As Friday 14 February fast approaches, you’ve got to love The Levee for putting Valentine’s Day dining, treasures and pleasures within easy reach! Surprise and delight your crush with an elegant bouquet, a spontaneous gift from the shopping strip, a loved-up lunchtime rendezvous or twilight riverside stroll to one of many small bars and dining hotspots found at The Levee, the beating heart of Central Maitland.
Don’t get caught out leaving it too late to pre-book a Valentine’s Day delivery of fresh flowers from among the stunning collections at Petals & Halos. Perfectly gorgeous and practical for delivery to your sweetheart’s work desk, the Pretty Please Bouquet is arranged in a glass vase! Or leave it to this savvy mother-daughter floristry duo to create something so eye-poppingly unforgettable it’s sure to melt the heart. Classic romantics will love long stemmed red roses with Pure Indulgence chocolates and French Champagne, or treat your honey to a teddy bear and balloons if cute and cuddly is the vibe you’re going for.
Flex your chivalrous side by planning an intimate, waters-edge, champagne breakfast picnic at The Levee, with orange juice for Bellini’s from Aldi, a chilled bottle of bubbles from BWS, fresh croissants from UIR Patisserie, and lashings of Darrel Lea Chocolate to really hit the sweet spot!

Keep the fizz flowing with a chillaxed date night at The Whistler, The Levee’s go to for good times and great food for sharing, like the Mezze Charcuterie Plate and Honey Walnut Baked Brie, with plenty to tempt on the revamped wine list. Out to impress? Linger over a memorable long lunch with Acadia Dining at The Riverlink where you’ll enjoy elevated views and an upmarket feel with playful takes on simply delicious dishes that highlight stand out regional growers.
A match made in heaven, the ornate heritage architecture Maitland is renowned for and authentic Italian flavours of taleggio, porcini and stringy mozzarella, make for an atmosphere of true Amoré at Ometto woodfired Pizza Bar.
Cross continents in a hop skip and jump to cosy Beud Korean and Japanese cuisine, a hidden-away gem for sizzling Korean BBQ with tangy Kim Chi to spice things up between you.
Lovers desiring a more intimate night can explore mood setting magic among the many candles at Preah Ko, or go all out on the seduction with Scented Sensations’ pink prosecco gel wax candles. Or if you want to keep it light – some liquid courage and loads of fun will help break the ice as you connect through creativity at a Paint and Sip Pinot and Picasso sesh. A sure way to fuel romance and make memories through shared experience.
Out of towners, you’ll find many a romantic retreat within minutes of The Levee’s riverbank retail and dining precinct. The well appointed Punthill Apartments are right on its vibrant High Street, with all the comforts of home from a fully equipped kitchen to in-room laundry facilities and an onsite gym.

In the lead up, invest in showing up at your best with some pre-date beauty prep, like Pure Soul Skin and Body’s Juicy Bespoke refresher for glowing skin, or a little luxe pampering at The Beauty Room by Clara. Ease any tension with an Alure Thai Massage so you exude confidence, highlight your hands with nail art from Blooming Nails and Beauty to leave a lasting impression, and remember, the eyes are the window to the soul so entrust Master Muse with shaping your brows to frame your peepers perfectly.
For head turning tresses, go a glamour hair and makeup combo at Sublime Hair Skin and Body, bump up your colour with some pointers from the passionate team at Evolution Hair, or opt for the shock factor with hair extensions from Urban Raw sustainable salon where the scalp massage alone is out of this world! Keeping it simple for the guys, walk ins are welcome anytime for a classic or statement cut at The Barber Shop. For other beauty vendors or hair salons, there is more to find here.
Hung up on what to wear? Wow your date by rocking one of the new arrivals among designer labels from Hollie Rose Boutique, check-in at Hunted Clothing Co for something with sass, or sharpen your sweet-talking style with smart accessories from Ken Lane Menswear.
Whether you plan to show your love and admiration with a moment to remember, wining and dining, or a gift from the heart, keep it local at The Levee to make the most of the time you have together. Located in Central Maitland, it’s an easy meet up point, with a relaxing river outlook, a stone’s throw to all the shops and selfcare services you could need, and a choice of venues to meet your every expectation. Love it!
