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What to do in St Albans on Valentine’s Day
Are you looking to do something special this Valentine’s Day? With lots to see, delightful accommodation and award-winning restaurants, St Albans is a great destination choice for a Valentine’s Day break.
Whether you treat your special someone to a day out or stay the weekend, couples fall in love a little bit more on a visit here. With the help of St Albans bid, here are our top picks to really impress and make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one.
The White Hart Hotel St Albans
Situated opposite magnificent St Albans Cathedral, The White Hart Hotel offers characterful accommodation just moments from the city centre. Dating back to 1470 and one of the oldest buildings in St Albans, this former coaching inn is the perfect choice if you are looking for some old-world charm.
Dine in the hotel’s oak-panelled Tudors Restaurant and enjoy excellent culinary dishes in an intimate setting. Click here to book and for further information.
Sopwell House
Luxury hotel Sopwell House takes rest, relaxation, and warm hospitality seriously. Their Valentine’s Escape includes accommodation, dinner and access to the hotel’s impressive leisure facilities. If your beau is a spa lover, choose the Valentine’s Spa Escape which gives access to The Club at the Cottonmill Spa, an exclusive haven offering world-class facilities and treatments.
If you don’t have time to stay, The Brasserie and Restaurant offer Valentine’s menus so diners can enjoy top notch cuisine and an intimate atmosphere. Click here to book and for more information.
Travelodge PLUS St Albans
If your sweetheart loves to shop, then a stay at the Travelodge PLUS St Albans, with added style and comfort, is spot on. Boutiques, well-known brands and flagship stores are all around and if you need to refuel there many pubs, cafes and bistros on the doorstep.
Click here to book.
St Michael’s Manor
On the edge of Verulamium Park is luxurious St Michael’s Manor set in 5 acres of private garden with its own lake. Full of character the original house dates back 500 years and all guest rooms are elegant and individually styled. Click here to book.
The stunning Lake Restaurant is a 2 AA Rosette restaurant and whether you are a guest at the hotel, or visiting for the evening, the attentive service and tantalising menu will ensure a fairy-tale night. The Lake Restaurant opens daily for breakfast, lunch, Afternoon Tea and dinner. Offering a stunning dishes for all guests to enjoy.
Lussmanns
Award-winning Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen in the city centre offers a relaxed and cosy vibe. Exquisite dishes are created from locally sourced produce and with sustainability at its heart, it is a popular choice.
Perfect for impressing your significant other is a fine-dining experience at Thompson St Albans. With 3 AA Rosette status, this restaurant serves wonderful dishes imaginatively created by Head Chef Phil Thompson, in a tranquil and intimate setting.
The Ivy St Albans Brasserie
If you are searching for a stylish restaurant then The Ivy St Albans Brasserie is the ideal venue with art deco interiors, plush furnishings and first-class service. Fall in love over one of the specially created cocktails inspired by heart felt love stories and be sure to save space for their decadent sharing dessert “Pillow Talk.”
Per Tutti Ristorante Italiano
Dine by candlelight and capture the essence of amore at Per Tutti Ristorante Italiano. An indulgent Valentine’s Day menu served with Italian passion and flair will impress that special someone on the most romantic day of the year. Click here for bookings
Premiere Inn St Albans
Another great city centre choice is the Premier Inn St Albans City Centre. This modern and comfortable hotel is a short walk from all the main attractions including St Albans Cathedral, Verulamium Park, the Clock Tower and all the amazing shops and restaurants- what’s not to love!
Inspiration for what to do in St Albans on Valentine’s Day
With a fantastic choice of hotels and restaurants, let romance blossom, fall in love or pop the question in St Albans this Valentine’s Day. Booking ahead is recommended as restaurants and hotels get booked up at this time of year.
Sustainable St Albans is gearing up for its annual Sustainability Festival, SustFest24, from June 7 to 16. This community-led event is packed with activities designed to promote environmental sustainability and inspire positive change. Among the many exciting events this year, the Preloved Charity Fashion Show and Sustainable Style workshop stand out, emphasizing eco-friendly fashion choices.
Preloved Charity Fashion Show
The Preloved Charity Fashion Show will take place on June 7 at the Alban Arena. This fashion show is a unique event that combines style with sustainability, showcasing outfits created entirely from second-hand and upcycled clothing. By highlighting the beauty and creativity that can come from preloved items, the show aims to challenge the fast fashion industry and promote a culture of reuse and recycling. This event not only supports local charities but also demonstrates that sustainable fashion can be both stylish and accessible.
