How to celebrate Valentine’s Day during lockdown

As we find ourselves in yet another national lockdown, those typical St Valentine’s Day activities are on hold as restaurants and bars – which normally reap the financial rewards of this annual love fest – are closed.

However, despite our ‘stay at home’ orders, this Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to have fun, whether you’re with your partner or spouse, friends, family or even via a video call with your beloved. The people of Portsmouth have created incredible packages, events and presents, guaranteed to lift dampened spirits while supporting local and independent businesses.

‘Normally around Valentine’s Day I would be booked at restaurants. But hopefully people can still listen to me and dance at home via my livestream concert,’ says Amy Baker, the well-known jazz singer from Southsea.

The 30-year-old is hosting a Facebook live on February 13, where she will be singing Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and Amy Winehouse for £5 per ticket. ‘I hope people can enjoy the music, cook a nice meal and have a few drinks with their loved one while listening to my show,’ adds Amy, who will be taking special song requests throughout the evening. ‘Every time I see someone tune in, it brightens my day.’

For those who would normally find themselves at a cocktail bar, mojito in hand, on February 14, the Lovers Lockdown Cocktail Box and Class by sister Southsea bars, Broken & Repaired and Bonitas, is for you. The box includes all the ingredients needed to make Valentine’s-inspired cocktails, such as a French Kiss Martini, while Peter Kittermaster – the general manager at Broken & Repaired – teaches the technique during a livestream.

Elle Carrick, from Broken & Repaired, explains: ‘Throughout the first lockdown, Broken & Repaired were running virtual cocktail sessions which were very popular and we thought it would be nice to host something for Valentine’s weekend. Valentine’s Day is going to be different this year but we don’t need to let lockdown ruin it.’

Flowers are synonymous with romance and Camilla Evans – founder of Camilla’s Creations – has curated a selection of Valentine’s blooms varying from £24-£60. As well as her fresh bouquets, Camilla, 28, is also selling dried flowers. She says: ‘Dried flowers are really on trend at the moment and what better way to show your everlasting love than with an everlasting bouquet! I think it makes a really lovely gift to friends too – it doesn’t have to be all about couples.’

Camilla works out of her studio in Hambledon and offers delivery. ‘No shops are open, so there will be no last minute dashes to get something truly lovely,’ adds Camilla. ‘I would encourage anyone looking to purchase a Valentine’s gift to shop small, and be aware of the additional time it takes to make and send your order.’

Although we can’t venture out to restaurants this year, Feed Cafe, situated at The Hard, Portsmouth, is bringing the dining experience to your home with their loved-up goody box of burgers, loaded fries, loaded potato skins and sides for two people (£50) or one person (£25). Angela Deane, franchise owner of Feed, says: ‘We also thought it would be nice to do the platter for one person, as there are lots of people isolating or are on their own.

‘Everything is so unpredictable right now and we have no idea when we will open and in what capacity. We hope by supporting people and delivering to their homes, they will support us when we reopen. Portsmouth as a city is a huge independent business hub. I don’t think any other city supports local businesses like we do,’ adds Angela, 33.

If you are looking for lighter bites – and are infatuated with cheese as much as your partner – Graze Fairy is the mother-daughter duo from Portsmouth who have fashioned a Valentine’s Day board for two at £27. Amber Heaton, 26, says: ‘The board includes camembert, cheddar, Wensleydale, salami, prosciutto and rose lemonade.’

Amber and her mum Maxine founded Graze Fairy in 2019 selling charcuterie boards but for Valentine’s Day, they wanted to do something different. Amber explains: ‘I think this year, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate Valentine’s Day and enjoy a bit of normality. I think the winter lockdown has hit people hard and it’s all about trying to get through at the moment.’

‘If one of our boards can make someone smile, then it will make our day. We still get so excited when we get orders through,’ adds Maxine, 51.

And what better accompaniment to enjoy your Valentine’s board with than your very own Love Lockdown personalised package by Meraki Designs Studios. ‘For £30, I am offering a personalised cheeseboard; Ferrero Rocher case; wine glasses; wine bag and a bottle of wine,’ says Ruby Baldry, founder of Meraki Designs. ‘The money you spend on a local business is supporting a real person and their dream. I have never met anyone who runs a business that doesn’t love what they do.

‘It makes you feel incredibly proud when someone buys from your business and spurs you on to keep going,’ adds Ruby, 26, from North End.

However you plan to spend Valentine’s Day this year – with your romantic partner or on your own – treat yourself. And while doing so, support those businesses we all so desperately want to survive through the pandemic.