Tag: Valentine's Day

Asda announces £15 Valentine’s Day Meal Deal including wine

  • Asda announces its Valentine’s Day Meal Deal, which includes a starter, main, two sides, dessert, and either a bottle of wine or box of chocolates for only £15
  • Asda Rewards app users will also earn £1.50 in their cash pot when picking up the deal, making it even better value
  • Notable new items include the Vegan Mushroom Arancini Hearts, 30-Day Dry Aged Sirloin, Chantaney Carrots with Citrus Yuzu, and Dark Belgian Chocolate Hearts
  • The deal will run online and in-store from 9th until 14th February

This year Asda is pulling out all the stops for those looking to celebrate love with its Valentine’s Day Meal Deal, which includes a starter, main, two sides, dessert, and wine or chocolates for only £15. The deal features 17 all-new options, plus returning favourites and vegan offerings across all courses of the meal – including wine.

For starters, there are five options to choose from. Cheese fans will love the new Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Slow Cooked British Beef, which are baked into small bite-sized cups. For those who fancy something extra indulgent, there’s the Chicken Liver Parfait with Raspberry Jelly, perfect to enjoy with freshly-toasted, thick-cut baguette slices. For plant-based lovers, Asda’s new Vegan Mushroom Arancini Hearts with Truffle Dip delights are sure to set the scene for a romantic evening.

Now, onto the main event with eight options on offer. Standout selections include:

· The 30-Day Dry Aged Sirloin with Smoked Garlic Butter, which has been aged for 30 days for a deeply rich and succulent flavour.
· The Wild & Roast Garlic Stuffed Yorkshire Bred Pork Kiev Cutlets. Topped with a Sicilian lemon, garlic, and herb crumb, this dish is the epitome of excellence.
· The British Duck Breasts with Morello Cherry Sauce, sure to impress any date!

Shoppers can also choose from the Aberdeen Angus Beef Burger with Smokey Bacon & Cheese Heart, Braised British Beef Cheek Parcel with a Creamy Porcini Mushroom & Peppercorn Sauce, Cod Fillet with Samphire & Sicilian Lemon & Marjoram Butter, Plant Based Wellington with Mushroom Duxelle, or Nduja Stuffed Chicken Parcel. Each of the main options come with two servings and contain all relevant sauces and garnishes, so it’s all ready to go.

When it comes to a little something on the side, Asda’s got it covered. For the Valentine’s deal, there are some seasonal offerings on the table, such as the new Chantaney Carrots with Citrus Yuzu – a yummy flavour sure to compliment any main. Another standout option is the all-new Truffle Mac & Cheese, for those looking for something indulgent. Of course, no selection would be complete without sides available from all year round, such as the Triple Cooked Chips and the Dauphinoise Potatoes.

Saving the best until last, the dessert. Take a romantic trip to Italy without leaving the house with the Italian Espresso Tiramisu Cups – intense layers of coffee sauce, mascarpone mousse and coffee-soaked sponge cake, Marsala wine, and a cocoa powder dusting make for the ultimate treat.

As it is Valentine’s Day, shoppers can’t go wrong with heart-shaped chocolate treats: enter the Dark Belgian Chocolate Heart with Raspberry. Dusted in pink shimmer, these chocolates are deluxe delights sure to end the night off on the right note.

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a box of chocolates – or for some, maybe a bottle of wine feels more appropriate this year. Whatever the case, shoppers can round out the meal deal with their choice of either a bottle of wine, such as the Extra Special Malbec Merlot or Extra Special Sauvignon Blanc, or a box of the new Extra Special Chocolates.

Not only has Asda kept the price of its stunning meal deal at £15 this year, but the supermarket has gone one step further: couples get the ultimate date night deal with a free Sky Movies voucher when shopping the meal deal*.

What’s more, shoppers using the Asda Rewards app will earn £1.50 in their cash pot when purchasing the deal, making the dine-in offer even better value for money.

