Love Is In the Air This Valentine’s Day

By Charlene Bent

Image: Marks & Spencers This time of year, gift-giving is the love language of choice and Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to show just how much you care. From food to creative gift ideas, we’ve done all the hard work for you so that you can shop with ease and simply relax and enjoy the romantic day. Lean into their favourite treats and personal interests or browse through our failsafe picks that they’ll really adore. We’ve pulled out all the stops to create the ultimate Valentine’s Day at Rushden Lakes. Where to eat

We started at Pizza Express where the delicious pizza’s do all the talking and even more so with heart-shaped dough. Choose from their classics such as Vegan Giardiniera or Margherita and team with fluffy dough balls dipped in garlic butter for extra flavour.

Fancy an Asian fusion packed with goodness and delicious ingredients? Then Wagamama’s is the way to go. Be sure to mention any allergies and dietary requirements and the chefs will wok you up a storm with their tantalising flavours.

Dine under the moonlit sky at Bill’s and enjoy a three-course Valentine’s special. Choose from a selection on a set menu for only £24.95 each and sip on a free Lovestruck Cocktail. If you’re of the fish persuasion, enjoy Pan-Fried Sea Bass and Prosecco Florentine with herby potatoes, spinach, poached egg, and prosecco hollandaise. However, if a meat feast is more bag, opt for the Peppercorn Steak Frites, Chargrilled minute steak with rosemary, salted fries & pink peppercorn sauce whilst you make a wish for your love under the stars.

After your alfresco dining, enjoy a stroll along the lake and stop at our next must-have location for a Raspberry and Vanilla Martini. Shaken hard with maple syrup, the team at Lago Lounge know how to mix and shake cocktails guaranteed to impress.

Heavenly desserts were our final food stop and it was a destination worth waiting for. The mouth-watering treats are dipped in the essence of sweets for my sweets and if you dare to indulge, choose the Secret Sensations for sheer passion with every mouthful. The seductive taste of ripe, crimson raspberries, a scoop of velvety white chocolate gelato and a drizzle of warm Belgian white chocolate, makes for the perfect combination to linger over and share your love with every bite. And if Tiramisu is more your style, then Heavenly Desserts layers of espresso-soaked sponge and vanilla mascarpone topped with shavings of the finest Belgian chocolate will leave you wanting more. Spoil your loved one with delicious tasting desserts that will make this Valentine’s Day extra special. What to Gift Retailers have gone big on Valentine’s Day this year and have a huge selection of gifts on offer that say it with hearts and echoes a thousand words. Add a selection to your basket to up your gift-giving game and let these sentimental picks shower them with your love. You can capture the essence of sheer luxury at Frasers or shop for wardrobe staples at M&S. Browse our stylish keepsake gestures at Rushden Lakes and showcase the look of love.