As most of the middle-market restaurants in town are plugging Valentine's Day romantic meals for two, I got to thinking as I always do at this time of year that I'd much rather be dined at home, or dined out on almost any other day of the year, than be made an excuse for price-gouging.
I always tell prospective partners not to give or send me [Saint] Valentine's Day flowers or cards, or take me for a meal on that day, or be made to feel guilty for not doing so. Flowers, cards and meals out are, of course, very welcome on any other day including, but not restricted to, my birthday, the cats' birthdays and the Friday of the Old Trafford Test.
Good Morning Tuesday 4th August 2026


