The Oast House
Spend the night in a cosy teepee tent kitted out with fire pits and twinkly lights, only at The Oast House. This unique setting is the perfect place for a cute and affordable date which also happens to involve some delicious pub grub.
Big night planned? Take the stress out of a romantic evening with someone new thanks to our guide, which is perfect for all couples and wallet sizes too. From a choice of stylish bars or rustic restaurants to quirky activities and epic events, these first date ideas in Manchester are sure to impress your crush.
Spend the night in a cosy teepee tent kitted out with fire pits and twinkly lights, only at The Oast House. This unique setting is the perfect place for a cute and affordable date which also happens to involve some delicious pub grub.
First date activities in Manchester? Flight Club has you covered with its high-tech darts, amazing games and fairground-inspired interiors. Not only that, but there's boozy slushies to slurp and sharing pizza paddles to chow down on.
From hearty Southern-style plates, like burgers and BBQ pork ribs, to bourbon-laced cocktails, The Blues Kitchen is dishing out everything you need to be well taken care of on your date. If that wasn't enough, the live music here is sure to get you grooving.
Looking for a unique first date idea? Freight Island in the heart of The Depot, Mayfield, is the perfect place to impress your date while enjoying great food, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere.
With a variety of indoor and outdoor seating options, you can explore an array of street food from vendors like Burgerism and Voodoo Ray's, or sip cocktails in the trendy tequila bar.
When you're looking for sober first date ideas in Manchester, keep Immersive Gamebox on your radar. The pair of you will step into your own box to get stuck into a whole library of hyper-interactive games, including CIA training programmes and alien aptitude tests. And if you aren't booze-free? You can have drinks delivered to your private area.
Had enough of the faffing and decided to impress straight from the off on your date night? We've just the place. One of the best speakeasy bars in the city, The Fitzgerald is the perfect place to indulge in romance and stunning cocktails.
In need of the best places for a first date in Manchester? With stunning food, affordable cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere, Revolucion De Cuba is a prime choice. Snag a table at this South America-inspired spot to enjoy a taste of the Latin life in among piled plates and tasty drinks.
@ GFFDamian Dance Studio on Saturday 13th June 2026 and 2 other dates
Want to win over your date with the most wholesome day out ever? Then take them to Kitty Yoga, where you'll get to play with some adorable kittens as you get to know each other.
Their hour-long sessions begin with a 40-minute vinyasa flow that's both soft and slow, led by a helpful instructor. After you're feeling suitably relaxed, there'll be 20 minutes to hang out with the cats uninterrupted.
@ Loft Social on Various dates from Thursday 11th June 2026
Ramp up the competitive spirit on your next date night at Loft Social. Disco Social is Stockport's first ever indoor curling spot.
Grab a drink, get your eye in and slide into the weekend. Tickets start from just £22 and bag you a lane for up to eight mates.
If you didn't already know, The Anthologist Manchester is the First Dates restaurant. So, who's to argue with Channel 4's winning formula? Nab yourself a table at the TV-famous spot to impress a lucky someone with the likes of roast pork belly and Marmite mac 'n' cheese.
It's all in the name at Grand Pacific, as this place really is quite the looker. Aside from the opulent space, you can expect a menu of pan-Asian delights, like sushi, Szechuan sea bass and lamb massaman curry, washed down with signature cocktails.
Need outdoor date ideas in Manchester? Honest Burgers' rooftop has just the thing. Head up for views of the city, alongside bottomless brunch or dinner of stacked patties and plenty of fries. It's the ideal combo of laidback and impressive that you've been searching for.
Mowgli is the Indian restaurant and cocktail hub at Manchester's Corn Exchange. It's whipping up tiffin boxes, curries or spicy chip butties in a quirky candlelit space - think exposed brick walls and playful jungle gym ropes, perfect for breaking the ice on a first date.
When it's time to tuck in, there's plenty here made for sharing, from spicy chaats to street food small plates and creamy curries for every level of spice lover.
If you're looking for a casual place to eat on a first date, Thaikhun is a solid choice. You'll find a menu full of tradition Thai dishes to suit an array of dietary requirements, including some winning vegan plates. They also host cooking classes for couples that want to go all out.
