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For Maison François's Matthew Ryle, M&S beats out a £52 Belgian holiday box.

Helen Chandler-Wilde

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Celebrating Valentine's Day comes at an increased cost this year. Despite dipping slightly, inflation in the UK is still at an eye-opening 10.5%, and it shows in high restaurant prices. A holiday meal for two from the River Cafe starts at £185 ($225) this year — and that's a take away box.

In short: For the budget-minded, it's a good year to forego a traditional restaurant dinner and consider celebrating with chocolates instead.