A few years husband booked a table at The Square in Mayfair, London for Valentine’s Day. I was very excited to try it, and hoped that being a Michelin starred restaurant it would avoid the usual tackiness of valentines meals.

We arrived to an absolutely packed ‘reception’ area containing about 10 other couples and only two or three sofas. We were curtly asked to wait there for our table to be ready (we were around 5 minutes early).

There was nowhere to even stand comfortably. No-one offered to take our coats. Everyone looked miserable and annoyed.

My husband and I looked at each other, nodded and headed straight back out the door. If I’m going to pay £200 for a special meal I expect to be made to feel special, not like I’m a nuisance or in a fast food outlet.

We ended up in a small Thai restaurant in Soho with little tea lights on the table and smiles all round for £20 each including drinks. It was perfect. A wise choice, and the last time I have ever been out for Valentines night.

I believe The Square has since changed hands and hopefully they’ve sorted out their customer service!