Free Valentine’s Pop-Up Landing in Leeds This Friday

Let’s be honest, Valentine’s Day can be a bit much, can’t it? It feels like there’s this massive pressure to be in a real-life rom-com, complete with grand gestures and cheesy declarations of love. But what if real romance is actually about the small stuff? Like your partner making you a cuppa without being asked, or knowing exactly which takeaway you’re craving after a rubbish day. Well, it turns out most people agree. And if you’re in Leeds and have completely forgotten about the big day, Just Eat might just be your new best friend.

So, what’s the deal with ‘icky’ romance?

New research from February 2025 has basically confirmed what many people have been thinking for ages: over-the-top, movie-style romance is a bit… well, icky. Nearly half of Brits (43%, to be exact) admitted that they find those idealised romantic gestures cringey. Think about it. Calling each other ‘Prince’ or ‘Princess’ in public? Apparently, 45% of people are not fans. Or how about those matching ‘his and hers’ jumpers? That’s a no from 42% of us. And don’t even think about buying a human-sized teddy bear, as that gives 30% of people the shivers.

Instead, what people really seem to value are the comfortable, everyday moments. The study showed that true love is found in the little things, like your partner doing the one household chore they know you absolutely hate (32% of people said this was a winner). Or simply sending a funny meme to get you through a long afternoon at work. It’s about feeling comfortable enough to be your true, slightly messy self. Let’s face it, if someone still wants to kiss you after you’ve had a massive garlic bread, that’s got to be love, right?

Just Eat to the rescue in Leeds

Recognising that many of us are tired of the cheesy stuff (and that some of us are just plain forgetful), Just Eat is stepping in to save the day for the people of Leeds. On Friday 13th February 2026, they’re setting up an emergency Valentine’s card pop-up shop right in the Leeds Trinity Centre. Perfect for anyone who has had that sudden moment of panic on the way home from work.

But these aren’t your standard cards full of sentimental fluff. They’ve been designed to celebrate real, honest-to-goodness romance. The kind that’s built on shared jokes and knowing each other inside out. Expect funny, relatable messages like, “Love is still snogging you after you’ve eaten a garlic naan” and “Love is knowing I want a takeaway, without me having to say I want a takeaway.” Best of all, the cards are completely free. And to make things even sweeter, everyone who picks one up will also get a £10 discount off their next Just Eat order. A free card and cheaper pizza? That sounds like a pretty good deal.

A personal touch with a proper poet

If you want to add a little something extra special to your card, you’re in luck. Local poet, WRD It, will be at the pop-up shop, ready to craft personalised poems for shoppers. So, whether you’re after something genuinely heartfelt or a bit of dry wit to make your partner laugh, a custom poem is a brilliant way to say what you mean without resorting to old clichés. It’s a chance to get something truly unique that perfectly captures your relationship, which is way better than a generic card from the supermarket.

The little things that really mean the most

The research from February 2025 really highlighted the shift in what people see as romantic. It’s less about big, expensive gestures and more about thoughtful, everyday actions. It’s about feeling seen and understood by the person you’re with. Here are some of the top things Brits said they consider ‘real romance’:

• Being bought flowers for no specific reason (38%)

• Doing the specific household chore their partner hates the most (32%)

• Using their lap as a pillow while relaxing (31%)

• Sending them a funny meme to get through the day (28%)

• Feeling comfortable enough to eat messily in front of them (27%)

• Kissing their partner when they have garlic or stinky breath (26%)

• Playing with their hair while watching a movie on the sofa (24%)

• Plugging in their phone when the battery is low without being asked (23%)

• Replacing their go-to snacks before they run out (22%)

• Surprising their partner with an unprompted takeaway (22%)

Seeing it all laid out like that, it just makes sense. It’s the comfort and familiarity of a relationship that makes it special, not the once-a-year pressure of Valentine's Day.