Ideas For Valentine's Day In Manchester 2027

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By scarlett welch Editor, DesignMyNight Scarlett has covered the UK's best restaurants, bars and events for DesignMyNight since 2023. She holds an MA in Media & Journalism, with bylines in The Crack magazine and South London News, among others. Last updated on 12th August 2026

Some people hate it, some people love it; but no matter what your stance, you have to admit that love is definitely in the air come 14th February. And if you're stuck for ideas? Our guide has everything you need to make sure that your pick of things to do on Valentine's Day 2027 in Manchester really pops.

We've got everything from swish cocktail bars and fancy restaurants to romantic activities, ensuring that your date will be suitably impressed. 

Find out more about how we curated this guide in our Editorial Policy.

Best Manchester Valentine's Day Ideas: Romantic Things To Do




Browns Brasserie & Bar Manchester

Book for 25 guests or more and the lead booker will receive a £50 voucher in January to enjoy in our restaurant.

From pan-fried scallops to roasted monkfish and a chateaubriand for two, swanky York Street restaurant Browns is serving up one fine feast for the 14th of February. As for drinks? There's Champagne, pineapple picante or strawberry daquiri cocktails; lots of them, too.

Side Street

Tucked away inside the ABC building in Spinningfields is Side Street, the accessible yet stylish events space and restaurant bar calling you for a relaxed Valentine's Day. Think retro surrounds alongside cocktails like the jam-infused Breakfast Martini or a classic margarita.

An approachable wine list also features, listed by popular tasting notes and mouth-feel to make your choice easy, including increasingly-popular orange wine by the glass or bottle. Craft beers top off the offering.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Monday 21st September 2026

Valentine's Day events in Manchester city centre? Let us introduce you to Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four. Get thrown in a cell with your partner in crime and have cocktails made for you by fellow inmates – created from your very own spirits that you've (hopefully) successfully smuggled past the Warden. 

Flight Club Manchester

Afternoon Fizz and 5 other offers

Flirt over friendly competition this Valentine's with Social Darts at Flight Club. A reimagined version of the pub game, it's supercharged with interactive scoring and multiplayer head-to-heads.

As you fling arrows from the oche, there's small plates, sharing platters and pizza paddles to fuel your fun. When it's time to raise a glass to love, friendship or the situationships in between, take your pick of ice cold pints, worldly wines, bubbles and creative cocktails.

The Big Manchester Bake

@ The Big Manchester Bake on Various dates from Monday 21st September 2026

Looking for a fun, hands-on activity this Valentine's Day? Then check out The Big Manchester Bake which takes place on Stanley Street, in their dedicated baking marquee. You'll work in pairs to create your very own treat, competing against other duos to be crowned the champion bakers.

You'll be provided with instructions and pre-measured ingredients as part of your ticket. You'll have 90 minutes to get creative in the kitchen, before taking home some delicious goods to share.

What's On At Loft Social

Loft Social in Stockport offers a playful way to connect on Valentine's Day. Set inside a warm, plant-filled space, Loft Social reimagines classic games for a new crowd, making it ideal for couples who'd rather do something together than stare at menus all night.

From archery and pétanque to shuffleboard and disco curling, the games are designed to spark interaction without awkwardness - perfect for first dates, long-term loves, or anyone skipping the clichés altogether. With lanes booked per session rather than per person, it's relaxed, flexible and all about shared experience.

Mowgli Corn Exchange

Combining the stunning setting of Corn Exchange with quirky swing seating, pretty fairylights and jungle gym-inspired interiors? Indian street food spot, Mowgli. Grab a range of small plates to eat sharing-style, which come as and when they're done, to devour alongside your other half this Valentine's Day.

Don't miss out on the signature paneer, tender house lamb curry, gunpowder chicken and yoghurt chaat bombs, all washed down by tropical cocktails or beer.

Treetop Golf Manchester

Celebrate from the First Sip – Prosecco welcome reception, only £5 per person

To make your Valentine's Day a double-date or group affair, check out Treetop Golf Manchester; the Amazonian rainforest-themed space that's home to two indoor, 18-hole mini golf courses. Navigate the landmarks and ancient wonders of this jungle while getting competitive - don't forget to keep an eye out for the Pizza Cabana and Thirsty Toucan Bar either.

Bottomless PizzaLuxe Manchester

@ PizzaLuxe on Various dates from Monday 21st September 2026

If it's a fun, foodie experience that you're after on the 14th, head to PizzaLuxe in Manchester Arndale for an all-you-can-eat feast with your beau. You can get your hands on unlimited Italian spritzes, draught beers or mocktails for 90 minutes.

Their bottomless brunch also features two hours of endless pizza, topped with everything from New York-style pepperoni to truffle and mushrooms or eight cheeses, with vegan and gluten-free options available too.

The Cube - Urban Playground Manchester

As seen on TV, The Cube is a brilliant gameshow experience that's been brought to life in Manchester. Found at Urban Playground in the Northern Quarter, this quirky activity venue gives you the chance to take part in one and two-player games that will test your balance, judgement, memory and speed.

There's also a mini golf experience on site, with three themed nine-hole courses to choose from. You can also nab delicious burgers from The Butcher, where they're slinging out everything from Buffalo chicken wings to halloumi fries and barbecue burgers.

