A little bit of romanchester: The Tab’s guide to Valentines Day

Here’s what you should be doing in Manchester on Friday – whether you’re single or coupled up


Whether you’re a single-pringle, newly dating, smug and loved up or ‘it’s complicated’ The Tab’s guide for the 14th of February ensures that this Valentine’s Day will be one to remember

Couples

Cute

Spend some much needed one-on-one time with someone special this Valentines Day with the Tab’s top 5 dates for couples.

1. The chill factore

Best for those who can actually ski

For something a little more unusual, enjoy some exhilarating alpine activities with your valentine at Manchester’s indoor skiing and snowboarding slope. Fun, adventurous and cheaper than Val-d’isere.

2. Dinner for two

Snazzy

Treat someone special to dinner at stylish underground restaurant Australasia in Spinningfields. Though it’s a busy restaurant, the tables provide an intimate space leaving you to spend some quality time with each other.

If you can bear a restaurant full of student couples

For a more pocket-friendly restaurant choice head to Fallowfield’s hidden gem- KOSMOS Taverna for delicious Greek food, a romantic atmosphere and student friendly prices. Alternatively, if you’ve left it late to book a table for dinner, pop to the northern quarter for a relaxing valentine’s breakfast

3. Comedy night

Guaranteed lols

Don’t actually click here

Have a laugh with your loved one at multi-award winning comedy club Frog and Bucket (the site of Peter Kays first shows!) The ticket includes a two course meal as well as an after show disco.

4. A bit of culture

And you’ve probably never been on it before

If you’re after a valentines date with a bit of culture without splashing the cash, visit one of Manchester’s museums or galleries (there’s a great coral exhibition on at the Manchester Museum) and finish the day with a ride on the Ferris wheel at Piccadilly gardens.

5. Lyme park

Maybe not quite as pretty in Feb

 

If being surrounded by loved-up couples at this time of year isn’t your cup of tea – take your valentine on a trip to Elizabethan Stately home Lyme Park, home to BBC’s first adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Just a short drive from Manchester, Lyme Park’s lush gardens and deer park are perfect for romantic walks with beautiful views.

 Singles

Fighting back the tears

Who says you need a date for Valentine’s Day? If you don’t fancy drowning your sorrows at home with a bottle of wine and Ben and Jerry’s here are some ways to celebrate as a singleton.

1. Speed dating

For the impatient singleton

Single and ready to mingle? Label in Deansgate is one of the many places holding a valentines speed-dating event on Thursday the 14th of February to find that special someone in time for Valentine’s.

2. My bloody valentine

Manchester Murder Mysteries presents a specially written Valentine’s murder mystery night at Odder Bar. Bring some single friends or couples along for ‘a night of intrigue, suspense and murder, along with a good dose of humour’.

3. Peak district

For the outdoorsy

Escape from the city to frolic in the beautiful setting of the peak district. Perfect for a peaceful weekend away with some friends or a refreshing outdoorsy day trip.

4. Go out and get smashed

Probably your best bet

For an anti-Valentines night, DJ/Producer Alexis Raphael is playing at 256 in Fallowfield where you can dance the night away for just a fiver. And you might even pull.

 5. Pandora’s

At the end of the night there’s always Pandora’s

If all else fails, there’s always a chance of valentines romance at the mysterious Pandora’s massage parlour. (If you’re really desperate.)