50 most romantic restaurants in the UK 2019

by As rated by verified OpenTable diners

Updated January 25, 2019

There are many factors contributing to a romantic dining experience... world class ingredients, impeccable service and a unique ambience. This year's 50 most romantic restaurants showcase those seductive spots that enable couples to create delicious connections and memories that last a lifetime. The list is determined by analysing more than 851,000 reviews from more than 7,300 restaurants across the UK - all submitted by verified diners.

Angels with Bagpipes

4.6

4.6 (4262)

£26 to £40

Scottish

Old Town

About the restaurant

Having opened its doors in 2010, Angels with Bagpipes quickly established itself as one of the finest restaurants to have graced Edinburgh’s most iconic and historic street, The Royal Mile. With upmost pride in sourcing fresh Scottish ingredients.
Mixing an atmospheric Old Town setting with chic, contemporary looks, the restaurant reflects many of the city’s most defining features. With a humble facade nestled in the beautiful 17th century building, rich tones of bronze and marble cascade throughout the two tiers of Angels with Bagpipes.
Angels with Bagpipe’s kitchen has gained a glowing reputation in a city abundant with restaurants of the highest standards. Sourcing the best produce and ingredients, allowing the quality to shine through their elegant dishes. By blending innovative and traditional techniques, their menu is fresh and exciting throughout all seasons

Top review

Karen

Dined 2 days ago

Great food, friendly staff & lovely atmosphere. Would definitely recommend.

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4.7

4.7 (5725)

£41 and over

Modern European

Orpington

About the restaurant

Chapter One is an award-winning Modern European restaurant with 3 AA Rosettes in Orpington, Kent. Following a major refurbishment in early 2019, Chapter One has relaunched with a more modern approach, tempting guests with greater variety and quality.

Under the direction of acclaimed chef Andrew McLeish, modern European cooking is available in two formats. In the Restaurant, sophisticated seasonal dishes are served in a refined setting with a weekly changing 3-course Lunch Menu du Jour, a seasonally-inspired 7-course Tasting Menu and an a la carte option. In the more informal Brasserie, a selection of favourites are cooked to perfection with the finest ingredients. The drinks offering is as exciting with an AA Notable Wine List, premium spirits, and cocktails. There is also a private dining room for corporate and private occasions.

Top review

Wendy

Dined 7 days ago

Imaginative combinations of fabulous food perfectly cooked and presented by charming staff in a comfortable and elegant setting. Best dinning experience all round.

Claude Bosi at Bibendum

4.7

4.7 (1654)

£41 and over

French

South Kensington

About the restaurant

Celebrated French chef Claude Bosi launched Claude Bosi at Bibendum back in 2017, with a ground-floor seafood and oyster bar and first-floor restaurant which is ‘unashamedly fine dining’, with the chef's signature contemporary and light-hearted flair.

The a la carte menu features some of his signature classics and the chef’s Michelin-starred alma matter, with ingredients sourced predominantly from the British Isles and France. The striking upstairs dining room with its dramatic and iconic floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows has been redesigned to house a larger central open kitchen. The light and airy dining room will feature the original Conran chairs with a soft colour palate of muted blues.

Top review

kevin

Dined 6 days ago

amazing once In a lifetime expierence, first michelin restaurant did not disappoint

Clos Maggiore

4.7

4.7 (14994)

£26 to £40

French

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

Clos Maggiore is an oasis of calm in the heart of Covent Garden. Influenced by the stylish country inns of Provence and Tuscany its unique interiors create a warmth and intimacy enjoyed by both business and private parties. The conservatory has a fully retractable glass roof creating a bright and airy dining space. Our extensive cellar at Clos Maggiore includes over 2,000 labels and was extended earlier this year to include an additional 400 wines at a low – mid price range. We are very proud to have been awarded the “Best of Award of Excellence” consistently since 2003 by Wine Spectator.

