Whether you’ve been swiping away like there’s no tomorrow on dating apps, or have been with a partner for years – date night is probably on the cards. Everyone could do with a romantic refresh every now and then, and date night is the perfect way to spice up your love life if you’re stuck in a rut. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to sweep someone off their feet, read on for Secret Manchester’s pick of top places for date night in Manchester.
1. The Edinburgh Castle
The Edinburgh Castle is a relatively new addition to the Ancoats scene, completely renovated by the team behind Cottonopolis – who restored the 1811 pub to a beautiful, cosy space where you can kick back with a glass of vino, or enjoy a bit of fine dining. Every dish is absolutely exquisite and would make for a really special experience for any couple looking to reignite the romance. Date night in Manchester doesnt get more intimate. The Edinburgh Castle, Henry St & Blossom St, Manchester, M4 5AW.
2. Dishoom
From Bombay, with love. Dishoom is a much-loved Manchester dining spot, featuring gorgeous casual decor that’s perfect for both catching up with friends, or heading out for a chilled date night with your other half. Get stuck into some hearty, authentic Indian dishes – the menu of which features a variety of small plates, grilled marinated meats, and ‘Ruby Murrays’. It’s the perfect little spot for couples who love to share, with the diverse menu working perfectly if you like to make your own tapas-style dinner out of it. Dishoom, 32 Bridge St, Manchester, M3 3BT.
3. Flight Club
This one’s the spot for those looking for an ice-breaker, or just a fun activity for a change. Flight Club is an interactive darts bar where you can enjoy a fun game between two or more and grab cocktails and pizza. It’s more of a casual date night spot so perfect for both a first date or a 30th date. But probably don’t reveal your uber-competitive side if it is the first date. Flight Club, Ship Canal House, 98 King St, Manchester, M2 4WU.
4. Canto
A hidden gem tucked away by Ancoats‘ Cutting Room Square, Canto serves up delicious Mediterranean tapas, taking inspiration from the Portuguese for its well-crafted menu. Think Peri-Peri chicken and beautifully seasoned plates of Mediterranean veggies, fish and more in an open plan, bright space that feels cosy, relaxed and welcoming. Share plates between you for a more conversational date night, which is suitable for both a casual night in Manchester, and a romantic one. Canto, Cutting Room Square, Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 5DH.
5. The Ivy
Another special Manchester spot, The Ivy has a lot to offer its guests at its Spinningfields premises, with a number of floors and cuisines to choose from, perfect for date night. Opt for an elegant drink at its many bars (most of which are golden and opulent in some form or another), or enjoy its brasserie and Asian menu in an incredibly Instagrammable setting. The atmosphere is bustling with ambient music, and the menu is well-rounded enough to suit almost any taste. The Ivy, The Pavilion, Byrom St, Manchester. M3 3HG.
6. Mackie Mayor
Heading for post-work drinks for date night in Manchester? Mackie Mayor is a great spot to wind down whilst catching up, and is the perfect relaxed environment for a first date. The space mostly features huge, long sharing tables which gives it quite the neighbourhood kitchen feel, and there’s a number of vendors offering up food, wines, beers, coffees and more – so everyone can grab what they fancy without overcomplicating things. The atmosphere is lively all week long, so there really isn’t a right or wrong time to visit Mackie Mayor. Mackie Mayor, 1 Eagle St, Manchester, M4 5BU.
7. BOX Bar
Being a sports bar at heart, BOX is especially great for early dates when you’d feel more comfortable with a bit of distraction, and perhaps a love of sport to share. Whether you just pop in for a first-half beer, or hunker down with anything on the extensive food menu, including everything from hearty salads to good old kebabs, the vibes are chilled and the atmosphere can take away some feelings of pressure that tend to come with a first or second date. Having said that, BOX is great for long-time lovers and mate-dates too, whether either one of you is a sport fanatic or not – just good vibes, good grub, and a variety of drinks on offer. BOX Bar, 125 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BY.
8. YES
On of our Manchester favourites, YES provides endless options within one building for date night of many colours. The ground floor entry level is great from day to night, great tunes, with a variety of draught beers and bar classics, and Pepperoni Playboy and Döner Summer providing the stuff of pizza and kebab dreams. The top floor terrace offers and extension of these chilled, funky vibes, with the added benefit of the outdoor area and greenhouse roof covering the indoor space, adorned with botanical décor with a slightly more intimate feel. If the date goes well and carries on into the night, the YES Pink Room and Basement act as clubs and venues both for dancing all night long and catching the newest and best musicians. You could truly spend days in YES, getting comfortable with your date or chatting and dancing with your lifelong partner. YES, 38 Charles St, Manchester, M1 7DB.