For just £15, Asda’s meal deal means you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner. The deal will run online at www.asda.com and in-store from 9th until 14th February.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Ivy on the Square Brasserie

Enjoy a romantic set menu and love-inspired cocktails

The Ivy on the Square Brasserie is celebrating the season of love with a romantic set menu and bespoke cocktails available from Friday 10th February to Sunday 19thFebruary, making it the perfect place to spoil a loved one.

After receiving a glass of Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne on arrival, guests can choose from a selection of dishes from The Ivy on the Square’s delicious three-course set menu full of culinary delights. 

Priced at £75 per person, to start, diners are invited to enjoy a delicious starter, with options including a Duck Liver Parfait, served with caramelised hazelnuts, truffle, pear, and ginger compote with a toasted brioche, or Laverstoke Park Farm Buffalo Mozzarella served with red chicory, clementine, grapes, candy beetroot, and a spiced vinaigrette. 

Main course options include Lobster Linguine in a tomato and chilli sauce, with vine cherry tomatoes, parsley, and spring onion, and Chargrilled Halloumi with Farro grains, crushed artichoke, hazelnuts, mushrooms, black truffle, and a plant-based sauce. If diners are looking for something even more special, a succulent, grass-fed Fillet of Beef is the perfect choice. 

To finish, those with a sweet tooth can enjoy a sharing dessert perfect for couples or friends. The Raspberry Heart Mille Feuille features decadently layered white chocolate and puff pastry with a warm raspberry sauce, the perfect way to finish a romantic meal. 

Alongside the sumptuous set menu, a duo of cocktails inspired by love will be available, designed to make even the cold-hearted blush. Guests can choose from a Heartbreaker on the Rocks (£12); a blend of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Antica Formula, Cherry Heering, Chocolate wine and a dash of Campari, or a sweet Passion Berry Martini (£11), with Citric Blend, Crème de Fraise, and passion fruit syrup topped with prosecco.

Agata Lubera, General Manager at The Ivy on the Square says: “Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to treat those you love. Whether celebrating with friends, family or loved ones, we hope our guests enjoy our special set-menu and bespoke cocktails this Valentine’s Day.”

The Valentine’s Day Set Menu is available from 10th – 19th February and is priced at £75 per person for three courses and a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. To book a table, please visit TheIvyEdinburgh.com.

Five signs that your cat loves you

Cats can’t express love with a thoughtful greetings card or box of chocolates but learning to read a few tell-tale pointers can reveal how they really feel about you.

This Valentine’s Day, Cats Protection is sharing five behavioural signs that your cats loves and trusts you, as well as some tips for keeping them happy, healthy and safe.

If your cat displays any of these behaviours, it’s likely you’ve found a very content soulmate:

1. Slow blinking

If your cat slow blinks at you, it’s a big deal. It’s their way of signalling that they trust you enough to close their eyes in your presence. The best response is to slow blink back, letting them know the affection is mutual.

2. Showing their tummy

A cat’s tummy is a vulnerable area and most cats don’t like to be touched there. If your cat rolls over and shows their tummy, it’s a loving greeting and sign of trust. The temptation to stroke their tummy could result in a warning scratch. A better response would be a nice chin rub or tickle behind their ears as a sure way to generate affectionate purrs of appreciation.

3. Head bumps

Head bumps are the cat equivalent of a hug. When a cat rubs their head or cheek on you, they’re transferring some of their own scent, marking you as someone who is familiar and can be trusted. You might see them doing this to objects in your home too, which is marking their territory as safe and familiar.

4. Kneading

Kneading or ‘making biscuits’ is a behaviour cats perform as kittens to stimulate the flow of milk from their mum. Many cats continue doing it into adulthood and it’s thought they do this simply because it feels good and is a sign of contentment. If your cat starts kneading you, it likely means they’re happy and comfortable on your lap. If you can withstand their claws, that’s an extra sign that you love them too.

5. Tail pointing up

Cats can communicate a lot with just their tail. If it’s low and swishing from side-to-side, they’re feeling worried or indecisive. If their tail is puffed up, then it’s likely they’re scared or feeling stressed. But if your cat comes towards you with their tail pointing up, they are happy to see you and the best response is to let them sniff your hand and give them a fuss to show you’re happy to see them too.

