Just because we’re in lockdown doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate your loved ones this Valentine’s. Here are some of the things you can do this Valentine’s Day in Otley… lockdown-style.
Lock in your love
Far be it from us at VO to advise you to start attaching padlocks to public property, but it’s what many hundreds of others have done to show their affection at both Otley’s main bridge over the River Wharfe and at the White Bridge that links Wharfemeadows Park with Garnett Wharfe. Take a romantic stroll around our riverside, or play out some Heathcliff and Cathy fantasies up on the wilder Chevin.
Be a card sharp
You’re going to want a card for your loved one and there are several places from which to buy in Otley: Just Books and Mounseys stationers, both overlooking Market Place, and the supermarkets have a fine selection, as do many of the gift shops, galleries and coffee shops. Over at café/print shop Bloomfield Square, owner Tony Wright has come up with a corker inspired by rock ’n’ roll comedy classic movie Spinal Tap. The £5 cards declare: “My love for you goes up to 11.” Email Tony on [email protected] to order
Say it with chocolates
Trevor Backhouse and the team at Patisserie Viennoise are offering a whole host of chocolate goodies if you’re after a sweet sensation. Pick up everything from small Valentine chocolate bars (£4) to chocolate champagne bottles filled with truffles (£35). Everything can be personalised and there’s free delivery in Otley, even on Valentine’s Day itself. To place an order, simply telephone 01943 467927.
The steaks are high
Meat lovers will adore the Valentine’s offer at one of Otley’s three butchers: JB Wilkinson’s on Boroughgate. Bag a pair of rumps for £12, two sirloin for £17.50 or a couple of fillets for £20 – all are 280g (10oz) and come with a choice of two sauces. Super hungry? Go for a tomahawk steak to share – this on-the-bone rib steak cut from the fore-rib weighs in at a whopping 1kg (2.2lbs) and costs £29.99. See here for shop details and to order.
Show that’s amore
High-end riverside Italian may be closed for sit-in meals, but you can choose a range of options from their special Valentine’s menu to cook at home. Main courses start from just £10 per person and include heart-shaped ravioli and slow braised ox cheeks. Starters and deserts are also available, as are hampers with a host of Italian goodies. See here for more details.
Get quizzical
Brush up on your smooching knowledge for this week’s Courthouse Quiz which has a romance theme. It takes place on Wednesday (Feb 10, 2021) at 7pm. See here for details. Alternatively, if you’re yearning for a trip to the pub with a loved one, you can always join Otley Pub Club’s pub door quiz! Free to enter at any time, it can be found here. It might not be the most romantic way to spend the day, but it’s free and still means you can squeeze even more affection in at the weekend.
Pick up a gift
A number of Otley shops have special Valentine’s offers. Bag a lovely gift for a loved one by checking out the gift guide on our sister site Buy In Otley here.