It’s officially the most romantic day of the year, where thoughts turn to celebrating with loved ones, whether that’s a quiet dinner at home with your partner or planning a more memorable experience, perhaps even to pop ‘the’ question. We’ve compiled a list of our top five romantic restaurants for you to celebrate Valentine’s Day (or, in fact, any at time of the year) in and around Ross-on-Wye – where wooden beams and wood burners unite to create that special cosy setting.
1. The King’s Head Hotel
For those preferring to stay in the town centre, The King’s Head Hotel on the High Street is the perfect choice, with its historic charm and fine dining options in the award winning Conservatory Restaurant or in the wood panelled Old Library. You’ll love the cosy atmosphere and friendly service and the menu caters for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Their Valentine Menu includes locally sourced ingredients – try the Applewood Soufflé or Rosemary & Garlic Camembert to start, followed by an 8oz Pengethley Rump Steak or Pea & Pesto Risotto. If you still have room, their Salted Caramel Rice Pudding is to die for!
Call 01989 763174 to book.
2. The Hope & Anchor
A few minutes’ walk from town, head down to the riverside where The Hope and Anchor‘s new team of chefs promises not to disappoint with their special Valentine Menu served in the beautiful Pavilion adjacent to the pub. Head Chef, Ellis and Senior Sous Chef, Tom Sime, previously worked at the popular No3 restaurant in Ross-on-Wye town centre. Ellis spent time working at The Whitebrook which has a Michelin star and 4 AA rosettes, and is now excited to take on a new challenge at The Hope & Anchor on the riverside. Both Ellis and Tom, have a passion for using local produce and ingredients and have a good local following whom they plan to wow with their culinary delights.
Their special Valentine sharing platters include a seafood starter with garlic crevettes, Cornish mussels and crispy squid, a Herefordshire rib of beef and grilled lobster platter for main followed by a delicious trio of chocolate desserts.
Call 01989 477025 to book your table.
3. The Mill Race
If you can’t bear to leave your pooch at home, the dog-friendly Mill Race is one of Ross-on-Wye’s hidden gems just a couple of miles outside of the town centre in Walford. Their Valentine’s Day Menu is available from 5pm to 8.30pm and offers an unforgettable dining experience. Their delicious and imaginative menus are made from scratch using only the freshest ingredients sourced from their local suppliers. Starters include Thai inspired King Prawns grilled with lemongrass & chilli butter, a Hereford Hop Soufflé or for something different, try their pan fried Tête de Porc with black pudding. On the main menu, you’ll find herb-crusted Rump of Lamb, oven-roasted Darne of Halibut or a vegetarian Cauliflower & Blue Cheese Tartlette. Desserts are equally mouth watering with a Chocolate Fondant, Coconut & Mango Panacotta – booking is essential on 01989 562891.
4. The Moody Cow
Just a few miles outside of Ross in Upton Bishop, head to The Moody Cow Country Pub & Dining where you’ll find a warm and friendly ambiance coupled with authentic homemade food cooked with passion, using fresh local ingredients. This informal setting is the perfect place to enjoy a cosy evening, with attentive service, great cask ales, continental lagers and carefully selected wines. On the menu, you’ll find a range of delicious options to suit all tastes, including Severn and Wye Valley Smokery smoked salmon or for vegans, Tofu marinated in a lime and ginger dressing. The hearty mains include delicious belly of pork, Brixham haddock or a vegan Blackbean Burger (check with the restaurant in advance for the latest menus) served with hand cut chips or seasonal veg. Book your table on 01989 780470.
5. The New Inn
For those with a taste for top quality three AA rosette cuisine, The New Inn, a 16th century coaching inn located a short drive away from Ross-on-Wye at St Owen’s Cross, offers a culinary journey in a romantic setting surrounded by the lush Wye Valley. Also voted the AA’s best restaurant with rooms 2023/24, the New Inn offers 5* accommodation (AA) and ranks #55 in Estrella Damm’s Top 100 Gastropubs 2024. This gorgeous black and white timbered building is awash with wooden beams and the restaurant’s stone walls, open fire, hanging pendant lighting and original features offer a really cosy and romantic setting. Try their Fine Wine, Dine & Stay Offer for two people starting at £425 which includes one night’s accommodation, a 10 course set tasting menu and wine flight plus breakfast the following day. To reserve, call 01989 553387.
