Valentine's Day is one of those annual events that doesn't really mean anything, but you still feel obliged to respond. It's all so ruthlessly commercial, with the ubiquitous heart-shaped chocolates, greeting cards with fat angels, and sparkling rosé.
And while it's said that money can't buy you love, Brits will spend a staggering £65,000 on romancing their loved ones during their lifetime, which is a clear indication that - recession or not - outrageous fiscal displays of affection have never been more popular.
It's not just jewellers, florists and expensive wine shops that get overrun by love-crazed customers desperately waving their credit cards. No, hotels and restaurants too are swamped by punters looking for that special place to whisper sweet nothings into their lovers' ears.
You can't really escape the craze, so despite all the cheese and tackiness, why not embrace it? After all, Valentine's Day comes around just once a year, so why not go all out and blow your hard earned cash?
There are numerous restaurants offering special Valentine's Day menus next Saturday but here are a few that might just bring out the Romeo or Juliet in you.
Galvin at Windows on the 28th floor of the London Hilton Park Lane is hosting a whole week of Valentine's celebrations at arguably one of the most romantic venues in town.
To book call 020 7208 4022.
Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens is serving a special seven-course Valentine's menu at his eponymous restaurant in Chelsea including half a bottle of Champagne priced £120.
For reservations call 020 7584 2003.
Claude and Claire Bosi's two-Michelin-starred restaurant Hibiscus in Mayfair is offering a surprise seasonal tasting menu of six courses priced £95 (£160 with matched wines).
Contact Hibiscus on 020 7629 2999.
For a Michelin-star meal at a more reasonable price try Anthony Demetre and Will Smith's Arbutus and Wild Honey which are offering Valentine's menus of romantic delights at £55 for three courses.
Arbutus: 020 7734 4545
Wild Honey: 020 7758 9160
The Greenhouse in Mayfair is serving a seven-course Valentine's Day menu including Scottish scallop carpaccio and smoked loin of venison as well as a free glass of Champagne at £95 per person.
Call 020 7499 3331.
Italian restaurant Semplice, which recently gained its Michelin-star, is serving four-courses plus matching wine and coffee at £78.50, with dishes including scallops, veal wrapped in Parma ham, and seabass.
For reservations call 020 7495 1509.
The Landau at London's Langham hotel, is offering a six-course Valentine's menu by head chef Andrew Turner and each couple dining at the restaurant will be entered into a prize draw to win that night's accommodation at one of its suites. You'll have to bring your toothbrush to be eligible for the prize though - we wouldn't want smelly sweet whispers now, would we?
To book call 020 7965 0165.
London's Andaz hotel in the City is hosting a special screening of arguably the most romantic film ever - Casablanca - followed by a four-course menu at its Catch or 1901 restaurants and a special room rate of £120.
Call 020 7618 7000.
Finally, if you can't bear the thought of mingling with love sick punters or haven't yet let your beau know how lucky they are to have won over your heart, you can always send them an anonymous hamper from Sketch (pictured). Packaged in large white birdcages, they come in the "Admire from Afar" (£70) and the "Delirious with Desire" (£120) varieties and contain aphrodisiac delights including Champagne and chocolate truffles as well as half-dozen of roses. Contact Katherine Silverton on 020 7659 4500 or email shop@sketch.uk.com
Happy Valentine's Day!
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