Valentine’s Day has come a long way since the balloon-laden restaurant days. Whether you prefer to celebrate singledom with friends at the local comedy club or impress your date with some authentic tapas, then there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Valentine’s Day in Manchester.
If you’ve got the first-date jitters or simply want to try something a little different, then these Valentine’s Day events and activities in Manchester may take your fancy.
Where? Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester, M13 0FE
When? 15 and 16 February 2019
Price? Pool level tickets cost £15 for adults and £13 for students, whilst balcony level tickets cost just £13 for adults and £11 for students
There’s something strangely appealing about watching a cinema screening in an empty gala pool (and that’s not just our inner hipster talking). Hosted by Village Green Events, the Valentine’s Cinema will see Victoria Baths adorned with candy-striped deckchairs, ready for three classic cinema screenings: Romeo & Juliet (Friday evening), The Little Mermaid (Saturday afternoon) and 10 Things I Hate About You (Saturday evening).
Don’t worry about bringing your own popcorn, as Dim Sum Su, Vaso Kitchen and Drizzle City Bakes will be serving up their droolworthy snacks and treats on both days.
Where? 20 Dale Street, Manchester, M1 1EZ
When? 4pm to 1am on 14 February 2019
Price? £5 for 30 minutes worth of ping pong
If it’s located in the Northern Quarter, then you know that it’s probably going to be a good shout. Working that understated grungy vibe, this much-loved basement bar is also home to a number of ping pong tables (and a sea of white balls that end up scattered across the entire place). Whether you’re with your friends or a loved one, this fast-paced game is sure to cause a few laughs.
Where? 102 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LJ
When? 8pm (doors open at 7pm) on 14 February 2019
Price? £14.00 face value
Renowned for its intimate atmosphere, The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club looks more like a pub when you first step inside (and that’s what we love about it). On the night, Mick Ferry will be presenting alongside comedians Dan Nightingale, Lauren Pattison and Josh Howie, whilst tasty burgers, pizzas and sides will be served in between the laughs. They do say the key to a woman’s heart is laughter, after all...
Where? The Printworks, Dantzic Street, Manchester, M4 2BS
When? 11am-11pm on Valentine’s Day
Price? £9.50 (£8 for students) for one 18 hole course OR £15 (£12 for students PLUS a free drink) for two courses
Mini golf is one of those things that can either be therapeutic or temper-inducing (luckily we’re in the former club). If you want to practice your swing this Valentine’s Day and take advantage of some Valentine’s Day deals in Manchester, then Treetop Adventure Golf are giving you the chance to play two courses for the price of one (if you play before midday).
For those of you who wish to dine in style this Valentine’s Day, then there are plenty of romantic restaurants in Manchester where the food is guaranteed to impress. However, if you’re just as content with a thin crust pizza as you are a raspberry soufflé, then keep on reading - we know just the places for you to check out.
Where? The Pavilion, Byrom Street, Manchester, M3 3HG
When? 8am-2am on Valentine’s Day
Price? Main courses range from around £12 to £35 on the a la carte menu
Back on the scene after an unfortunate fire, The Ivy Brasserie will be showcasing an exceptional menu and intricate floral installation this Valentine’s Day. From 11-17 February 2019, you can enjoy their striking The Key To Your Heart dessert, which comprises a raspberry sorbet heart, rich white chocolate sauce and scattered rose petals. Mmm.
Where? 3 Hardman Square, Gartside Street, Manchester, M3 3EB
When? 12pm-1am on Valentine’s Day
Price? £48 for two to share the limited edition sharing dish
Even if you haven’t been to Tattu before, then you’ve probably spotted their striking pink cherry blossom tree on Instagram. Revered for their contemporary Chinese cuisine, Tattu is the ideal romantic spot for Valentine’s Day - especially thanks to their limited edition sharing dish and cocktail. From 14-17 February 2019, enjoy the likes of plum Sake-glazed Peking duck and an indulgent Pinot Grigio, hazelnut liqueur and gingerbread dessert.
