YO!
Couples who fancy themselves as kitchen maestros won't want to miss YO!'s masterclasses in the Arndale. Here, you'll get to chow down on gyozas for starters, before brushing up on your knife skills and creating four delicious sushi items.
Hoping to discover the perfect new spot to bring a bit of romance? Packed with classy drinking dens, cosy speakeasies, quirky activities and gorgeous restaurants, which are all made for wowing your partner, this city isn't short on options. So, when you need advice, check out our guide to date night in Manchester. You can thank us later.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 24th March 2025
Couples who fancy themselves as kitchen maestros won't want to miss YO!'s masterclasses in the Arndale. Here, you'll get to chow down on gyozas for starters, before brushing up on your knife skills and creating four delicious sushi items.
From sculpting sessions to the chance to let loose behind the canvas, Paintvine is a stellar way to enjoy something a little different with your partner. Grab drinks from the hosting bar and emulate Van Gogh and more alongside your SO.
@ The Big Manchester Bake on Various dates from Saturday 3rd May 2025
Whether you make it a competitive double date or don't mind beating strangers to the crown, The Big Manchester Bake is here to fuel your winning spirit with their baking experience. All ingredients and equipment for whipping up your tasty bake is provided, while one competing couple per session will also be awarded the winning bakers title.
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Saturday 3rd May 2025
If you need fun activities for adults in Manchester for date night, Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four should be firmly on your radar. Take your partner to smuggle hooch into the immersive jail experience, where handcrafted cocktails come served by prisoner bartenders.
Interactive cricket bar Sixes is one of the top spots in Manchester for a fun-filled date. Batting nets, VR football and a bowling simulator are just some of the games you can get stuck into. Sharing platters and cocktails will be keeping your energy levels sustained throughout.
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When it comes to first date ideas in Manchester, nothing's more impressive for drinks than the smoking, foaming and fizzing ones at The Alchemist. Whether you book into the New York Street, MediaCity or Spinningfields venue, you can expect heaps of romance and unique sips.
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Get competitive on your next date night with this epic interactive experience. Nab an oche at Flight Club for tech-savvy dartboards, pizza paddles and alcoholic slushies in the cool fairground-inspired space.
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Looking for a stunning Asian restaurant to take your other half to? Then check out Namii Kitchen & Cocktails, found in the Piccadilly area. Expect colourful, Asian-inspired artwork lining the walls, as well as hanging paper lanterns, greenery and plush leather booths.
Sip exotic cocktails like the pink gin-based Orchid Blush, while munching your way through a halal-friendly Vietnamese menu. Think flame-grilled squid in a garlic marinade, spicy tofu noodles, lemongrass coconut chicken and much more.
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Date night bars in Manchester don't get much better than Point Blank Shooting, a drinking destination that combines affordable cocktails with American-style fare and a simulation range. Get competitive across games and missions at this cool spot.
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When in need of date night restaurants in Manchester, Australasia's stunning cream interiors with white-washed wood make it a top choice. As for the food? Expect dishes from countries across the Pacific Rim, including Australia and Japan. If you just can't get enough, then sister bar Sunset is waiting with cocktails.
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For outdoor date night ideas in Manchester, The Lawn Club is just the thing. They've got a foliage-covered terace and a spacious lawn area to relax on, and they serve tasty pizzas, burgers and small plates to boot. Fronting candyfloss cocktails and refreshing spritzes to ogle each other over come balmy summer nights, this gorgeous alfresco bar has romance covered.
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Share a selection of plates inspired by Indian street markets with your foodie partner in crime at Mowgli. Must-try dishes include Himalayan cheese toast, the spiced chip butty and temple dahl. Cocktails are also available like the chilli mango margarita and masala espresso martini.
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The perfect date night spot for couples who love beer? It's gotta be BrewDog. Pick from their extensive array of craft brews and pull up a chair on the terrace or bag one of the leather booths. Sister site Doghouse Hotel is another option – especially if you're a sucker for rooftop drinks.
@ I'm Puzzled on Various dates from Saturday 3rd May 2025
Think you've got the detective skills to solve a real-life murder case? With the Murder Mystery Experience in Manchester, you'll step into the world of crime-solving as a private investigator hot on the trail of Chester Monte's killer.
