Ten ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Leadenhall Market (and some freebies to spread the love!)

Whether you’re looking for casual food and drinks with pals, gals or your bae, formal dining with those you love or a Valentine’s treat for the ones you care about, the City of London’s Leadenhall Market has you covered. The iconic Victorian marketplace is home to an array of pubs, restaurants and bars, suiting a mix of budgets, menus and experiences, each made even more special by the beautiful market surroundings. So whether it be fine dining, wine & cheese, beer & burgers, tapas & sangrias, French pastries or cocktails, Leadenhall Market has you covered.

And to truly share the love (or for those who may have forgotten to organise a gift), long standing tenant Windsor Flowers will be giving away posies on the day itself. The floral bunches are limited, so it’s advised to get there early to avoid disappointment. French bakery Aux Merveilleux de Fred will also have a secret supply of mini cakes to celebrate St Valentine – obtainable from the shop with a code (shared on Leadenhall Market’s social channels on the 14th).

For those looking for a touch of class in a more formal dining setting, these are the places for you:

La Viña
With tapas dishes to share, such as jamon croquetas, mushroom “Bar Angel” and churros con chocolate, served alongside a truly Spanish range of wine, sangrias and speciality cocktails, La Viña is the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing yet special meal out with your chosen Valentine.

Osteria del Mercato
Osteria del Mercato is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Italian dishes with the elegance of white table cloths. Be it Burrata cheese from Apulia region, tuna carpaccio or papardelle with guanciale, this traditional Italian restaurant offers an intimate dining experience with stunning views of the Victorian market.

Luc’s Brasserie
A lively French bistro set in the heart of Leadenhall Market, Luc’s Brasserie is known for its classic gallic dishes and char-grilled steaks, complimented by a wine list that constantly evolves and develops, with bottles imported from all the best regions of France.

Giorgio's
This elegant subterranean Italian restaurant in Leadenhall lets you escape from the hustle and bustle of the City. Serving soups, pastas, risottos, fish, meat and everything in between, expect a fantastic selection of Italian wines to choose from to accompany your meal.

Looking for something more casual? Or possibly just a Valentine’s drink? The following have you covered:

Boom Bap Burger
New to Leadenhall Market, this burger joint elevates London’s patties and buns to the next level. Keep it simple with their classic cheeseburger or push the boat out with their Notorious P.I.G. Add some sides and wash it all down with a Run DMC cocktail. Boom Bap’s burgers are to be enjoyed in a casual setting, with the pulsating beat of hip-hop, soul & funk – a magnificent contrast to its Victorian surroundings.

Rocca
Offering a casual dining experience, family-run Rocca is the perfect place for a laid-back date or relaxing evening with friends. Enjoy their handmade tagliatelle with a chilled glass of prosecco, with both indoor and outdoor seating options available – all of which have stunning views of the charming cobbled alleyways of the market.

Bar Laurel
Spanish residents La Viña launched their pop-up restaurant Bar Laurel in the run-up to Christmas and have a new menu for this year, whilst they remain open until March. With a new breakfast and lunch bar, diners can enjoy a lunch range of “Bocadillos” (Spanish sandwiches) during the day before indulging in the gastronomic essence of Calle Laurel, from the Rioja province of Spain, with an evening tapas menu of Picana Bocadillo, Chorizo con Gambas and delicious riojas and cervezas.

Golden Goose
Another newbie to the Leadenhall Market scene, Golden Goose blends classical elegance with a contemporary twist. With tanked and tapped beers, an array of wines and small savoury bites including hot black pudding & pork scotch egg, fried crispy pork belly bits and crispy Cornish fish tacos, this bustling new bar makes a great place to break the ice on your first date or enjoy a few drinks after work with friends.

If you are after a special treat for your significant other or someone you care about, whether it be something to take home or a tasting experience for two, head to the following:

Aux Merveilleux de Fred have a beautiful selection of French pastries to indulge in, including their special Merveilleux – a traditional cake from the North of Fance and Flanders, composed of alternate layers of meringue and whipped cream, and their delicious Cramique – a Belgian brioche loaf that comes in various flavours. All delicacies can be enjoyed in Leadenhall Market with a glass of champagne, or boxed up to take home.

Cheese at Leadenhall offers the ultimate cheese tasting experience. Couples can enjoy a special Valentine’s cheese & wine tasting for two, where they will receive an introduction to Cheese’s wide selection of produce before they choose a platter to share, which is complimented with tasters of two red wines and two white wines. The tasting can be booked in advance or bought as a gift voucher for that special someone.

For the full range of dining options at Leadenhall Market and to make your Valentine’s bookings, visit: https://leadenhallmarket.co.uk/eat-and-drink/
Leadenhall Market is owned and managed by The City of London Corporation.