Learning to read your cat’s body language is a great way to help you understand when they’re happy or when they’re stressed and want to be alone.

Nicky Trevorrow, Cats Protection’s Behaviour Manager, said: “While there are behaviours that are true for most cats as well as a few things that should be avoided, each cat is an individual. Getting to know your cat is one of the most fulfilling things about becoming a cat owner.

“Take your time, take their lead. Ask your cat to show you how they like to be treated. Some cats take longer than others to build a relationship, so don’t be too disappointed if you don’t become best friends straight away.”

Sharing special moments can be beneficial for you and your cat and there are simple ways to show them you care.

Cats love boxes. Anyone who has ever owned a cat knows how cats will squeeze into the smallest cardboard cartons. As solitary creatures by nature, having somewhere safe to snooze is important, especially if it is up high so they can keep an eye on their surroundings. Try filling a box with a blanket to make it even more cosy and place it in a warm, quiet corner.

Playing with your cat will release their feel-good hormones called endorphins and help to burn off excess energy. As natural hunters driven by the thrill of the chase, not hunger, cats love to stalk and pounce. Just 10 minutes a day will keep them happy, healthy and your best friend.

For more information visit Cats Protection’s online guide to cat behaviour.

Elixirs of love for Valentine’s Day bottled by Buck & Birch

Fall under the spell of the Scots botanists’ alluring spirits imbued with the romance of the wilds 

Resistance is futile when it comes to the romance of the wilds and foragers but Buck & Birch have it bottled. 

For lovers looking for a potion to impress an amour this Valentine’s Day, the way to their heart could be any one of the award-winning liqueurs and spirits from the alchemists who put flavour first and season with spirit and turn the glorious fruits of our land and hedgerows into nectar. 

Buck & Birch distil the very nature of the wild to produce a range of seductive tipples to drink neat, long or mixed – Aelder Elixir anyone? A gently warming wild elderberry liqueur best experienced reclining by a roaring fire. 

Kick off the evening with a refreshing signature aperitif- The Wild Rose Spritz. Just pour 50ml Amarosa over ice and top with pink champagne or fizz for the most sparkling start to any date night. 

Or a ready-mixed Thornstar Martini cocktail combining Amarosa rosehip rum liqueur, woodruff vodka, hawthorn syrup and sea buckthorn. 

Then finish off the perfect romantic dinner with Ana, a birch syrup caramel liqueur for lovers of all things sweet. 

If you just want to cut to the chase, combining food and drink in the perfect pairing, look no further than Rum & Cake, a wild spiced sipping rum infused with hogseed parkin and laced with molasses and Scottish spice, guaranteed to warm the cockles of any heart on a cold February night. 

If dinner and drinks feel too predictable, give them a date to remember with a Distillery Tasting Session, meet the makers of Buck and Birch’s enticing range of spirits and liqueurs, sample the range with delicious wild snacks and learn all about the company, methods and ingredients because smart is sexy, right?  

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, so they say – if meeting up in person is a challenge this year share the love with a gift and embrace your wild side with an Adventurer Cocktail Pack, a Wild Liqueur Taster Pack or a Wild Distillery Tasting Session voucher. 

Buck & Birch Creative Director and co-founder, Tom Chisholm says: “There’s no better time to enjoy a taste of the romance of the Scottish countryside than Valentine’s Day.

“These are some of the most intriguing flavours, distilled with real passion. What better way to celebrate this feast day than with a message of love in a bottle?” 

To view a full selection of drinks and gifts available or to book a distillery tour in The Tasting Room, visit www.buckandbirch.com  

Forget price-match, it is all about your perfect love-match with Aldi Scotland this Valentine’s Day!

They say the way to a someone’s heart is through their stomach and this Valentine’s Day, Aldi Scotland has teamed up with an up-and-coming Scottish Agony Aunt to help its shoppers discover what their purchases say about their love life. 

