Quirky Date Ideas In Manchester

Keep things fun and casual on a quirky Manchester date with Dog Bowl. Not only can you knock back craft beers and ample American bites, their state of the art bowling alleys are sure to keep you busy (and a little competitive) well on into the night.

Make it a date night to remember and head to The Printworks for something a little different. Alongside two fun courses, Treetop Adventure Golf touts rainforest decor, hearty nibbles and a cocktail menu that'll keep you well watered.

Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four is an absolute must for quirky date nights in Manchester. Dress in orange jumpsuits before smuggling bootleg liquor past the eyes of the warden. Once inside? You'll be rewarded with bespoke sips from the prison's master bartenders. 

Move over Netflix and chill, you're so last year. It's all about Flight Club, where you can get stuck into a lively game of darts, munch on delicious pizza and sip on staple cocktails (like their boozy slushies), with a healthy dose of competition to keep the date interesting.

Take your date to this quirky Northern Quarter restaurant for a dinner filled with Mexican flavours and tequila-laced sips. Drenched in neon and decorated with contemporary furnishings, El Capo is one achingly cool spot for stuffing your chops with burritos, tacos and wings.

Obsessed with all things juniper? Three Little Words is founded by the minds behind Manchester Gin, offering a swoon-worthy setting for romantic date nights. Do something a little different and try a gin blending experience or distillery tour at this unique spot.

Take on 550 metres of multilevel go-karting track at this unique date experience in Manchester. TeamSport promises one adrenaline-filled day with bae as you battle it out to claim the title of best racer and earn eternal bragging rights. 

Whether you're looking for a fun ice-breaking date idea or you fancy trying something a little different with your other half, Electric Gamebox has just the thing. An interactive entertainment haven, this spot is providing you with a library of immersive activities and adventure to choose from.

One of Manchester's best LGBTQ+ destinations, On Bar is ideal for a quirky date idea if you fancy boozy bingo, bottomless brunches and boisterous DJ nights. Taking pride of place on Canal Street, the venue is a hub for drinking, dining and damn good nights out. 

ONE EIGHT SIX is a hidden bar in Manchester that's packing a punch with its signature concoctions. Taking inspiration from the barbers upstairs, mixes here come with unique names and are served up in a vibrant setting, making it a must for quirky dates.

Float your partner's boat with a trip to one of Cocktails Ahoy's fabulous cruises. You and your boo will get to pop aboard their barge and glide along the Bridgwater canal while you enjoy themed drinks and a spot of dancing.

Featuring a bar, theatre and restaurant stocked full of surprises and secrets, Impossible is a venue no-one can stop talking about. Offering guests an escape where the rules just don't seem to apply, this quirky date night idea promises everything from Champagne to elaborate cuisine.

Not many people could afford to take a loved one on holidays these days, but that doesn't mean you have to scrimp on the warmer climates. Join Liars Club for a unique date night in Manchester as their tiki interiors and South Pacific will get temperatures rising between you both. 

Masquerading as a pawn shop, Dusk til Pawn is a sleek speakeasy serving illicit concoctions behind an unassuming guise. Head here for a unique date in Manchester, topped off with handcrafted cocktails at to enjoy while grooving to a jukebox soundtrack. 

One of the coolest venues in the Northern Quarter, NQ64 is a neon-coloured paradise for old school gaming. Head here for punchy cocktails inspired by classic game characters, with a hip-hop soundtrack to your competitive date night. 

One of the more suggestive picks for a Manchester date night, Behind Closed Doors is one of the most elusive venues in the city. Brimming with opportunity to make your date swoon, its a hidden haunt that champions high-end cocktails and a signature sexy ambiance. 

Manchester is a city of secrets, but what about secret bars? Hidden behind a launderette, confuse your date by leading them to the tumble dryers, and straight past into a cocktail bar. Elusive and chocka with interesting mixes, The Washhouse is sure to be a top talking point for you both. 

We already know that Tattu is a swoon-worthy date night bar in Manchester, but did you know this place serves a quirky cocktail featuring a mini cherry blossom tree inside it? Sip on this and plenty of other unique mixes while grazing on Pan-Asian plates for the ultimate experience. 

Sure, pizza makes for a great date night (we're not silly) but there's no pizza joint in Manchester quite like Crazy Pedro's. Join them for wacky interiors, a bunch of pizzas with unique toppings and all the sweetie-themed cocktails and mezcal that they can muster. 

Sure, your partner may be sceptical about its exterior, but you'll certainly win them over once inside – in fact, you'll literally be kids in a candy shop. Quirky dates here come complete with neon lights, exposed brick and shelves filled with retro sweets, slushies and cocktails galore.

Combining shuffleboard, pool tables, music, food and booze into one social hub, 7 Sins is a top quirky date idea in Manchester. Centrally located on Lever Street, there's plenty for the two of you to do, whether it be stuffing your faces or getting stuck into the games. 

Looking for a quirky date location that's cool and low-key? Cue The Cotton Factory. The restaurant features a open-plan kitchen with colourful furnishings, foliage and massive windows, making for a unique setting to explore Manchester's finest street food slingers. 

Saloonville is a gaming haven with walls lined by arcade treasures. What's on offer? The usual suspects like Donkey Kong and Ms Pac Man, with hidden treasures such as Hyper Sports thrown in, so you can unleash your inner nerds while sipping signature retro cocktails together.