All Bar One Manchester

Graduation Sharing Plates and 6 other offers

Looking for affordable but romantic Valentine's plans? Then head to All Bar One on King Street, where they're promising a cracking deal between the 12th and 15th February: four small plates and two glasses of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne for £39.

Their dishes range from beef brisket tacos to baked feta with hot honey or crispy cauliflower bites. Not in the area? Check out their Trafford Centre venue instead.

Manchester Comedy Club - LIVE COMEDY EVERY SATURDAY!

@ AREA Manchester on Saturday 26th September 2026 and 11 other Saturdays

Manchester Comedy Club offers the perfect Valentine's Day antidote of laughter. Every Saturday night at AREA Manchester, this lively comedy showcase delivers big laughs with tickets from just £15 - making it an ideal date night for couples who bond over humour.

Hosted by the glamorous Charli Angel and steered by the brilliantly sharp MC Mandy McCarthy, the night features a rotating lineup of comedians from across the UK and beyond. 

Electric Shuffle Manchester

Happy Hour and 6 other offers

Feel the love of friendly competition this Valentine's Day at Electric Shuffle. The age-old game of shuffleboard takes many form here, with clever tech tracking every puck and cameras capturing your best bits. 

Win, lose or draw, settle in for dinner for two while you're here. There's all kinds of sharing, caring dishes up for grabs, from sourdough pizza paddles to camembert, charcuterie and small plates. And while Saturdays normally mean only groups of six or more, they're letting twos play for the occasion.

NQ64 Manchester Northern Quarter

If retro gaming is your love language, get yourself down to NQ64 in the Northern Quarter or over at Deansgate. It's packed with classic arcade machines and old school consoles, with all kinds of games up for grabs - from Guitar Hero and Pacman to Time Crisis and Street Fighter.

The cocktails are just as fun, like the Crash Bandicoot-inspired Aku Aku Fruit Punch and the chocolatey Mars Attacks. To celebrate Valentine's, Cupid is in town with a special couples package, giving you 25 tokens and two drinks for just £20.

Slug And Lettuce - Bars In Manchester

With daily two-for-one cocktail happy hours, sensational small plates, sharing platters and fantastic fizz, Manchester's Slug & Lettuce bars give you plenty of reasons to stop by. Head into any across the city over Valentine's weekend and they get even better.

When you book a Girl Dinner between 9th-13th February, you can take your pick from the exclusive Galentine's dinner, with three courses and a drink for just £30. Round up three of more of your gals on the Friday night and you'll get a free glass of fizz for good measure.

Valentine's Day Bars In Manchester

The Washhouse

If it's quirky cocktails you're after this Valentine's Day, head to The Washhouse in The Printworks area. It appears to be a launderette from the outside, but when you step through the door in the corner you'll find a speakeasy cocktail bar upstairs, complete with low lighting, dark furnishings and some weird and wonderful touches.

Their secretive menu explains the drinks through the vibe that they give off, all of them themed around different conspiracy theories and presented in unique ways. And after you've finished, be sure to check out the secret slide and the disco toilets.

Activities And Things To Do On Valentine's Day In Manchester

Valentine's Day Restaurants In Manchester

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best restaurants for Valentine's Day in Manchester?

For a special Valentine's dinner, James Martin Manchester is a top pick — a haven of sumptuous British plates with wine pairings to match. Grand Pacific in Spinningfields is another romantic option, with stunning 19th-century architecture and a luxe menu featuring dishes like lamb massaman curry and king oyster mushroom dashi. The Alchemist's Spinningfields, New York Street and Media City venues are a date night staple year-round, with theatrical cocktails, moody interiors and an international food menu.

Are there any Valentine's Day events in Manchester?

Yes — beyond restaurants, Manchester has a strong line-up of Valentine's events. Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four runs its immersive cocktail theatre experience throughout the Valentine's period, making it one of the most popular ticketed events in the city for couples. PizzaLuxe in Manchester Arndale offers a bottomless brunch with unlimited Italian spritzes, draught beers or mocktails for 90 minutes — a fun, relaxed alternative to a formal dinner. For something more competitive, Flight Club's Social Darts is a great group or couple option with interactive scoring and multiplayer head-to-heads.

What are some non-cheesy Valentine's Day ideas in Manchester?

Not everyone wants flowers and a set menu. Manchester has plenty of alternatives. NQ64 in the Northern Quarter is packed with retro arcade machines and themed cocktails. Treetop Golf's Amazonian rainforest-themed indoor mini golf is a fun, low-pressure option that works just as well for a double date or group. Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four flips the script entirely with its prison-themed cocktail theatre — arguably the most memorable Valentine's night out in the city.

Is it worth booking Valentine's Day in Manchester in advance?

Yes — popular restaurants and experiences in Manchester book up quickly around 14 February, particularly for evening slots. Venues like Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four and Treetop Golf operate on timed sessions with limited capacity, so early booking is strongly recommended. Restaurants running special Valentine's menus — including James Martin Manchester and Grand Pacific — also tend to fill up weeks in advance. Booking as early as possible gives you the best choice of time slots and avoids disappointment.