We may still be early in the year, but the most important date for lovers is coming up fast, which means it is important to find somewhere to go soon while places are still available. After all, the best restaurants on Upper Street will, by nature, book up fast.
Unless you happen to be Welsh and living in London, in which case you may be celebrating the Welsh patron saint of lovers, St Dwynwen, on January 25th, the date you will no doubt have in mind is February 14th.
A romantic Valentine’s meal always promises to be a great occasion, with some brave men choosing it as an even more exceptional one by pulling out a ring and dropping to one knee.
Not that we wish to blow our own trumpet too much, but we shall anyway: We were featured in the Evening Standard as one of the very best restaurants in London for a second date. It described us as “a cosy and delightfully clattery tapas bar serving a wide range of pickable bits,” highlighting the quality of the Iberico ham and the strong cheeses as particular culinary highlights.
It went on to describe the service as “incredibly friendly” – which we can safely say is just the thing for a romantic setting – and the whole experience of dining here “a joy”.
The distinction between a first and second date, is, of course, huge. It is one of the most significant moments in a relationship. The majority of first dates go nowhere; two people who have never previously met can swiftly establish they are not compatible. But if a second date is agreed, it usually means “maybe”. It might yet go nowhere, but there’s a serious chance it could go somewhere.
All that may sound like things are balanced on a knife edge, which really should be the fate of the food rather than the diners. But the right setting will at least ensure that the atmosphere helps things develop to their potential. If a second date at Llerena does not lead to a third, then perhaps it was just not meant to be.
If our setting is great for a second date, then it is superb for Valentine’s. Of course, it is possible a second date and February 14th will coincide, but in most cases it will not. Indeed, you may be enjoying a lovely evening out with someone you have been with for many years, where fine tapas and wine will accompany the recollections of a rich treasure trove of memories.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in different ways in various countries, but in Spain it is customary to have a romantic restaurant meal, so this is a tradition we will be upholding if we host you on February 14th.
Of course, there are some regional Spanish traditions; in Catalonia the custom is to exchange books and roses, while Valentine’s Day blends into the carnival season in places like the Canary Islands, Sitges or Cadiz. Over in Valencia they, Like the Welsh, celebrate a different day as the most romantic of the year, in their case Saint Dionysius on October 9th.
Of course, you can enjoy a romantic meal with us at any time, be it on February 14th, January 25th or October 9th – or indeed that all-important second date. Whenever you come, you can be sure of a wonderful atmosphere to help love blossom.