The supermarket is encouraging shoppers to share a copy of their receipt or a list of their latest purchases via Aldi Scotland’s social channels for the chance to receive love and dating tips from Dear Ashleigh, based on what is in their shopping basket.  

Dear Ashleigh, a beautician from Glasgow, has been a trusted listening ear for her clients for over 10 years, but during lockdown decided to use this experience to offer love and life advice to her online followers looking for guidance on their relationships. 

Creating the perfect hybrid of Cilla Black’s ‘What’s your name, where’d you come from’, and Gillian McKeith’s ‘You are what you eat’, Aldi and Ashleigh will be playing cupid in the run up to Valentine’s Day to find what shopper’s eating and drinking habits suggest about their romantic side and to offer tips on what to look for when searching for their soul mate. 

Ashleigh, online Agony Aunt, commented: “In my experience, people tell you the most about themselves subconsciously, and more often than not, it’s the small things that they themselves haven’t noticed which reveals the most. 

“I’m looking forward to helping Aldi shoppers find out a bit more about themselves and where they should be looking for love.” 

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We have such a varied range of products from local suppliers in our Scottish stores that often the combination of items picked up can say a lot about shopper’s likes and dislikes. 

“So, to mark this Valentine’s Day we thought it would be fun to work with Ashleigh to get her opinion on what a shopping list reveals about our shopper’s love lives and offer some sage advice for our single shoppers looking for love.” 

Shoppers can add romance to any menu this Valentine’s Day with Aldi Scotland’s Valentine’s Specialbuy range available from 10th February, including Love Heart Lorne sausage (£1.09, 150g), Loch Fyne Oysters (£3.99, 360g) and Loch Fyne Scottish Live Mussels (£2.99, 1kg). Customers can also pick up some award-winning gins including Eidyn Premium Scottish Gin (£19.99, 70cl). 

Ashleigh will be sharing her analysis of Aldi Scotland receipts on social media on Valentine’s Day – share your latest purchases with Aldi Scotland via Facebook or Instagram for a chance of personalised dating tips from Ashleigh. 

Morrisons offers Valentine’s Day Dine in for Two for £15 Meal Deal

– £15 feast includes starters, mains, two sides, a drink and dessert options from The Best range –

– Customers can feast on scallops and prawns, coq au vin, sirloin steak and white chocolate profiteroles –

– Full vegan option, including a luxury beef-less wellington available –

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Morrisons has unveiled its The Best Dine in For Two Meal Deal where customers can get a three-course dining experience, including starters, mains, two sides, dessert and wine, for just £15. 

Customers can save up to £18.50 (over 50%) when purchasing the offer, compared to buying the most expensive items separately. 

Couples can kick things off with scallops and prawns or a camembert tear and share bread. Mains include a classic beef wellington with buttery pastry, extra trimmed British fillet of beef and duxelle, a British pork fillet wrapped in prosciutto or a rolled sole filled with smoked haddock, salmon and a mature cheddar and prosecco sauce. For sides, there’s chunky chips, carrots and kale or dauphinoise and desserts range from fresh vanilla cheesecake slices to indulgent raspberry and white chocolate profiteroles or boozy pink gin jelly shots.

A full vegan option is available which includes a mushroom pate, luxury beef-less wellington, two sides to choose from and two luxurious dessert options. 

And to drink, there’s a selection of award-winning wines and fizz, including the award winning The Best Prosecco DOC Rosé (£7.50) or The Best Prosecco DOC (£7.49). Customers can also choose a soft drink if they prefer. 

The experts at Good Housekeeping have also given the full Morrisons meal deal their seal of approval so customers can be confident they are buying the best quality this Valentine’s Day.

Andrew Nunns, Senior Buying Manager at Morrisons said; “Our Valentine’s Dine in Deal is always hotly anticipated by customers and this year our chefs have been working tirelessly to bring them new and delicious options.”

Morrisons The BestDine in for Two Valentine’s Meal Deal is available now online and in-store from Wednesday 9th February.

