The UK’s Capital of Love named and it’s not a city you would expect

The UK’s most romantic city has been revealed – but Cupid’s arrow is not soaring across London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Manchester. Researchers commissioned by Charlie Bigham’s, to celebrate the launch of its new Brasserie range for two, asked 2,000 couples in different cities across the UK if they have regular date nights.

They have crowned Leicester the ‘Capital of Love‘ with as many as 88% of married couples finding regular time for romantic nights in – or dining out. The East Midlands city was followed by Cardiff and Sunderland (83%), with London in fourth place with 82%. Other amorous UK cities include Edinburgh, Bristol and Manchester, with Swansea, Birmingham and Leeds making up the top 10. Meanwhile, Britain’s least passionate metropolis was York, where under half (49%) of couples make time for regular romance.

Overall, six in 10 Brits prefer date nights in the comfort of their own home – with a juicy steak and chips the top choice (30%).

Other meals which get us in the mood for love include fish pie (12%), macaroni cheese (12%), and spaghetti carbonara (12%), according to the 2,000 couples surveyed.

Music plays a big part too. For the one in 10 couples who can’t resist a slow dance in the kitchen, John Legend (29%), Elton John (16%) and Marvin Gaye (11%), top the at-home playlists.

Other components for the perfect home date night include mood lighting (19%), candles (26%), romantic movies (28%) – and making sure the kids are at sleepovers (13%).

Sharing a pudding (16%), laying the table nicely (14%) and games of Scrabble (10%), are also ingredients for love.

For 77% of romantic Brits regular date nights are a must, with three nights a month considered the sweet spot for keeping the spark alive.

Food is at the centre of it all, with 86% saying it’s the most important part of a date night.

A spokesperson for Charlie Bigham’s said: “The results show that food really is the heart of the home date night.

“Couples are increasingly looking to recreate the restaurant experience at home – not just for special occasions, but as part of their date nights or monthly treats.

“Our Brasserie range offers restaurant-quality dishes designed to make these evenings effortless yet memorable. From hand-crafted Beef Wellingtons to indulgent Coq au Vin, the range has been created to bring that same sense of occasion into the home.”

THE MOST ROMANTIC CITIES IN THE UK: (percentage of couples who have regular romantic date nights):

Leicester – 88%

Cardiff – 83%

Sunderland – 83%

London – 82%

Edinburgh – 81%

Manchester – 80%

Bristol – 80%

Swansea – 77%

Birmingham – 77%

Leeds – 75%