Using an immersive mobile app, you'll explore the city, piece together the evidence, and interrogate virtual suspects in a bid to crack the case. It's an action-packed adventure that takes you through Manchester's iconic landmarks with a thrilling twist. Do you have what it takes to find the culprit before time runs out?
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For pan-Asian fare, cocktails inspired by the continent and the most stunning of interiors, Grand Pacific Manchester is your best bet. Ready and waiting to seat couples in its regal dining room, this eatery is sure to impress.
Need date night ideas in Manchester city centre? Immersive Gamebox sees you work together on a range of experiences in your private area, including Squid Game and Angry Birds, using a motion sensor headset. Better yet, you can order drinks straight to your interactive pod.
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Head to Monton to discover Garden Bar & Restaurant, a charming venue that screams date night. The gorgeous interiors flaunt lush greenery, pretty fairy lights and exposed brick walls, and the garden area features a fully retractable roof.
Sip cocktails in the sun, or take advantage of their extensive all-day menu. We're talking charcuterie pizzas, chimichurri steaks, lasagne and more, as well as cracking brunch plates for a mid-morning date.
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Searching for something a little different, although no less boozy, come your next date night? Three Little Words is calling your name. A sleek bar underneath old railway arches, this drinking destination offers fascinating workshops into gin making, as well cocktails and a feast of small plates.
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Taking up residency in the Corn Exchange, Banyan is a wonderfully stylish and relaxed venue for a date in Manchester. Open early for coffee, cake or brunch, before running through to host dinner dates and late-night cocktail sessions, this one is well worth considering.
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Project Halycon Distillery offers sexy speakeasy interiors that make for the ultimate date night destination. Settle into one of the intimate, dimly lit seats to not just lap up the slick surroundings, but also the exceptional list of liquid libations - showcasing both unique cocktails and refreshing draught beers.
If you're after cheap date night ideas in Manchester, GRUB's events are definitely some to consider. Grab your sweetie to mosey over for the likes of food or drink masterclasses, burlesque shows and disco bingo.
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Plan a date night Electric Shuffle in Deansgate and challenge your partner to a game of shuffleboard while snacking on some delicious small bites in the Art Deco-inspired venue. Pick from plates like garlic and sea salt pizza bread, 24-hour pulled beef Yorkshire puddings and chilli squid, then wash it down with a signature cocktail.
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Looking to impress someone special with one of the city's best venues? James Martin Restaurant in Manchester235 fronts delicious British eats, boasts industrial-style interiors and was included in the The Sunday Times' Top 100, so it's a solid choice for any date night dining.
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If it's good food or tasty cocktails you're on the hunt for, Peter Street Kitchen offers a mouthwatering array of small plates, alongside signature sake-laced cocktails and a great wine list. You'll be munching through Mexican and Japanese fare in no time at this stunning restaurant.
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Happy Hour - Tuesday - Friday - 4pm - All Cocktails £7/All Spritz £7/Bottle Prosecco £20
Part of the renowned ABC building, Side Street is a unique date night spot that promises cosy interiors and an intimate atmosphere. Expect comfy velvet sofas to relax on with your other half, as well as pretty plants and romantic low lighting.
You'll find live music here on a regular basis, as well as some of the most creative cocktails around. And if you're feeling peckish, they're cooking up everything from macaroni cheese to rotisserie chicken and steak sandwiches.
Whisk your date away to Dusk til Pawn for a real treat. While featuring the facade of an old pawn shop, the bar's interior is just as cool, quirky and trendy. Top cocktails and a jukebox await you at this class Northern Quarter haunt where prohibition charm is rife.
It's date night and you're looking for something charming, relaxed and clustered with cocktails? Speak in Code has your back. One of the best bars and prime for all couples, it's got world-class drinks alongside charming staff.
Lovers of all things meat will find Gaucho heaven on earth. This gorgeous restaurant combines signature cow print interiors, chandeliers and leather booths with Argentinian steaks, which can be swilled down the hatch by cool cocktails.