These are our six favourite Manchester date spots which will guarantee you a second date

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the annual struggle to plan the perfect date is back. The panic of overpriced dinners, awkward small talk, and the possibility of bumping into an ex is enough stress without having to worry about choosing a place to go.

No matter what kind of date you’re after, cocktails, competition, or a casual bite, Manchester has plenty of spots that will help you dodge a dating disaster. All you need to do is pick a place and a time…. And maybe someone to go on a date with.

But don’t worry, we have got you covered. Below are six of Manchester’s best spots which won’t break the bank but will boost your chances of securing that second date.

1. Southside

Southside Tequila in Withington is a no-brainer for a date. With a menu full to the brim of delicious cocktails, comfy booths and a garden with heaters, this definitely makes it to the top six spots. We can almost guarantee you have sampled their happy hour before. Every day from 9-11 pm cocktails are two for one. While this could get dangerous, it also means you don’t have to spend a fortune on a date that may not work out.

The only risk with Southside is the likelihood of bumping into someone you know. We recommend going on a weekday to avoid this, but if you do spy a friend, at least it’s an easy way out if the date is going badly.

2. Northern Quarter bars: Mala and Terrace

Nothing says date like the Northern Quarter. Packed with bars, it was tricky to narrow down but our favourites are Mala and Terrace.

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The decor of Mala is what pushes it to be a top date spot. While the drinks are on the slightly pricier side, this is made up for by the fact that you order to the table. This also means you avoid any awkward moments of sitting alone while your date takes half an hour to order at the bar.

Terrace, the rooftop bar, also makes it to the podium. Again this spot serves both drinks and bites, so why not combine a pizza and a pint for your date? Terrace ticks all the boxes, but with Manchester’s famously rainy weather, maybe have a backup spot in mind.

3. Junkyard Golf

If you have your eye on a more active date then Junkyard Golf in Deansgate is the place for you. With three themed courses it covers all bases, leaving room for you to impress your date if you pick Gary the car junkyard themed beginner course.

With a solid happy hour deal offering two for one cocktails from 6pm Sunday to Thursday, you can enjoy a drink without stretching your budget. Whether you’re putting a hole-in-one or quickly changing the scorecard behind your date’s back, Junkyard Golf is a guaranteed good time.

4. Pottery painting

Not everyone thrives on competition and sometimes a more laid back date is the way forward. For those who are craving a slightly more relaxed date, pottery painting is the perfect solution.

There are plenty of places in town and for those dedicated enough to travel further afield, Bean and Brush in Sale is our favourite. This cosy cafe offers a huge selection of objects to paint and delicious bites to keep you fueled throughout. So channel your inner artist and impress your date with your masterpiece.

5. Flight club

For another interactive date idea, we have chosen Flight club, the bar where darts is reborn. No longer associated with grimy pubs and middle aged men, this spot has interactive scoreboards, funky decor and a lively atmosphere.

Whether you are a pro or never held a dart in your life, there are plenty of games to choose from and a great selection of drinks and snacks to sample between rounds.

In a perfect blend of cocktails and competition, this activity based spot proves that a little friendly (or not so friendly) competition is the perfect ice breaker.

6. Diecast

Finally, we have opted for the classic dinner date. Everyone likes pizza (and if you don’t we are judging), so when it comes to price and quality, Diecast takes the top spot.

Serving handmade Neapolitan pizza in an edgy warehouse setting, this venue guarantees a delicious dinner without the stress or pressure of an overly long, overpriced dinner out.

If that isn’t enough of a reason, as a bonus, they are offering 40 per cent off food throughout February, so get yourself and a date to Ducie Street and grab a pizza.