COOK UP A FEAST COURTESY OF HESTON AND RICK

YOU may not be able to go to that fancy restaurant, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sample the food.

Thousands of venues are offering ‘makeaways’ — a part-cooked takeaway that you finish off or reheat — so that you can enjoy fine dining in the comfort of your own home.

And with special Valentine’s menus featuring caviar, chocolates and smoked salmon, you’ll get the true Michelinstarred experience. Fans of Heston Blumenthal can order one of three fivecourse feasts (£140 per person, dinnerbyheston.co.uk) comprising his famous ‘meat fruit’ (chicken liver and foie gras parfait covered in a mandarin jelly ‘peel’ to make it look like a real orange), sirloin steak with triplecooked chips and gourmet cheeses, while fish-lovers can tuck into Rick Stein’s scallops, lobster thermidor and an indulgent chocolate dessert (£100 for two, rickstein.com). Why not treat your loved one to a three-bird roast from Cumbria-based James Alexander Fine Foods, which also comes with potted shrimps, caviar and wine (£100 for a box, james alexanderfoods.co.uk). Or try the mouth-watering Valentine’s menu from Noble House Prepared, headed by Elton John’s former chef. The menu includes: a fillet of beef, dauphinoise potatoes, sides and dessert. From freezer-to-table in 40 minutes, all you have to do is pop it in the oven (£64.95 for two, noblehouse prepared.com). I can attest it’s the ultimate cheat’s dinner — delectably cooked beef, creamy potatoes and an indulgent chocolate pot infused with lime to finish — and I barely have to lift a finger (but don’t tell my husband, who’s convinced that I’ve been slaving over a hot stove for hours).

And for ultimate brownie points, you can even order your beloved breakfast in bed, with a hamper from the upmarket bakery chain Gail’s containing pastries, bread, preserves, orange juice and coffee, allo delivered directly to your door (£30, gailsbread.co.uk).