FORGET hearts and flowers – it’s blood, guts and gore on the menu at a County Durham hotel, which has given Valentine’s Day a sinister twist.
Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield, has come up with a unique way to mark the most romantic day of the year; with a Valentine murder mystery.
Instead of holding hands across a candlelit table, guests will start their night with drinks and canapés, followed by a four-course meal and the opportunity to solve An Engagement With Murder.
The fun take on traditional celebrations gives people the opportunity to experience a February 14 with a difference, but still enjoy a memorable evening.
Tickets for the event – which starts at 7.30pm and finishes at 11.30pm – are £55 per person.
The hotel has not forgotten couples – or even singles – who prefer to celebrate in a more traditional way and with that in mind, that same night it will also be hosting Valentine So…ul In Love.
Guests will enjoy a three-course set dinner of smoked duck Thai noodle salad, followed by roast breast of chicken served with sweet potato mash, wilted greens and a sun blushed tomato jus and ending with raspberry delice and a heart shaped shortbread biscuit.
A live performance of soul and Motown classics followed by a disco will end the evening in style.
Tickets are just £39.95 a person or anyone who really wants to splash out can upgrade and spend the night for £205 per room which includes tickets for the soul event, accommodation in a deluxe bedroom with a box of chocolates and a bottle of Prosecco.
Bookings can be made at www.hardwickhallhotel.co.uk or by calling 01740 620253.