Where? 2A St Mary's Street, Manchester, M3 2LB
When? 11.30am-11pm on Valentine’s Day
Price? Main dishes range from around £14 to £99 for an extravagant steak sharer
From the food to the atmosphere, Gaucho brings a taste of Argentina to a beautiful Methodist church in Manchester city centre. The grand chandeliers and Art Deco elements will certainly make this Valentine’s Day feel special (as well as the person you choose to take with you!). A la carte menu delights include grilled swordfish, pearl barley arrabbiata and tender sirloin steak.
Where? 43 Spring Gardens, Manchester, M2 2BG
When? 12pm-10pm on Valentine’s Day
Price? £60 per person for a special Valentine’s Day set menu
Owned by Rio Ferdinand, this upmarket restaurant is a favourite haunt of the rich and famous. If you really want to splash out, then make sure to reserve a table for their exclusive Valentine’s Day menu. From £60 per person, you can enjoy a glass of champagne on arrival and the likes of frajota chilli fried king prawns for starters, coal-roasted carrot-filled tortelloni for the main course and Sherry and Huila chocolate tart for dessert.
Where? Unit 4, Vimto Gardens, Chapel Street, Salford, Greater Manchester, M3 5JF
When? 11am-11pm on Valentine’s Day
Price? £34.95 for a three-course meal and complimentary glass of Prosecco
‘Vero Moderno’ literally translates to ‘true and modern’, which perfectly encapsulates what their mouthwatering menu is all about. Located on Chapel Street, this hidden gem is a little out of the way, but it’s worth the detour for their exceptional fresh pasta and carefully-selected Italian wines.
On Valentine’s Day, enjoy the likes of beef tartare and Parmesan cheese Wonton crackers, risotto with pureed langoustine sauce and indulgent dark chocolate fondant with red chilli as part of a £34.95 three-course menu (a glass of Prosecco is also included!).
Where? 34 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 4JY
When? 12pm-11.30pm on Valentine’s Day
Price? From £30 per person for a four-course banquet
Established in 1977, this award-winning Chinese restaurant is located in a striking grade II listed cotton warehouse and offers some of the best Chinese food in Manchester. From £30 per person, enjoy the likes of steamed beef dumplings and kung po chicken as part of a four-course banquet.
Where? Chapel Street, Salford, Manchester, M3 6BY
When? 12pm-10.30pm on Valentine’s Day
Price? Ranging around £5.50 per tapas dish
Also based in Altrincham and Chester, this popular Iberian tapas bar has since branched out to Salford (just moments away from Vero Moderno, in fact). Their aim was to replicate the relaxed independent tapas bars of Madrid and Barcelona, so if you’re looking for a casual dining experience, then you’re in for a treat. Tapas dishes include chorizo and lentil stew, marinated white anchovies, fried Padron peppers with Maldon salt and of course, the classic patatas bravas.
Where? 1 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 1RG
When? 11.30am-11pm on Valentine’s Day (Valentine’s set menu runs from 11-17 February 2019)
Price? £24 per person for a three-course Valentine’s Day meal and a drink
As a prime London favourite, Shoryu Ramen now serves its exceptional Hakata tonkotsu ramen to the people of Manchester. For just £24 per person, enjoy the likes of BBQ pork heart buns, Miso Wafu chicken ramen, Matcha cheesecake and a Yuzu Mojito as part of a delicious three-course set menu.
A spa day is certainly impressive to say the least, but it doesn’t have to be overly hefty on your bank account either. Many spas in Manchester offer huge discounts on spa days for special occasions - and Valentine’s Day is certainly one of them.
Where? Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa, London Road, Manchester, M1 2PG
Price? £79.50 per person for a ‘1 Night Valentine’s Spa Break for Two’
£79.50 per person may sound like a lot at first, but when you take into account that this includes a 25 minute spa treatment, overnight accommodation, a complimentary bottle of Prosecco, a free Elemis gift, dinner for two, breakfast AND full use of the leisure facilities, then this is actually an exceptional deal! If you’re wanting to ‘WOW’ your loved one, then this spa break is a strong contender.
Where? Hale Road, Hale Barns, Altrincham, WA15 8XW
Price? £80 per package for a ‘Time for Two Pamper Day’
After enjoying a 25 minute back massage, express facial, manicure or pedicure, you’ll have the option to make full use of the leisure facilities as part of this cost-effective package.
Will you be trying out any of these suggestions of things to do on Valentine’s Day in Manchester? Let us know on Twitter!