Top review

mathew

Dined 2 days ago

If you want to go to dinner for a special occasion with your significant other this is a unforgettable spot for dinner. Really good French cuisine and service. Definitely recommended

CORE by Clare Smyth

4.9

4.9 (3394)

£41 and over

British

Notting Hill

About the restaurant

Chef Clare Smyth’s first restaurant, Core by Clare Smyth, opened its doors August 2017.

Located in London’s Notting Hill at 92 Kensington Park Road, Core by Clare Smyth is a modern fine dining restaurant with a strong British ethos, in an elegant, relaxed interior.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 5 days ago

Everything was truly outstanding, from the friendly staff to amazing food and incredible wine selection.

Forage & Chatter

4.8

4.8 (1921)

£26 to £40

Scottish

Edinburgh

About the restaurant

A consistent multi award winning Restaurant Forage & Chatter in Edinburgh boasts the best locally sourced and foraged produce, nestled in Edinburgh's West End. A experience you will not forget. Come and visit us!

Top review

Chantalvip

Dined 4 days ago

I loved everything about this restaurant. The manager, I think his name was Leo, was warm and welcoming. The ambiance was cozy. The food was thoughtful and felt like love on a plate. It was a lovely experience from start to finish.

Frederick's

4.7

4.7 (3887)

£26 to £40

British

Angel

About the restaurant

Frederick's is a family-run restaurant that is now fifty-five years old. Frederick's is a relaxed, contemporary restaurant and bar with private dining options. Serving a modern, crowd-pleasing menu, with familiar yet focused service and an enviable wine list Frederick's continues to be run by the Segal family. We are proud to be regarded as an Islington Institution, and continue to work hard to ensure that this is the case for years to come.

Frederick’s is open from Tuesday through to Saturday with full hire parties bookable on Sunday and Monday (fifty plus guests). Our familiar team is looking forward to seeing you; we can’t wait to shake you a martini or decant a fine wine for you to enjoy.

Should you have any queries about a forthcoming booking, or if you are planning on organising a party please email andreea@fredericks.co.uk we will get back to you with pleasure.

Top review

Tony

Dined 7 days ago

Truly first-class. Great food; interesting wine list; lovely ambience and brilliant service (particularly from the excellent Jason). Thank you. Good to see a full restaurant for mid-week lunch too.

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Experience

London Restaurant Festival: Complimentary Cocktail

Gauthier Soho

4.7

4.7 (4506)

£41 and over

French

Soho

About the restaurant

Having earned a star within a year of opening Gauthier Soho, Alexis Gauthier is described by Zagat guide as "...one of the Best New French food destinations in London...". With an emphasis on vegetables in all dishes, Alexis provides a seasonal tasting menu with the best possible ingredients (British where possible) all 100% plant based. All served in a chic Soho Townhouse where the staff really make you feel special. There are also five private dining rooms for parties of all sizes.

Top review

DanG

Dined 7 days ago

Had a business meeting here as we are both vegan. The experience was exceptional and the service impeccable. Each dish was carefully crafted and the creativity of the meal was demonstrated and executed perfectly. Highly recommend.

Hakkasan - Hanway Place

4.5

4.5 (6338)

£41 and over

Chinese

Fitzrovia

About the restaurant

With 12 restaurants across the globe, located in the United States, Middle East, India, Asia and Europe, Hakkasan offers guests a world-class culinary experience.
Established in 2001 in London, Hakkasan Hanway Place is the original Hakkasan restaurant. Now, two decades later, Hakkasan Hanway Place continues to offer guests exceptional modern Cantonese cuisine, innovative mixology, and dramatic design.
The menu uses the finest ingredients and expert traditional techniques to create timeless yet innovative signature dishes such as the Chilean Seabass and Crispy Duck Salad.
The wine list is one of the most influential in the industry, and the bar team ride the waves of innovation, ensuring they are always ahead of the curve.

