Marks & Spencer (M&S) is bringing back its popular Valentine’s Day meal deal, offering a romantic three-course dining experience for just £12.50 per person. Launching on February 10th and available until February 14th, the deal boasts an expanded menu with over a dozen new additions, including luxurious options like lobster thermidor, wagyu beef pie, and fillet steak beef wellington. The deal encompasses a starter, main course, side dish, dessert, and a choice of wine, prosecco, or a soft drink. M&S highlights the significant savings of up to £17.50 compared to purchasing items individually, and with 30 different menu items, there are over 40 possible meal combinations to cater to diverse palates. The retailer emphasizes inclusivity with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, such as dumpling bao buns and butternut squash and spinach pie, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone. This year’s £25 dine-in deal for two maintains the same price point as last year, offering an affordable and convenient way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The deal is available across M&S’s network of over 300 Simply Food stores and foodhalls. However, given the deal’s popularity in previous years, M&S advises shoppers to plan ahead and purchase early to avoid disappointment due to potential stock shortages.
M&S’s Valentine’s Day menu offers a diverse array of culinary delights to tantalize the taste buds. Starters range from the classic Coquilles St Jacques, a creamy scallop dish, to the contemporary baking burrata with ‘Nduja and ciabatta crumb, catering to various preferences. Main course options include indulgent choices like the British wagyu beef pie and fillet steak beef wellington, alongside lighter options like salmon en croute. A selection of sides complements the main courses, featuring classic options like triple cooked chips and potato dauphinoise, and innovative options like loaded cheesy mash and salt and pepper wedges with honey. For a sweet finale, desserts range from decadent chocolate melt-in-the-middle puddings to the elegant Sicilian lemon possets. The drink selection includes sparkling wine, red and white wine, rosé, cocktails, and low and non-alcoholic options, catering to all preferences.
The M&S Valentine’s Day meal deal presents a cost-effective alternative to dining out, offering comparable quality and variety at a fraction of the price. To maximize savings, M&S suggests a combination featuring king lobster and prawn thermidor, fillet steak beef wellington, cheesy green vegetable bake, Two Become One chocolate praline heart, and a bottle of Conte Priuli Prosecco, resulting in a total cost of £25 for two – a significant saving of £12.50. M&S’s comprehensive menu, accommodating various dietary requirements, coupled with attractive pricing, positions it as a compelling choice for celebrating Valentine’s Day at home.
Other UK supermarkets are also offering competitive Valentine’s Day meal deals. Co-op provides a main course, side dish, and a bottle of alcohol for £10 for members (or £12 for non-members), reflecting a potential saving of up to £8.85. Morrisons offers a more comprehensive deal encompassing a starter, main course, side dish, dessert, and a drink for £15, with potential savings of up to £18.25 for members of their MoreThan loyalty scheme. Tesco’s deal includes two courses, a side dish, and a drink for £12 for Clubcard holders, with an option to add a starter for an additional £6. These various supermarket deals provide consumers with a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at home.
Beyond the meal deal, M&S has curated a Valentine’s collection of clothing and homeware, including novelty lobster pajamas and heart-shaped champagne glasses, adding a touch of whimsy to the romantic occasion. The retailer’s focus on providing a complete Valentine’s Day experience extends beyond food, offering themed items to enhance the celebratory atmosphere. The introduction of humorous Valentine’s Day chocolates further adds to the festive spirit, although some shoppers have expressed mixed reactions to their design and perceived value.
M&S’s strategic pricing for the Valentine’s Day meal deal, maintaining the same cost as the previous year despite rising food prices, showcases their commitment to providing affordable luxury. By offering a diverse menu with high-quality ingredients, catering to various dietary needs, and presenting attractive savings compared to individual item purchases, M&S aims to capture a significant share of the Valentine’s Day market. The inclusion of themed homeware and novelty gifts further solidifies their position as a one-stop shop for Valentine’s Day celebrations. The competitive landscape among UK supermarkets offering Valentine’s Day meal deals underscores the increasing trend of consumers opting for convenient and cost-effective ways to celebrate special occasions at home.
