What's on at GRUB
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.
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 7th March 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
For outdoor date night ideas in Manchester, The Lawn Club is just the thing. Fronting candyfloss cocktails to ogle each other over come balmy summer nights, this gorgeous alfresco bar has romance covered.
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.
@ 11 Central on Various dates from Thursday 28th March 2024
This gin making experience at 11 Central is bringing couples together in the name of booze. You'll get to try a selection and even invent your own sip from an array of botanicals, before heading home with a bottle of the good stuff. There's also a tasting experience if you're looking to spend a little less.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Competitive partners in Manchester need to pay a visit it Lane7 (and eventually return to settle the score). With bowling, ping pong, shuffleboard, pool and digital darts, you're bound to find something to beat your partner at. Quirky cocktails, hard slushies and dirty eats from Fat Hippo will be keeping you fuelled throughout the night.
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.
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.
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.
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Thursday 28th March 2024
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.
Need a date spot? The Botanist is a staple - and the MediaCity venue is no exception. Fronting the signature garden interiors and greenhouse herb-laced cocktails, alongside a gorgeous terrace space, this restaurant bar is bound to hit the mark.
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.
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.
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.