Get to know each other over a few pints at Manchester's ultimate beer palace, BrewDog. Choose from their extensive selection of craft brews and pair your tipple with something from the epic food menu – we'd recommend ordering any (or all) of the tacos. Doghouse Hotel also has 30 taps and a scenic rooftop bar.
Searching for the most fun first date ideas in Manchester? The Alchemist on New York Street, in Spinningfields and at MediaCity's waterfront are shaking up a whole host of theatrical cocktails to keep your meet-up drinks interesting.
Be sure to check out their sharing Sunday Feast menu too, costing only £20 per person. This indulgent platter features barbecue ribs, loaded truffle tater tots, pork belly bites and much more.
The Lawn Club is an Instagrammable setting fit for any occasion – especially a romantic evening for two. With multiple bars, including an outdoor one, seasonal decor and top-notch food, there'll be lots to distract you from those first date nerves. For those summer meet ups, make sure to grab a seat on their sun-soaked terrace and sip on refreshing spritz cocktails together.
Date night never looked so good at Seven Bro7hers Social in Salford Quays. Boasting an expansive terrace and an industrial interior, you can expect to find a drinks menu featuring twists on classic cocktails and there's even a gin school for you to get involved in. Hungry? Enjoy some modern British cuisine while looking out over the waterfront.
Sure, Wynwood Lanes may be primed for spilling delicious bits down yer front, and their cocktails may be a feisty bunch, but it's not just scoffing that you can enjoy on a date night here. Venture on down for some of the best bowling alleys within a relaxed environment.
A date night fuelled by cocktails and classic rock? What more could you want. The Liquor Store is a great choice for quirky duos looking to bond over some bevs. You can count on the fun bar team to keep you entertained into the early hours as they mix up a storm.
Cherry Jam is a favourite for first date ideas in the North West, thanks to its roster of bottomless events. Check it out on a Saturday, where afternoon tea is accompanied by free-flowing cocktails, or go in for Sunday sharing platters with the same unlimited drinks treatment. Better yet, there's boy band-themed bingo brunches too.
Taking up residency in the Corn Exchange, there's a wonderfully stylish and relaxed feel to Banyan. Open for mid-day coffee and cake, a dinner date or just a few chilled out cocktails, it's an easy-going place to get to know somebody new.
Offering plenty of cheap date ideas in Manchester, GRUB's lineup of events consist of everything from street food bottomless brunches to food or cocktail masterclasses, board game nights and burlesque. So, what're you waiting for?
Whether you want bottomless brunch, a casual evening meal or plenty of cocktail for your first date, Foundry Project is delivering the goods. Think filthy burgers and breakfast pizzas, all with everything from watermelon-flavoured rum numbers to Baileys espresso martinis to accompany.
Pre‑Theatre Set Menu – Two Courses from £23 and 1 other offer
When choosing from all the date restaurants in Manchester, wow-factor is sure to come into it. Luckily, Peter Street Kitchen has that by the bucketload. Think a Japanese-Mediterranean fusion menu of small plates, all topped off by sake-laced cocktails and the most gorgeous interiors.
Crazy Pedro's do two things amazingly well: frozen margaritas and tasty pizza with unusual toppings. Whether you nab a few slices with your new boo or go the whole hog with a bottomless brunch of endless slices and drinks, it's all kinds of fun here.
Boasting a secretive appeal, intimate interiors and corners for getting cosy in, this Northern Quarter watering hole makes an ideal spot when it comes to a first date in Manchester. Break the ice by playing on the free jukebox and loosen up with a few of Dusk Til Pawn's expertly crafted cocktails.
After date ideas? Eye-catching decor and delicious dishes have made The Ivy such a national treasure, with the Spinningfields outpost of the infamous brand a truly breathtaking choice. Think the classic brasserie, a pan-Asian restaurant and a roof garden eatery all-in-one.
Let your competitive side come out to play with a trip to Boom Battle Bar. With tonnes of activities to choose from including axe throwing, shuffleboard and beer pong, prepare for a fun night ahead – fuelled by Instagrammable cocktails.
One of the sexiest spots in the city, Tattu is the go-to for Asian-inspired dishes, lush libations and a stunning setting. From the blossom trees to the sultry vibes, this Spinningfields eatery is sure to be an instant hit with your date.