7 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day (or not) in Manchester

For Couples

Sometimes, you just don’t fancy dinner and drinks, and we totally get that. Luckily, there are plenty of couple-friendly activities on offer this Valentine’s Day in Manchester — and we’ve picked some of the best just for you. (Don’t worry, we’ve included something in there for the traditionalists, too.)

Sip and Paint

It’s time to get creative with PopUp Painting’s Sip and Paint event at Whitworth Locke on 14th February, from 7:30 pm - 10 pm.

Based around Gustav Kilmt’s iconic painting, ‘The Kiss’, this event will give you an opportunity to unleash your inner artiste against a playlist of heartbreaker ballads AND impress your significant other with a canvas to keep. All art supplies are provided, and guidance from a practicing artist is available if needed, with drinks also available to buy in the venue, if that tickles your fancy. We can’t think of a better way to get creative with your partner this year, can you?

Cooking Class at Zouk Tea Bar & Grill

Award-winning Zouk Tea Bar & Grill is well-known for combining mouth-watering flavours from India and Pakistan with a traditional British menu at their restaurant in Manchester’s Chester Street.

So, on the 18th February they’re offering a couple-friendly cooking class, where you and your valentine can learn how to make their famous spicy prawn pakoras, Punjabi lollipops, butter chicken, and lamb pasanda. After the class, your food will be served banquet-style in the stunning main dining area, and you’ll even receive a certificate, apron, and an easy-to-follow recipe for recreating your dishes at home. What more could you ask for?
Perfect for lovers of Indian food, or couples who love to cook together. Why not spice things up this Valentine’s Day in Manchester?

Grand Pacific

If a sit-down meal is more your thing, then look no further. Grand Pacific’s stunning interior is the perfect backdrop for gazing lovingly into your date’s eyes and whispering sweet nothings all night long.

With dining highlights like Asian-spiced Duck Cottage Pie and King Oyster Mushroom Dashi, their menu is sure to make sure hearts (and stomachs) are full this Valentine’s Day. Also, make sure you don’t miss out on their cocktail menu! If you’re looking for recommendations, we would always choose the Grand Pacific Bloody Mary – no doubt you’ll love it.

Galentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the couples, especially in Manchester, so grab a mate (or three) and check out our top picks for Galentine’s Day this February 13th.

Australasia

What does your ideal Galentine’s date look like? If you said sushi, sake, and immaculate vibes, we’ve got the place for you.

Australasia are serving all that and more this Galentine’s Day, with cuisine inspired by Indonesia, South-East Asia, and Japan. Whether you order from their A La Carte menu or enjoy a wider selection with their Australasia 10 Sharing Menu, the relaxed, elegant aesthetic is the perfect setting for dinner and drinks with your pals. And don’t forget dessert at Australasia’s sister restaurant Sunset — their Prosecco Sorbet Sunrisers go down a treat.

Galentine’s Day Disco

Three words: dancing, balloons, glitter tattoos. Okay, that’s technically four but let us off, we’re just excited about the glitter tattoos.

That’s right. Girl Gang Manchester’s Galentine’s Day Disco is back on the 11th of February.

There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re into crafts, cocktails, or cuddling, and all genders are welcome. Making new mates is definitely encouraged too, so don’t worry if you’re going alone – just arrive ready to lip sync your heart out to some sweet Millennial bangers, and Girl Gang’s famous friendship cupid will do the rest, matching you to your new dance buddy on the night. The event will be running 9 pm - 1 am at Wilson’s Den Manchester and won’t be one to miss, so check out @girlgangmcr on Instagram for more details.

Frog & Bucket’s Ladies of Laughter Valentine’s Day Special

Find out if laughter truly is the best medicine at the iconic Frog & Bucket on the 12th of February, where the Ladies of Laughter Valentine’s Day Special will run from 8:15 pm (make sure you get there on time since seats are first come first served!). Once home to the likes of Peter Kay and Johnny Vegas, the Frog & Bucket was one of the first comedy venues to open back in 1994 in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and is now known for giving up-and-coming comedians a place to hone their craft.

Don’t miss your chance to see some future household names do their thing on the famous Frog & Bucket stage, and catch Maria Shehata (Dave, Comedy Central, BBC), Esther Manito (BBC Live At The Apollo), Noreen Khan (BBC 1, BBC Radio 5 Live) and Fathiya Saleh (BBC AN) with your mates on the 12th February for a feel-good night of laughs. We promise you won’t regret it.

For the Singletons

Gone are the days of crying into a tub of Häagen-Dazs every February 14th for singles. In Manchester, it’s officially cool to be single on Valentine’s Day, and while you can fly solo to any of the events on our list, here are our favourite events dedicated to the city’s singletons this year.

Anti-Dating Apps Social at GRUB

GRUB is on a mission to end all sad swiping on dating apps this February 14th, and in a bid to make dating more human again, they’re throwing an Anti-Dating Apps social that aims to focus on mental wellbeing, community and friendship — and maybe romance. You can expect a fun-filled night of drinks, music and good vibes at a venue where being single is celebrated.

Running from 7:30 - 10:30 pm on Valentine’s Day itself, this event is singles only, we’re afraid, but there’s absolutely no pressure to find love. This isn’t speed dating, just a social where everyone is single, so round up your single mates and head over to GRUB.

Whatever you end up doing for Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day this year, we’d love to hear about it. Make sure to tag @mapartments_ in your social media posts so we can see how you celebrate.