Top review

Luciavip

Dined 4 days ago

Yet again an incredible experience - took my son for the first time as a special treat - absolutely perfect! Thank you 🙏

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Experience

Taste of Hakkasan - 3 Course Menu

Experience

Weekend Brunch

Experience

Taste of Hakkasan - 3 Course Menu and Champagne

Ham Yard Bar and Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (4699)

£26 to £40

Modern European

Soho

About the restaurant

Ham Yard restaurant has a frequently changing menu revolving around the freshest, seasonal ingredients and the best of British produce. Dishes range from house-glazed Ham Yard ham and hand rolled pasta to chilli beans on toast and ice cream sandwiches and not forgetting the ever popular Champagne afternoon teas. Our discerning guests will be tempted back time and again to sample our selection of small bar dishes, including truffled mascarpone and ham melts, pulled pork sliders with chipotle and parsley and cured sea trout with beet and horseradish.

Top review

lisa

Dined on Sep 4, 2024

We had a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Food was delicious, and great service.

Hawksmoor Air Street

4.5

4.5 (12957)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Piccadilly

About the restaurant

The Hawksmoor Air Street menu is equally steak and seafood, receiving some of the freshest produce from Brixham Market & high standard UK beef, as well as cocktails made by award-winning bartenders.

Top review

John

Dined 2 days ago

The food, venue & Paulina and all the staff were sensational!

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The Hawksmoor Breakfast is back!

Hawksmoor Borough

4.6

4.6 (6514)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

London Bridge

About the restaurant

A short walk from London Bridge, Hawksmoor Borough serves British steak & seafood. A private dining room for up to 16 & tickets for Cooks' Room Supper Club.

Top review

Alan

Dined 2 days ago

Great food . Great service . Great value . 3 hour lunch with friends . Never rushed . Warm & friendly people .

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Hawksmoor Knightsbridge

4.5

4.5 (4433)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Knightsbridge

About the restaurant

Hawksmoor Knightsbridge, off Brompton Road & between iconic department stores, Harrods & Harvey Nichols. Serving British steaks, sustainable seafood & set menus (£29 for 3), or a bar for a quick bite. Tables held back for walk-ins.

Top review

Conor

Dined 4 days ago

Food was excellent, service is great. Would recommend.

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4.7

4.7 (10206)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Manchester

About the restaurant

Located next door to Spinningfields, we aim to serve the best steaks in Manchester. Sunday Roasts or for those looking for a casual bite, a set menu is available.

Top review

Jacqueline

Dined 2 days ago

Busy bar and restaurant on a Monday. Excellent food and service.

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Hawksmoor Seven Dials

4.6

4.6 (12820)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

Hawksmoor Seven Dials is a short walk from Covent Garden & Seven Dials. The restaurant is a perfect place for steak dinners, seafood and Sunday roasts.

Top review

David

Dined 7 days ago

The venue is a short walk from Covent Garden tube station so very convenient. The food and service is excellent. Attention to detail comes naturally at this restaurant. It isn’t cheap but is great value for money.

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Hawksmoor Spitalfields

4.6

4.6 (7093)

£26 to £40

British

Shoreditch

About the restaurant

Prime cuts of matured British beef and other classics served in stripped-back, bare-brick surroundings.

Top review

Bryn

Dined 4 days ago

I had the Sirloin steah with Beef Dripping chips and two eggs and side salad. The staek was outstanding which I ex[ected - However, the Chips were the star of the show along with two perfectly cooked runny eggs. We have no complaints whatsoever and will definately be going again very soon.

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The Ivy Chelsea Garden

4.4

4.4 (14043)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Chelsea

About the restaurant

Modern British menus served in a refined, art-filled space with a garden terrace and an orangery.

Top review

William

Dined 7 days ago

It a Ivy does what it says on the tin, probably not the world best food, but still very nice, but as a whole packet, it takes a lot of beating, I vist probably once a month, mainly London but also been to York and Bath, what I like is the service and the decor is different in each one.