REVEALED: The most romantic locations in the UK for a romantic post-lockdown trip

  • Camptoo research shows the most romantic spots for a post-lockdown getaway
  • Lake District revealed as most popular romantic getaway spot
  • Loch Lomond offers best place to star-gaze for travellers
  • New Forest rated as a hidden gem for young couples

Catbells Lakeland Walk in the Lake District could be the most romantic place in the UK to propose, according to a new study. 

The region is one of the most popular stargazing spots in the UK and could be the perfect backdrop for loved-up couples in search of a romantic post-lockdown getaway.

Leading Motorhome and campervan rental platform, Camptoo, have also studied the amount of peak star visibility hours to provide the ultimate romantic list for couples to check out post-lockdown: 

Catbells Lakeland Walk – Lake District 

The Catbells walk is rated as the most popular walk for loved-up duos on TripAdvisor and could be the first place to check out for couples when the travel restrictions are limited, with over 100 available to pitch up with your Camptoo campervan.

The route offers beautiful views of the adjacent Derwentwater Lake and that could be the place to be when the sun sets.

If that’s not enough, a spot of star-gazing (over an hour-and-a-half, subject to time of year, mins of peak time) could further add to the romantic mood or even get down on one knee.

South Stack Lighthouse – Llanddwyn Island

Situated on the Llanddwyn Island on the west coast of Wales, South Stack Lighthouse is another popular location for couples. Standing a wonderfully picturesque figure against the vast Irish sea, it could be the perfect place to be when the sun sets on a wonderful view.

If you’re looking to travel after lockdown, you will have a choice of 20 campsites all with at least 80 minutes of peak star-gazing time throughout the day, meaning you will never have to stray too far from one of the UK’s most romantic spots. 

The Cobb – Lyme Regis

Next on the list, we come to The Cobb, Dorset. With well over 1,000 reviews, The Cobb is a highly-rated and popular destination for couples with some of the most romantic beach walks the UK has to offer. Being part of the well-renowned Jurassic Coastline, couples could spend hours exploring the scenic views of Cobb Beach.

Rothiemurchus – Cairngorms

Located in the heart of Scotland’s largest and wonderfully preserved national park, Cairngorms, Rothiemurchus is truly one of the most unique places to visit in the UK. One of the many attractions is a 13th-century island castle, which is still standing strong in the middle of Loch an Eilean.

Rothiemurchus also boasts the most time for stargazing of all of our selections, with 89 peak minutes available to witness the astronomical beauty on February 14 – and that will only increase post-lockdown.

Palladian Bridge – Bath

Sticking with the theme of striking historical architecture, next we come to Palladian Bridge in Bath. The bridge, built in the 18th century, is positioned within Prior Park and owned by the National Trust, meaning its natural beauty will be preserved. Well over 800 TripAdvisor reviews mean this is certainly not a landmark to be missed, and with the stunning scenic environment surrounding, Palladian Bridge provides an excellent option for any couples looking for a late Valentine’s Day getaway.

Bracklinn Falls – Loch Lomond

No romantic destinations list would be complete without Loch Lomond getting a mention and our study shows Bracklinn Falls as the ideal spot. It has a 4.5 rating from 729 reviews and is second only to its Scottish neighbour Rothiemurchus for the number of peak stargazing minutes (in February) on our list.

If you like the sound of bright stars and the tranquillity of the gushing waterfalls, then this is the place for you and your loved one. There are just 11 campsites in the area, meaning Bracklinn Falls offers one of the most remote getaways for couples looking for a late, post-lockdown Valentine’s Day.

Cader Idris – Snowdonia

Standing just shy of 1000m, you’ll need to pack hiking boots for a trip to Calder Idris. However, the stunning scenery, crystal clear lake and views of the stars from the top (with over 80 minutes of peak star-gazing minutes in February) make it well worth the trip. Plus with 123 campsites nearby, there’s no excuse for you and your partner to miss out on a romantic trip once the travel measures have been relaxed. 

