers and mechanical elements revealing a hidden message or scene
Visitors to the gallery can create their own Victorian puzzle purse card using our special template and step-by-step instructions, available here
The collection also includes ‘Vinegar Valentines’, a curious social phenomenon of sending offensive notes on Valentine’s Day.
Royal Mail is celebrating Valentine’s Day by reaching into the archives and revealing the intriguing history of sending love through the post.
Royal Mail is exploring the history of sending Valentine’s cards, while outlining how different generations of Brits have sought to make their missives more memorable over the years.
An online gallery, illustrated with beautiful examples of cards through the ages, reveals the intriguing history of Valentine’s Day cards. It also provides a step-by-step guide for site visitors to create a Victorian-style puzzle purse card, allowing them to make their own personalised tribute to a loved one.
The Victorian Puzzle Purse card
The tradition of sending Valentine’s cards first began in the late 18th Century. Many people crafted their own intricate cards that were gifts in themselves. The earliest surviving example of a handmade Valentine’s card dates from 1790, and is known as a puzzle purse or courtship envelope.
The elaborate design has to be unfolded in a particular way in order to reveal the hidden verses of poetry inside.
Puzzle Purse Valentine, c.1790. Image courtesy of The Postal Museum
Visitors to the gallery can create their own version of this unusual card with Royal Mail’s special puzzle purse template, available to download here,along with special instructions. You can also watch our playful stop-motion animation of the card being made here.
Intricate printed cards become popular
As Valentine’s cards grew in popularity, printed cards became increasingly fashionable. The example below was the first ever printed card to be published, by John Fairburn in 1797.
This delicate design includes hand-painted cupids, doves and flowers, as well as a lace effect produced by piercing the corners of the paper. However, the messages were a lot more formal and considerably less direct than today’s expressions of love. The handwritten message inside the card reads:
“As I have repeatedly requested you to come I think you must have some reason for not complying with my request, but as I have something particular to say to you I could wish you make it all agreeable to come on Sunday next without fail and in doing you will oblige your well wisher.”
First printed Valentine’s card, published in 1797 by John Fairburn. Image courtesy of York Museums Trust
Valentine’s cards soared in popularity following the introduction of the Penny Post in 1840. This allowed standard letters to be sent anywhere in the UK for just a penny, and extended the practice of sending Valentine’s correspondence beyond the upper classes to the whole of society.
With increased demand came the widespread production of highly ornate cards. Many featured mechanical parts which worked to uncover a hidden message or scene. According to experts at The Postal Museum, some men would spend up to a month’s wages on a card, such as this example with gilt-embossed paper lace and fabric flowers.
‘Your love my happiness’ Valentine Card, c.1870. Image courtesy of The Postal Museum
A gold scrap at the bottom displays the message. The girl is printed using an early form of multicolour lithography and is surrounded by fabric and waxed flowers.
Vinegar Valentines
However, not all Valentine’s correspondence was so cordial. So-called ‘Vinegar Valentines’ were popular in the Victorian era as a means of insulting or making fun of the recipient.
These venomous cards generally came in the form of rude poems and offensive drawings. To add insult to injury, before the introduction of the Penny Post in 1840, the recipient had to pay the postage charge themselves.
A range of attributes could provide the basis for insults, including the recipient’s looks, temperament, profession or relationship. In this particular Vinegar Valentine, a man resembling a frog is about to kiss an unattractive woman. A rhyme at the bottom reads:
Madam I’ve found a Beau for you.
So perfect match’d, I’m sure he’ill do
For he like you does take delight
To make his form a very fright.
Design for a Vinegar Valentine, c.1790. Image courtesy of The Postal Museum
Many more intriguing examples of these historic cards can be found in Royal Mail’s online gallery.
Sending messages of love through the post is still an important part of Valentine’s Day today. According to the Greeting Card Association, £43.7 million worth of cards was sold in 2016.
Royal Mail Head of Public Affairs, David Gold, said: “It’s touching to see how over the years the Valentine’s card has cemented its role as the primary way of expressing our love for one another on February 14. It’s clear that the personal touch of setting pen to paper has in no way diminished its appeal on Valentine’s Day over that time.
“Royal Mail is proud of the role it has played in the evolution of Valentine’s cards, supporting both a rich history of beautiful design as well as enabling massive social change.
“The puzzle purse card is a great idea for those wishing to send something unique this February.”
Discover the puzzle purse template and instructions here.