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Experience

Breakfast Set Menu

Experience

The Ivy Chelsea Garden Afternoon Tea

Experience

£19.17 All-Day Set Menu

Jamavar

4.5

4.5 (1042)

£41 and over

Indian

Mayfair

About the restaurant

Michelin-starred Jamavar London, located on Mayfair’s iconic Mount Street is celebrated for its gracious hospitality, inviting atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings inspired by the Viceroy’s House in New Delhi, the acclaimed restaurant is a rendition of a palatial Indian dining experience in the heart of Mayfair.

Here, exceptional pan-Indian dishes are thoughtfully prepared by Culinary Director and Executive Chef Surender Mohan using the freshest British produce and most authentic Indian cooking techniques. In 2022, Jamavar London was awarded a Michelin star in The Great Britain & Ireland Michelin Guide for its high-quality cooking and holistic approach to Indian cuisine.

Top review

DB76vip

Dined 4 days ago

A wonderful dinner as always. Let’s just make things a bit spicier next time.

Kendell's Bistro

4.7

4.7 (3280)

£26 to £40

French

Leeds

About the restaurant

Kendells Bistro is a casual Informal place to dine with the main focus on quality of food, wine and service within a French bistro atmosphere. It’s relaxed and informal - no waiters topping up wine glasses after every sip or sneaking up behind you with a six foot pepper mill. Cloth napkins but not starched, blackboard menus and open plan kitchen, intimate cosy candles flickering, friendly without pretence.

Bookings of 5 or more will need to contact the restaurant directly, either by emailing info@kendellsbistro.co.uk or calling us on 0113 2436553.

Top review

KEVINvip

Dined 7 days ago

Another wonderful evening at Kendall’s the staff so nice and friendly, the atmosphere so unique and the food is always superb. Thank you…

Margot Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (2733)

£26 to £40

Italian

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

Margot salutes Italy and its many regions with an emphasis on great food and great service. Celebrating the glamour and charm of Italian design and craft in simple elegance, Margot combines comfort and refinement in a lively setting.

Top review

Alan

Dined 7 days ago

We love Margot. Whenever we are in London, it’s the first restaurant we run to. Lovely ambiance, great food, great wine list. It’s perfect!

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Popular dish

Tiramisú

Number 16 Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (3322)

£25 and under

Modern European

Glasgow

About the restaurant

Award- winning restaurant in the heart of Glasgow's West End.

Number 16 is a cosy, well established and much loved neighbourhood favourite offering quality food, friendly service and great value in relaxed surroundings. Run by a tight- knit, experienced and dedicated team; Number 16 is proud to bring fresh and unusual ideas to modern Scottish cooking. Our ever- changing menu features imaginative, balanced flavours and a commitment to using seasonal produce. We strive to make each dining experience a relaxing, unique and memorable one for every customer.

Top review

Alex

Dined 4 days ago

We really enjoyed our visit. The welcome was warm and the service first rate. Food was lovely and we both felt it was one of the best meals we’ve had for some time. Thanks to the whole team!

Paco Tapas

4.6

4.6 (2027)

£26 to £40

Tapas / Small Plates

Bristol

About the restaurant

With jamón ready to carve, padrón peppers roasting over the wood fire & sherry straight from the barrel let us transport you to Andalusia.

Our ever changing menu combines traditional tapas with personal interpretations from Michelin starred Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, whilst staying true to the vibrant and comforting flavours of his heritage.

No tapas bar is worth its salt without a carefully crafted sherry list - just ask Paco! So, we've handpicked ours, and offer them by the glass, bottle or shaken into the finest cocktails.

Thanks to all our amazing suppliers & team we are realising another Sanchez Brothers dream - A modern tapas bar bringing a taste of Andalusia to Bristol. Whether you're coming para picar, for a glass of sherry or a tapas feast we can't wait to see you!

