
Love letters have been capturing our hearts for centuries. How wed do, and deliver them may have changed over the years, but the reason behind them remains the same – to let someone know how we feel, in the most emotional way possible.
In an age where we send a quick text, a few well placed ‘xxx’ or even a 280 character Tweet, there is still something incredibly powerful about writing, and indeed receiving a proper letter of love. I guarantee the recipient will hold and devour the letter far more than they will on a phone or tablet screen.


And we’ve all been at it over the centuries, letters have been
- 1790s – General Napoleon Bonaparte To Joséphine Bonaparte
- 1812 – Ludwig van Beethoven to his Immortal Beloved
- 1890s – Oscar Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas
- 1964 – Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor
- 1994 – Johnny Cash to June Carter Cash
In fact you can read some of these letters in our Valentine Feature HERE.
To bring the process right up to date, and at the most romantic time of the year, THE IVY CARDIFF has joined forces with Letters of Note to give diners a gift to treasure forever this Valentine’s Day. Love is an exclusive book compiled by Shaun Usher, featuring a collection of the most passionate love letters written in history, reimagined by The Ivy Collection with a bespoke cover and foreword. The book will be offered to all guests who book a table in the restaurant on Monday, 14th February.
Inspired by love, a limited-edition cocktail menu designed to make even the cold-hearted blush will also be available for guests from Friday, 11th to Monday, 14th February, alongside Pillow Talk (£17.95), an indulgent sharing dessert featuring peach and raspberry parfait, white chocolate mousse, popping candy and a raspberry sauce.
Celebrating love in all its many forms, the trio of cocktails honour some of the world’s most iconic love letters from days gone by. From Napoleon to Joséphine (£9.75), a sparkling serve featuring Altos Tequila Blanco, passion fruit and a splash of prosecco, to Oscar Wilde’s Secret Affair (£9.50), incorporating Beefeater Gin, lemon juice and agave syrup, and His Immortal Beloved (£9.75), inspired by Beethoven and consisting of coffee liqueur, double cream and Amaretto; guests will be sure to fall for these limited edition-delights.
His Immortal Beloved
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His Immortal Beloved
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Matt Glister, General Manager at The Ivy Cardiff told us……
“We are delighted to join forces with Letters of Note in celebration of the most powerful messages of love this Valentine’s Day. We look forward to treating our guests to a copy of the book, and a menu of fanciful treats, which will pair perfectly with the much-loved favourite dishes on our menu.”
The Valentine’s Day specials are available from Friday, 11th February to Monday, 14th February, while guests will revel in the restaurant’s romantic setting with its beautiful furnishings and friendly service.
To book a table and enjoy a complimentary copy of Love on Monday, 14th go HERE
And if you’re struggling for a few words to write to that special someone. I tasked our team to come up with the ‘cheesiest’ romantic messages possible to share with you.
FOR HER
Happy Valentine’s day to my lovely girlfriend. You brighten every day of my life with your love and care. Your beautiful smile is all I need to begin my day every day.
I love pampering you and caring for you. But unlike many other women, you are not materialistic at all. I love how you enjoy simple things in life. You are truly one of a kind!
FOR HIM
As the 14th of February draws near, I feel excited about celebrating this universal Day of Love with you. Your love, care, and sweet nature make me feel really lucky to have you as my Valentine.
It hasn’t been a long time since we started dating. But you have charmed me with your gentle and kind heart. I feel absolutely smitten by you. I hope you feel the same way about me.
A very Happy Valentine’s Day to you. Let’s make it a memorable one for both of us!
FOR BOYFRIEND
Happy Valentine’s day to the best boyfriend. You make me laugh, you help me up when I’m feeling down and you make me happy. Since the time we have been together, you have given me countless reasons to be grateful for having you in my life.
I wish our love keeps on growing. I want you to be my Valentine every year for the rest of our lives! I love waking up next to you and starting my day with you. I wish nothing ever comes between us and we can always keep our love alive. I love you with all my heart and will continue to adore you.
FOR GIRLFRIEND
I am thrilled to celebrate our first Valentine’s Day together. I can’t express how happy I am that we are together. With you in my life, the sun is always bright, the blue sky looks wonderful and the birds are always chirping merrily. You are all I need to make my life beautiful. Happiest Valentine’s Day to you.