Is it really the festival of love if you aren't buying your other half (or yourself, we're all about self-love here too) a gorgeous heart-shaped cake for Valentine's Day? Here's our guide to what's on offer this year in London.
Chocolate nemesis at The River Cafe
It's one of London's best-known chocolate cakes and this year The River Cafe are making a special heart-shaped version for Valentine's Day. The cake, which has been on the menu since the restaurant opened back in 1989 is available in this limited edition form for pick up or delivery and costs £40.
Passionfruit bomboloni at TOZI Counter
We bow to the Italians (and the French) in matters of the heart so the folks at Battersea Power Station bakery TOZI Counter should be a reliable source of Valentine's Day treats. This year they're serving up heart-shaped Passionfruit and Raspberry Bomboloni. They'll be available at the counter from 3rd to 16th February for £4 each.
Inclusive doughnuts at Borough 22
No-one's being left out by the Valentine offering by doughnut company Borough 22. Their box of six doughnuts, all topped with love hearts, are are plant-based, gluten-free, kosher certified, and halal so they're suitable for sending to anyone and everyone. You can order them for nationwide delivery or for collection at Selfridges London Foodhall. They're £34 for six and available from 1-22 February.
Valentine's social at Ole & Steen
If you're a fan of Ole & Steen's cinnamon social pastry then you'll want to check out the special they've got on offer for Valentine's Day. Their loved-up social has been given a Valentine's upgrade with pink icing and pink chocolate hearts. It comes in three sizes - by the slice £4.65, half for £12.45 and a whole social for £20.95 - and is on sale from 4-17 February.
Giant heart cookies from Blondie's Kitchen
If you're looking for a sweet treat for someone this Valentine's Day that expresses exactly how you feel (as long as you can say that in three words) then the personalised heart shape cookies from Blondie's Kitchen are the way to go. They're 7 inches wide - and we all know size matters - with a red vanilla frosted edge, silver sprinkles & sugared red hearts and cost £18.
Scarlet hounds at The Connaught
Patisserie king Nicolas Rouzaud has given his signature cake at his bakery at The Connaught a Valentine's Day makeover with a red glaze. But if that's not sufficiently Valentine's-coded for you there's also a Romance in Bloom patisserie made with layers of Madagascar vanilla crémeux and almond praliné and topped with loads of red milk chocolate hearts. They're £17 to take away, £19 to have in or there's a sharing heart for two for £39.
Lovebirds at Novikov
Hit up the dessert and drinks options at Novikov for Valentine's Day and you can try their special Lovebirds dessert which is a chocolate cookie mousse, fresh raspberry and a brownie base. Pair that with one of two special Valentine's Day cocktails; our pick is the Red Passion drink made with Rose vermouth, strawberry and cherry wine and amoro bitters. The dessert is £15 and the cocktail £18.
Pistachio and roses at GAIL's
The pistachio and rose cake is one of the best sellers at GAIL's so they've stuck with what they know and given that a bit of a 14th February makeover. If you haven't had one before the pistachio sponge is served covered in rose water icing. But for Valentine's Day a heart-shaped version is going to be on offer. Buy a box of four for £16
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