Top review

Alex

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

Exceptional in every way. On arrival, our table wasn't quite ready, so we were seated at the bar and given drinks on the house. Staff were brilliant, knowledgeable and lovely. And the food was out of this world. We had the Chef's Special set menu with accompanying sherries and were so full we had to take the desserts home. Every dish was incredible, wish special mentions to the bread (like the world's greatest garlic bread, made with treacley sourdough - the only other time I've had bread this good was at Rick Stein's Padstow restaurant), the tortilla (the use of extra egg yolks was a revelation) and the quails (so tender and juicy). Not cheap, but very good value.

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Peace and Loaf Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2533)

£41 and over

British

Newcastle upon Tyne

About the restaurant

Headed up by Chef / Owner Dave Coulson, Peace & Loaf is a restaurant unlike any other in the region. Dave has an unrivalled reputation and passion for creating flavoursome and innovative dishes, which shows with the diverse menu and delicately decorated food on offer. Highlighting the importance of using only the freshest, locally sourced produce, Peace & Loaf will offer exciting, seasonal menus that will incorporate Dave’s signature dishes. Heavily inspired by traditional British cuisine with Dave’s own inventive flare, the meticulously crafted dishes will excite and intrigue even the most discerning of palates.

Top review

Julie

Dined 5 days ago

If you want outstanding food and a dining experience to remember, then this truly is the best place to dine in Newcastle. We had the tasting menu, which on this occasion consisted of 12 separate dishes each. The delivery cadence of each dish was perfect, no waiting for plate collection or food delivery, but just enough time to revel in the last taste you ate and anticipate the next. The service was personal without being intrusive and the server was genuinely interested to ensure we had the best experience......and we did!

Smiths Restaurant Wapping

4.9

4.9 (7528)

£41 and over

Seafood

Wapping

About the restaurant

Smith's of Wapping is located on the River Thames with fantastic views of Tower Bridge and The Shard.
Smith's, famous for fish, was initially established in 1958 and today offers fine dining facilities.

We are now open from 12pm until 230pm for lunch and 5.30pm until 11pm (last seating time is 9pm) on Monday to Thursday.

Friday dinner starts at 6pm until 11pm (last seating is 9.30pm).

Saturday dinner starts at 5.30pm until 11pm (last seating is 945pm)

On Sundays we are open from 12pm until 3.30pm for Lunch
And 6pm until 10pm (last seating time 8.30pm) for Dinner.

Should you not find the time that you are looking for, please contact the restaurant directly as there may be availability.

Top review

Jasmine vip

Dined on Sep 10, 2024

Had the best time like always can't wait to go back x

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Popular dish

Apple Tart

Popular dish

Large Brixham Dover Sole

Popular dish

Cornish Monkfish

Stones Restaurant Matlock

4.9

4.9 (2625)

£26 to £40

British

Matlock

About the restaurant

Tucked away in the heart of former spa town Matlock, Stones is a cosy restaurant serving modern British cuisine. The restaurant’s interior is smart and intimate while the kitchen marries British produce with recipes inspired by international cuisine. Don’t be fooled by the apparent simplicity of the seasonal lunch and dinner menus, every dish demonstrates the culinary imagination, technique and flair of the vibrant kitchen team, led by head chef Kevin Stone. The additional tasting menu offers eight courses partnered with a carefully selected optional flight of wine. Catering for all dietary requirements, Stones offer distinct vegetarian and GF menu. Diners can enjoy views overlooking the coursing waters of the River Derwent. Discreet, informed service with an informal approach, allowing the food to take centre stage, Stones is one of the finest dining experiences in the area, carrying two AA rosettes for culinary excellence. ***Visit www.stones-restaurant.co.uk for up to date menus.***

Top review

Chris

Dined on Sep 10, 2024

Excellent as ever! A hidden gem of a restaurant that really thinks about the whole dining experience. Many thanks.

The Chefs Table

4.8

4.8 (3666)

£26 to £40

British

Chester

About the restaurant

Lunch Menu - Two Courses for £30 / Three Courses for £35

We are an independent restaurant in the heart of Chester offering microseasonal dining with menus designed around what's growing on our farm in Daresbury. Menus change every four to six weeks.
Happy Hour is available in our lounge from 4-6pm on Thursday-Saturday with "Two for £15" Cocktails, wine and beer specials.