The fashion show will feature local models and designers, bringing a community feel to the runway. Attendees can expect an evening of high fashion, innovative designs, and inspiring stories behind the outfits. Tickets for the event are available for £10 and can be purchased here (Sustainable St Albans) (Sustainable St Albans).
Sustainable Style Workshop
On June 10, the Sustainable Style workshop will provide practical tips for creating a sustainable wardrobe. This interactive session will cover various aspects of eco-friendly fashion, including how to choose sustainable fabrics, the benefits of buying second-hand, and techniques for upcycling old clothes. Participants will learn how to reduce their carbon footprint through mindful fashion choices and sustainable practices.
The workshop will be led by experts in sustainable fashion who will share their insights and experiences. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that can help transform your wardrobe into a more sustainable one. Tickets for the Sustainable Style workshop can be found here (Sustainable St Albans).
The Impact of Fast Fashion
The fast fashion industry is notorious for its significant environmental impact. It is responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions and produces a vast amount of waste, with around 85% of textiles ending up in landfills each year. Fast fashion also consumes massive amounts of water; it takes about 2,700 liters of water to make one cotton shirt, which is equivalent to what one person drinks in two and a half years.
Why Sustainable Fashion Matters
Sustainable fashion aims to minimize the negative environmental and social impacts associated with the fashion industry. By choosing eco-friendly materials, supporting ethical brands, and embracing second-hand shopping, consumers can play a vital role in reducing the demand for fast fashion. Sustainable fashion helps conserve resources, reduce waste, and promote more ethical labor practices.
Join SustFest24
SustFest24 is a perfect platform to learn about and engage in sustainability practices. The Preloved Charity Fashion Show and Sustainable Style workshop are just two of the many events designed to inspire and educate the community. By participating in these events, you can contribute to a more sustainable future and enjoy a variety of activities focused on environmental conservation.
For more information and to view the full schedule of events, visit the Sustainable St Albans website. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this incredible festival and make a positive impact on the environment.
Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating sustainability with style at SustFest24!
Milton Keynes’ much-anticipated landmark visitor destination, Unity Place, has now opened all of its remaining facilities and is officially fully open. Located directly opposite MK Station Square, Unity Place is more than just a venue; it’s a vibrant community hub set to redefine the urban experience in the heart of the city.
A Culinary Haven: Diverse Dining Options Under One Roof
Unity Place offers an unparalleled shopping and dining experience. At the heart of this destination is the Urban Food Market, featuring an eclectic mix of street food vendors that cater to every palate. Here, you can indulge in rustic Italian delights at Raffaele Pizza, savor Taiwanese rice boxes and bao buns from Bian Dang, or enjoy the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine at Cantina Carnitas. For those seeking an elevated dining experience, Dipna Anand’s Kitchen & Bar is a must-visit. Celebrity chef Dipna Anand brings authentic Punjabi and South Indian cuisine to your table, with signature dishes such as tandoori lamb chops, paneer tikka, and lamb shish.
Convenience Meets Quality: Shopping Essentials at Unity Place
Unity Place isn’t just about food. It’s designed to cater to all your needs under one roof. The Corner Store offers everyday essentials, while Baker’s Room tempts with freshly made bread, pastries, cakes, and coffee. Even grooming is covered, thanks to the high-end barbershop ROK, perfect for a stylish fresh trim.
Work and Play at Unity Place: The Ideal Balance
For those blending work and leisure, Unity Place provides an innovative solution. Partnering with co-working provider x+why, it offers flexible working spaces perfect for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. The ground floor houses the public Santander Work Café, which includes co-working desks, bookable meeting rooms, and a branch for everyday banking needs. With over 60,000 sq. ft. of contemporary office space, Unity Place ensures a productive environment with breakout spaces, private offices, enterprise suites, and mission rooms.
Sip and Savor at Unity Place: A Destination for Drinks
Unity Place is also a haven for those who enjoy a good drink. The rooftop bar, Unity Sky Lounge, offers stunning panoramic views of the city alongside a fantastic selection of food and beverages. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or starting your evening, this is the perfect spot to relax. Additionally, Dipna Anand’s bar provides a cozy atmosphere for a pre-dinner cocktail or mocktail, while the fully stocked Unity Bar boasts an extensive drinks list to satisfy any preference.
Why Visit Unity Place?
Unity Place is more than just a visitor destination; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why you should make it your next stop:
- Variety: With a wide range of dining options, there’s something for everyone.
- Convenience: Everything you need, from food to shopping to workspaces, is available under one roof.
- Community: It’s a vibrant hub that fosters community and connection.
- Quality: High-end amenities ensure a premium experience.
- Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop bar.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Unity Place is set to become a cornerstone of Milton Keynes. Come and experience it for yourself – the future of urban living is here.
