M&S Valentine's Day Dine-In Deal 2026: An Honest Review and Full Breakdown
The anticipation has finally subsided as Marks and Spencer unveils its highly awaited Valentine's Day dine-in deal for 2026. This offering promises a romantic date night or a festive Galentine's dinner party, featuring a decadent three-course meal with a drink for two people. Known for its innovative culinary creations, M&S has curated a menu that rivals upscale French restaurants, all for the affordable price of £25, matching last year's cost. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review based on early taste-testing, detailing every aspect of the deal to help you decide if it's the perfect choice for your celebrations.
Launch Details and Pricing
The M&S Valentine's Day dine-in deal will be available in stores from 11 February until 14 February 2026. Priced at £25, which breaks down to £12.50 per person, this deal includes a starter, main course, side dish, dessert, and a beverage option such as prosecco, wine, a pre-mixed cocktail, or a soft drink. This consistent pricing from previous years ensures accessibility for couples seeking a special meal without breaking the bank.
Menu Options: A Diverse Selection for All Diets
M&S has designed its dine-in deal to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options, making it a standout among supermarket offerings. The starter selection features indulgent choices like king prawn and lobster gratins, salmon and king prawn dishes, mini dim sum, baked Camembert encased in olive focaccia, and a charcuterie and cheese platter. Each option is crafted to deliver rich flavors and high-quality ingredients.
For the main course, the menu boasts eight enticing dishes. Meat lovers can enjoy classics such as beef wellington with red wine jus, duck breasts, sirloin steak with garlic butter, and wagyu beef pie. Pescatarians are not left out, with options like salmon and prawn en croute, while vegans can savor a caramelised onion, butternut squash, and potato rosti. The side dishes complement these mains perfectly, offering choices like asparagus and tenderstem broccoli, cheesy creamed spinach, spring greens with petit pois and cavolo nero, five-cheese macaroni cheese, potato dauphinoise, and triple-cooked chips.
Desserts are equally impressive, with chocolate enthusiasts delighting in a chocolate melt-in-the-middle pudding, a chocolate praline heart, and a vegan-friendly chocolate and caramel millionaires torte. Other sweet treats include Sicilian lemon possets and vanilla cheesecakes. To complete the meal, beverage options range from crémant and prosecco for fizz fans to alcohol-free sparkling rosé, alongside red wines like chianti, organic claret, and malbec, and white wines such as sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio. For those preferring cocktails, M&S offers a four-pack of passion star martini or session IPA.
Taste-Tested Review: Is It Worth the Money?
We had early access to sample several dishes from the M&S Valentine's Day menu to evaluate its value and quality. Starting with the lobster and king prawn thermidor gratin, we found it rich and indulgent, featuring a creamy sauce made with shellfish stock, white wine, brandy, and cream, topped with a crunchy cheese-and-parsley breadcrumb. The focaccia and melting Camembert starter, shaped like a heart and topped with rosemary, semi-dried tomatoes, and olives, provided a perfect vessel for the oozy cheese, making it a delightful beginning.
For the main course, the salmon and prawn en croute stood out with its thick salmon and succulent prawns encased in a creamy smoked haddock, cheese, and leek sauce, all wrapped in perfectly browned pastry. Paired with a side of asparagus and tenderstem broccoli, which we charred in a frying pan for added flavor, this dish offered excellent taste and presentation. The dessert selection impressed with the chocolate praline heart, which not only looked romantic but also delivered a creamy chocolate hazelnut centre, wafer base, and layers of dark chocolate for a satisfying texture.
We washed down the meal with the alcohol-free sparkling rosé, which we found to be one of the best alcohol alternatives available, adding a refreshing touch to the dining experience. Overall, the portions were generous, the cooking process was straightforward, and the presentation was elegant. At just £12.50 per person, this deal represents astonishing value for money, especially when enhanced with simple additions like candles and flowers for a complete romantic ambiance.
Comparison with Other Supermarket Deals
While M&S's offering is highly competitive, it's worth noting that other supermarkets like Waitrose, Morrisons, and Tesco also have Valentine's Day meal deals. However, M&S distinguishes itself with its diverse menu, high-quality ingredients, and consistent pricing. For those looking to compare options, we recommend exploring various deals to find the best fit for your preferences and budget.
In conclusion, the M&S Valentine's Day dine-in deal for 2026 delivers on its promise of a luxurious and affordable meal. With a wide range of dishes to suit different tastes and diets, coupled with our positive taste-testing experience, it's a standout choice for anyone planning a special celebration this February.
