Oxfordshire chocolatier say "love and chocolate go hand in hand" as they've seen proposals on Valentine's Day
They say Valentine's is one of the busiest times of the year
A chocolatier in Oxfordshire says “love and chocolate go hand in hand” as they’ve seen people marking special occasions such as marriage proposals on Valentine’s Day in past years.
That’s despite a national survey shows most of the UK public are choosing not to mark the day in a meaningful way with the majority believing it has become over-commercialised and expensive.
"Really special and can be enjoyed together"
Kate Rumsey, owner of Rumsey’s Chocolaterie in Thame, said: “We’ve had all sorts of lovely romantic things happen over the years, such as proposals over Rumsey’s chocolate and we have put engagement rings inside easter eggs. So, I think love and chocolate go hand in hand.”
Ms Rumsey also says that Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days on the calendar for her business, she said: “Everyone is in a good mood, we’ve got the love songs playing, the team are wearing red, the customers are really happy. There’s definitely been a few last-minute purchases of chocolate – I don’t want to say it’s just the men – but generally there’s been a rush this morning of last-minute presents.”
The shop is also celebrating its 21st birthday as they first opened on 14th February 2004.
Chocolate has long been a staple of Valentines Day and Ms Rumsey says it’s because “almost everybody loves chocolate, so I think it’s a sure-fire hit and it’s often very shareable which is great if you’re the gift giver. So, it’s something that’s really special and can be enjoyed together.”
The survey in full:
However, a survey finds that many couples are deciding not to mark the occasion, as just 25% of those make an effort to do something special - meaning three quarters choose to give it a miss.
In fact, when asked what they think about Valentine’s Day, 69% believe it to be overrated (43%), cliché (13%), or outdated (13%).
90% of respondents feel there’s too much pressure to adhere to Valentine’s Day traditions, with 90% also believing that it has become too commercialised.
Of those who are single, Valentine's Day was voted to be one of the most difficult times of year to be without a partner (17%), second only to the Christmas period (59%).
(Source: 77 Diamonds)