If you haven’t booked anything special for February 14 yet, why not try one of these Suffolk restaurants or pubs?

Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, and if you haven’t made arrangements to celebrate the jour d’amour with your lover yet you should really get cracking because tables at some of Suffolk’s best restaurants and pubs are filling fast.

What makes a good destination for a romantic dinner a deux?

It doesn’t have to be all roses and candlelight.

We say, as long as you’re sitting opposite someone you love, and as long as the food tickles your tastebuds (be that a gourmet six course supper or fish and chips) it will be just perfect.

Here are some of the best places in Suffolk for Valentine’s Day 2018 – and none of them will break the bank!

The Turks Head, Hasketon

A very popular pub, recognised by the Good Food Guide for its interesting and delicious international take on classic dishes.

On Valentine’s Day a special sharing menu will be served alongside the a la carte options, and there’ll be a glass of pink fizz on arrival for all evening diners.

To start, dive into a platter of Deben oysters Rockefeller, patatas bravas, spiced paneer, pizza fritti and Sutton Hoo chicken saltimbocca.

Then indulge in a Suffolk beef Wellington with wilted spinach, roasted heritage vegetables and red wine sauce, or roasted Simpers Dover sole with kohlrabi coleslaw, hand cut chips and meuniere sauce.

And what could be more fabulous than an assiette of chocolate to finish? Lap up an oozing dark chocolate fondant, white chocolate truffle and chocolate martini.

The Mill Bar and Grill, Stowmarket

A favourite with families and groups thanks to its large flexible dining area and bar, The Mill is concentrating on couples on Valentine’s Day, offering a very reasonably priced set menu.

Priced at just £23.50 for two courses or £27.50 for three – you might even be able to splash out on a bottle of bubbly.

Starters include sweet potato and chilli soup with kale dust, and mini arancini balls.

In the middle, gaze into one another’s eyes as you share a fillet of beef Wellington, which is a speciality of the kitchen. Or sample the linguine de la mer – filled with squid, mussels, prawns and clams.

Finish on a sweet note with lemon cheesecake, popcorn and pistachio, sticky toffee pudding drenched in warm caramel sauce, a plate of textures of chocolate, or cheese and biscuits.

The Moon and Mushroom, Swilland

If your idea of a romantic night out includes a nice pint of local beer and really good home cooked food, consider The Moon and Mushroom.

This atmospheric pub, not far from Ipswich, has bags of character and is known for its warm welcome, blazing fireplace, cask ales from the barrel and homemade food, crafted from ingredients sourced from local farmers, growers, butchers and gamekeepers.

On Valentine’s Day the kitchen will be preparing some very special main courses and desserts for couples to share. Call them to find out more.

Fynn Valley, Witnesham

Why not make a break of Valentine’s Day with a ‘holiday at home’? Stay at Fynn Valley Lodges – a development of three extraordinarily luxurious lodges set in the grounds of Fynn Valley Golf Club. The lodges each have their own private hot tub and sauna, and lovely peaceful views.

Take in a round or two of golf during your stay. And on Valentine’s Day take advantage of a very special offer in Fynn Valley’s Courtyard Bar. You and your partner can enjoy two steaks with trimmings, and a bottle of wine for just £29.95. An a la carte menu is also available and booking is essential.

The Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe

There’s a timelessness about this hotel in central Felixstowe, with its traditional décor and sparkling chandeliers.

On Valentine’s Day the team is preparing a candlelit dinner. Arrive to a glass of complimentary bubbly, and when you order two courses per person, there’s a sharing dessert to enjoy together too.

Expect music from a live pianist on the evening as well.

Suffolk Food Hall, Wherstead

Dance the night away on Friday, February 16, when the food hall flings open its doors for an evening of homemade food made with local ingredients, and live music from singer Casper Clarke.

It’s £42.50 per person, including four courses, pink prosecco on arrival and a box of chocolates to take away. And tables of four or more will receive a complimentary bottle of wine.

The menu includes tempura oysters with cucumber, tomato and chilli salsa, an intermediate course of goats’ cheese, tomato and basil ravioli, a sharing platter of flame-grilled T-bone steak for two with potato fondant, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan green beans and mushroom and béarnaise sauces, and a trio of mini desserts.

The Black Tiles, Martlesham

This popular spot is promising soft candlelight and scrumptious food to share with your Valentine for £28.50 per person.

All dishes are made from scratch by the dedicated team of food-obsessed chefs, who are more than happy to cater for special diets (there are even gluten-free and dairy-free menus).

The Valentine’s menu includes starters of cauliflower cheese soup and Welsh rarebit, and sesame seed king prawns with crispy seaweed and sweet chilli dip. Indulge in fillet steak with truffled mash, spinach, wild mushrooms and red wine sauce. And finish with a pot of chocolate fondue, served with everything you could need for dipping – marshmallows, strawberries, profiteroles, honeycomb, fudge and wafers!