Rhinefield Ornamental Drive – New Forest

One of the most southern locations on our list, Rhinefield Ornamental Drives wonderful, Tolkien-esque forest landscapes are a sight to behold. Stargazing and forests go hand in hand, so you won’t want to miss out on the astronomical views on offer.

Due to its location, Rhinefield Ornamental Drive is not the best place on the list if you want to star-gaze – it has fewer minutes than anywhere else – but with 46 campsites in the area, you’re never too far away and it could be the perfect spot to take your Camptoo campervan for a post-lockdown break.

Camptoo offers the UK’s largest peer-to-peer motorhome and campervan rental selection direct from vehicle owners in the UK, with plenty of selection for people planning a late Valentine’s getaway – within national lockdown restrictions – and pursuing the UK’s amazing landscapes and natural environment.

Teach children about love and friendships on Valentine’s Day

Why Valentine’s Day isn’t just for grown-ups

Former primary school teacher Oli Ryan of education resources experts PlanBee says that while adults tend to focus on romantic expressions of love, February 14 is an ideal opportunity to show children how to demonstrate compassionate love and kindness to friends and family:

What is Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is a saint’s day in the Christian calendar when the martyrdom of a Saint Valentine is celebrated; Saint Valentine was buried on February 14.

Who was St Valentine?

It depends who you ask, and which St Valentine you’re talking about. There are 11 saints named Valentine according to the Roman Catholic Church. Most commentators agree, however, that Valentine’s Day celebrates Saint Valentine of Rome, a priest who ministered to persecuted Christians living in the Roman Empire.

DID YOU KNOW …

         Britons are predicted to spend more than £900m on Valentine’s Day in 2021 (statista.com)

         Men tend to spend more than women on Valentine’s Day (statista.com)

         Unsurprisingly, most lovers intend to celebrate at home this year – getting a takeaway or cooking a meal, and watching a movie together (finder.com)

         Many people express their love for one another publicly on social media

Five Valentine’s Day traditions around the world

  1. In Wales, it’s traditional to give your loved one a hand-carved wooden ‘love spoon’!
  2. In Finland and Estonia, 14th February is better known as the ‘Day of Friends’. Rather than expressing romantic love, friends show their affection for one another by exchanging gifts or meeting up to spend time together.
  3. In Japan, women give gifts to men on Valentine’s Day.
  4. Italians and Brazilians celebrate Valentine’s Day in a big way: typically, music festivals and street parties are held
  5. Slovenia has so much love to give that it celebrates twice! March 12 is Saint Gregory’s Day, the Slovenian lover’s day. Children and adults make little lights and float them on lakes and rivers, marking the start of spring.

How was Valentine’s Day celebrated in the UK in the past?

In the UK, it was once more typical to send a card or a love note anonymously, perhaps leaving a clue about yourself for your love interest to work out.

In Scotland, it was popular to play a parlour game where single men would put their name into a hat. An equal number of single women would take turns drawing a name. The man who they picked would then accompany the woman for the rest of the day.

In England, women used to write the names of potential lovers on little pieces of paper, then roll them together inside a ball of clay. They would then drop the clay ball into the water. Whichever name rose to the surface first would be their one true love.

How to teach children about love and kindness on Valentine’s Day

At PlanBee, we think Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to teach children not only about why it’s important to express love for a partner but also how to strengthen friendships – just like the Finnish and Slovenians.

As well as sharing these fascinating facts about the day, you could arrange an activity for your child to do with a friend.

There are some lovely lockdown-friendly activities you could arrange for your children, to help foster their friendships at a time when it’s difficult for them to meet up.

Five great activities for fostering children’s friendships

1. Arrange a treasure hunt with another family

This is a lovely activity which your child will love to plan and personalise for a good friend. Place secret notes, painted pebbles, Christmas decorations or even make ‘nature art‘ along a short walking route. Write out some clues, and post it through your friend’s door. Next week, invite them to do the same for you and your family. Don’t forget to pick everything up afterwards.

