Harpers food

Inspiration

Looking for a Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Restaurant in Swindon? Here are our Hidden Gems & Last-Minute Tips…

13 February 2025

Little could the third-century Roman priest, Valentine, have guessed, as he was busy losing his head (quite literally) on February 14th, 269 AD, that his Saint’s Day would somehow become associated forevermore with both über-secret and startlingly public shows of affection…

And yet, across Swindon and the rest of Wiltshire, our shops are filled with doily cards, heart-shaped helium balloons and, for some reason, half price deals on avocados and asparagus.

But we know what it’s like; you’ve barely got over Christmas and New Year, and all of a sudden you’re just a few hours away from Valentine’s Day, surprised (perhaps yet again) that it has crept up so quickly; and whilst you know you’ll find a saccharine-sweet card for your significant other somewhere, it’d be good to know where you can book a last-minute Valentine’s Day table for two if you are looking for a restaurant in the area.

 

Where to Find a Last-Minute Valentine’s Dinner if you’re in Swindon

Fortunately, The House Group has got you covered. We not only have years of experience working in the local property market, but we also have years of experience frequenting the many eateries of our local area. So here are our top picks for a Valentine’s date night in this part of Wiltshire:

Los Gatos food

Los Gatos, Old Town

1-3 Devizes Road, SN1 4BJ – Tel: 01793 488450

There’s just always something fun about coming out to eat at a Spanish restaurant. Perhaps it’s the small plates, or maybe the act of sharing; or it could be that feeling you get of being transported back to a remembered Spanish holiday…

We can start our last-minute guide by recommending one of our favourite spots in Swindon – Los Gatos, in Old Town. Head here for a relaxed, vibrant Valentine’s Day treat. Enjoy familiar tapas like Calamares (fried squid) and Gambas al Pil Pil (prawns with garlic and chilli in olive oil). Meat lovers will appreciate Albondigas (meatballs) and Alas de Pollo (chicken wings, cooked in a sticky Pedro Ximenez sherry sauce). Vegetarian options are also available. There will also be weekly specials on the menu to tempt you – as there are each week from Thursday to Saturday.

The only possible drawback for this one – they already only have lunchtime availability, with just a few tables left until 3:45pm…

Harpers Steakhouse

Harpers Steakhouse at The Weighbridge, Swindon

Penzance Drive, SN5 7JL – Tel: 01793 881500

This recommendation is not just for the carnivores amongst you, but nevertheless we do know that for some of you, the perfect meal out is a lovingly cooked steak and chips, and even better if it’s in a laid-back yet stylish setting.

Well, for a Valentine’s Day treat then, you can still head down to Harpers Steakhouse at The Weighbridge in Swindon, where – as you can imagine – well cooked steak is front and centre. For Valentine’s Day there is a special menu too, all sharing platters, including starters, mains, and even desserts! This includes a really delicious 35oz Tomahawk sharer, at £75.

Of course, feel free to choose off the normal menu too.

Tables for two are still available but are running out fast – so book now!

Five Alls food

The Five Alls, Lechlade

Filkins, Lechlade, GL7 3JQ – Tel: 01367 860875

Last but by no means least, we are taking you on a bit of a drive - 13 miles to Filkins, outside Lechlade, and to The Five Alls country pub – an exceptional pub/restaurant, and with beautiful, comfortable rooms available too if you want to push the boat out. And I have to say, that’s exactly what you’d be doing at dinner – it is exquisite food with wonderful service in a picturesque country pub setting.

There is a three course Valentine’s Day Menu available at £50pp – but as well as that, the roaring fire and the candlelit setting will all add to the feeling of this being a special meal out.

Again, do hurry if this one has caught your eye – tables are limited at the best of times, and we are amazed that there is still a table left to book at all – so do be quick!

You won’t regret it.

 

📌 FAQs – Best Valentine’s Day Restaurants in Swindon and surrounding area?

Q: Where can I book a last-minute Valentine’s Day dinner in Swindon?
👉 Los Gatos in Old Town has availability at lunchtime for brilliant Tapas with a relaxed vibe, Harpers Steakhouse at The Weighbridge in Swindon is a great choice for dinner.

Q: What are the best for a non-romantic Valentine’s Day treat in Swindon?
👉 Skip the candlelit clichés and head to Los Gatos in Oldtown for a more relaxed but still memorable meal out – tables available lunchtime on Valentine’s Day.

Q: Are there family-friendly Valentine’s Day restaurants in the area?
👉 Yes! Harpers Steakhouse has a good children’s menu available

Q: What is best for a romantic Valentine’s Day treat in the area?
👉 Head to the village of Filkins outside Lechlade for dinner and a stay at the Five Alls Country Pub

 

What do YOU think?

So, there you have it – our House Group recommendations for Valentine’s Day if you have left it a little late to find somewhere.

But let us know what you think. These are our picks—but we know that our slice of Wiltshire is absolutely bursting with fantastic restaurants, cafes and delis – and even amazing takeaways.

Have a hidden gem to share? Drop us a comment—we are always hungry for more recommendations!

Our appetites are large and our tastes unending. We love to hear it.

👉 Know someone who is still looking for a great Valentine’s dinner spot? Share this guide with them!