Please note we are currently card-only and unable to accept cash.

Meat / Game / Pescatarian / Vegetarian / Vegan / GF / DF

- - -
If your preferred time is not available please make a note on your reservation and we will try our best to accommodate you in the event of a cancellation. If you don't see the time you would like, please email us at info@chefstablechester.co.uk with the preferred time, party size, and telephone number and we will check our availability.

Top review

Daniella

Dined 4 days ago

Fabulous food, excellent service. Would definitely eat here again. Lunch offer well worth it. Vast wine list but would appreciate more rosé wines by the glass.

The Ivy City Garden

4.1

4.1 (7698)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Liverpool Street

About the restaurant

Located in the historic Bishopsgate Gardens, The Ivy City Garden brings the familiar luxury of The Ivy, West Street to the City of London.

Top review

Sindy

Dined 6 days ago

We did the 1917 set menu & it was such good value for money & delicious!! We sat at the bar which was great too, we had a few cocktails & wine, I would just say the bar staff could have been a little more attentive but that would not stop me going back, it’s a great place to go with a great atmosphere! It’s good to see places back on their feet so thank you Ivy City ⭐️

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Experience

Breakfast Set Menu

Experience

£19.17 All-Day Set Menu

Experience

Boxing Day Brunch

The Poet at Matfield

4.8

4.8 (2984)

£26 to £40

British

Tunbridge Wells

About the restaurant

The Poet offers an informal yet refined dining experience in the heart of the Kent countryside. Set in a charismatic 16th century building, diners can expect food of the highest standards, made using the finest local and seasonal produce and lovingly prepared by a small team of chefs led by Head Chef & Director Lee Adams.

In addition to the food, we offer a selection of fine wines, quirky cocktails, and have a collection of over 25 craft gins available.

World War I poet Siegfried Sassoon lived in Matfield and is the inspiration behind our name. Sassoon was awarded the Military Cross for "conspicuous gallantry" and later won acclaim for his writing. We're pretty sure he would have loved our food too!

A warm welcome awaits diners from General Manager and Director Tom Haacke and his team. We look forward to seeing you!

STEAK NIGHT - The Al a Carte Is still available if you book for Steak Night!

Late cancellations - £20 per person.

Top review

David

Dined 6 days ago

Without a doubt my favourite restaurant in Kent and quite possibly most of the South East. Innovative, delicious food, coupled with a charming ambience and perfect service. Who could ask for more. Love the Poet.

Savoy Lounge

4.7

4.7 (7991)

£41 and over

Afternoon Tea

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

Introducing Savoy Lounge (formerly known as Thames Foyer), a vibrant space at the heart of the hotel for drinking and dining, where guests can enjoy a perfect blend of our theatrical flair and relaxed charm.

The beautiful new space will seamlessly integrate contemporary style whilst remaining true to our much loved heritage. Innovative menus, carefully crafted by our talented culinary team, will entice you in showcasing traditional recipes with a modern twist.

The Savoy’s legendary afternoon tea will return, in addition to breakfast, coffee, lunch, cocktail hour and dinner.

Our delectable lunch offering will be available between 12:30 and 17:30 on a walk in basis.

*Please note that any reservations made are subject to the timely completion of the renovation and we may need to contact you to offer alternative dates should we experience a delay with the work.

Dress code: smart casual.

Top review

Olivia

Dined on Aug 19, 2024

A very special experience. Beautiful tea room. Excellent food. Superb waiting on team.

Wreck

4.7

4.7 (3105)

£26 to £40

Bistro

Liverpool

About the restaurant

Welcome to Wreck, from the team behind Sticky Walnut, Burnt Truffle, Hispi, Pinion and Kala. We look forward to welcoming you soon. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner with roasts served on a Sunday!

Top review

Daniel

Dined 5 days ago

Terrific food, with perfect service, made for a memorable evening.

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