2. Pen pals

Children love to share things with their friends, including pictures, poems and stories they’ve written themselves. Suggest the idea to your child. Hopefully, it will inspire them to write something nice to a friend, which you can either post in the mail or hand-deliver to their letterbox.

3. Book swaps

Arrange a book swap for your child and one or more of their friends. They can select one or two of their favourite books to swap for a while. It will give them something to talk about with their friends on Zoom! You could even provide some blank bookmarks on which they can write a little review of the book for their friend to read.

4. Video games

It’s easy to think of playing video games as a solitary activity, but these days it’s more often a social experience. With your child, choose a collaborative—rather than a competitive—game they could play online with a close friend (we like Splatoon and Overcooked – both good examples of child-friendly, cooperative gaming which your children will also enjoy playing with you.) Remember to plug in a headset so they can talk to each other.

5. Parlour games

With classes conducted over Zoom, children are pretty much over video meetings. Giving them a bit of structure will make virtual playdates much more enjoyable. Talk to them about how to play simple parlour games like Charades or Animal, Vegetable, Mineral – or help them set up their own version of ‘Kim’s Game’ to challenge their friends.

With a bit of imagination, there are all sorts of traditional parlour games which can be played over a video call.

Download these resources to help your child develop kindness and friendship here.

Capital collaboration between Wemyss Malts and The Chocolate and Pastry Bar

A new couple in (The West End of ) Town

–         Edinburgh based Wemyss Malts partners with neighbour The Chocolate and Pastry Bar

–         Exclusive coupling in time for Valentine’s Day

Edinburgh’s Wemyss Malts and the Chocolate and Pastry Bar have come together to form the perfect partnership – just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Following the rebrand of the Wemyss Malts Core Range last year, the family-run business is continuing its mission to champion local, by partnering with Edinburgh’s Chocolate and Pastry Bar – debuting a range of delicious handmade Belgian Couverture Chocolate bars, inspired by the Core Range’s three uniquely flavoured whiskies – The Hive’, ‘Spice King’ and ‘Peat Chimney’.

The Wemyss Malts team has worked closely with chocolatier Chef Chiara Scipione to create the trio of chocolate, infused, and influenced by the flavour profile and tasting notes of each whisky.

Handmade with 54% cocoa Belgian dark chocolate – ‘The Hive’ is expertly blended with caramelised orange pieces, ‘Spice King’ is carefully combined with cracked black pepper and smooth caramel and ‘Peat Chimney’ is delicately made with Islay peat-smoked oats and almonds.

The Core Range and inspired Couverture Chocolate bars are available to buy from wemyssmalts.com/shop from Monday the 8th of February – and if ordered by Wednesday 10th of February, can be delivered in time for Valentine’s Day.

The Core Range is available through spirit and whisky specialists worldwide from £39.95. The trio of exclusive chocolates are on offer at £4.95 per bar or free with purchase of one of the Wemyss Malts Core Range.

Steven Shand, Whisky Blender at Wemyss Malts, said: “The past year hasn’t been easy for anyone, so we wanted to do our part to support our neighbours while exploring a new territory for the Wemyss Malts brand.

“It’s been wonderful to collaborate with such a creative business owner like Chiara whose expertise and flair has created the perfect indulgent pairings for our Core Collection.

“Whether you’re celebrating lockdown love or searching for an isolation treat, our new range of handmade Belgian Couverture Chocolates are the perfect pick me up this Valentine’s Day. Now whisky lovers can not only match the hand-crafted whisky blend to their personality, but can now also pair it with one of the delicious, flavoured chocolate bars.”

Chef Chiara Scipione, Owner of the Chocolate and Pastry Bar, said: “I’ve loved exploring the unique tasting notes of the Wemyss Malts Core Range and matching them with the flavour tones of the Belgian Chocolate.

“From the beginning of this process, I’ve been inspired by the brand’s unique take on whisky blending and their selection of flavours to suit every type of personality. It’s been fantastic exploring each of the flavour profiles to find the perfect combination of taste and textures to compliment the whisky with the chocolate.”