The Best List of Manchester Date Ideas By Xpress.com

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Manchester Date Ideas

Manchester is one of the most iconic cities in all of the UK so it only makes sense that their date ideas would be iconic too. Xpress has put together a list of some of the best date spots in the city. We think this list really celebrates the magic and diversity that we have experienced in this world class city.

Manchester Nightlife History

Like the history of Manchester itself, the history of Manchester nightlife is just as interesting and steeped in unique culture. The current nightlife scene in the city is as divserve and unique as the residents. You can always find a great date idea no matter what your tastes are. After experiencing the nightlife here in Manchester you'll have a hard time going back to any other city.

Best Times And Days To Go Out In Manchester

Manchester is much like any other major UK city. That is to say there every night is the best night for date spots in Manchester! We're serious: there is always a bar special or dance party happening somewhere in the city. Yes, even on Sundays! Clubs tend to be open super late most days of the week. Even on Sundays or Mondays, the earliest that any of the clubs will close is 12am.

Manchester Date Ideas: Directory

Like with all of the other cities in the UK, we've put together this super fab list of Manchester date ideas for you to try out. We hope you find them as fun and interesting as we do!

Manchester Bars

It's nearly impossible to go out in Manchester without going to a bar. There are so many different bars to choose from in the city it is likely you'll be visiting multiple bars in one night!

The Wharf

Type

Traditional Bar

Space

Bar and lounge are

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

6 Slate Wharf, Castlefield, Manchester, M15 4ST

Website

The Wharf

Any Notes

Full accessible, all cards accepted

Brief Description

The Wharf is a classic Manchester bar and one of the best, easy-going date ideas that you can find in the city. It's fairly unpretentious and simple but what it lacks in trendiness it makes up for in an amazing selection of craft beers and ales. The Wharf is also known for out's outdoor seating area which is actually larger than the indoor seating area! There are also a lot of fun activities programmed at this bar, from DJ nights to pub quiz nights and everything in between. Be sure to check out the food menu too. The Wharf has some of the best chips (fries!) in the city. It's pretty easy to see why this is one of the top date spots in Manchester.

Epernay Manchester

Type

Cocktail Bar

Space

Bar and lounge space

Crowd

Young Adults to Mature Adults

Address

Unit 1A Watson Street, Great Northern Tower, Manchester, M3 4EE, UK

Website

Epernay Manchester

Any Notes

Parking available

Brief Description

The Epernay is definitely more upscale than some bars. In fact, you would definitely want to dress up before hitting up this Manchester date spot. Epernay Manchester is known for its incredible champagnes. If you've never been to a champagne bar, we highly recommend adding Epernay to the top of your date ideas list! The highly-trained bartenders can find you the prefect champagne. Or, if you'd like to try a signature cocktail, one of the award-winning mixologists will fix you up one! The menu at Epernay Manchester is also super special, with a mix of pastries, cheese boards, and other delightful treats. Going to be staying a while? Try the bottomless brunch with your choice of endless Prosecco, Mimosas, or Bloody Marys.

Mojo

Type

Cocktail Bar

Space

Bar and lounge area

Crowd

Young adults

Address

59 Bridge St , Manchester, M3 3BQ, UK

Website

Mojo

Any Notes

All major cards accepted; open late

Brief Description

Mojo is a NYC style bar located in the heart of Manchester. But what makes Mojo unique is that it might to "New York City style" better than NYC does itself! This bar generally pulls a young crowd and locals and tourists alike always claim it is one of their their top date ideas. We don't blame them because Mojo is a lot of fun! It's slick yet laid back, with a lot of neon lights for decorations. The food is simple yet delicious, with a focus mostly on burgers. There are plenty of British and American (of course!) beers on tap. You can also try one of the signature cocktails! It is always a great time at Mojo so we recommend putting this at the top of your Manchester date spots.

Velvet

Type

Gay Bar

Space

Bar and lounge area

Crowd

Young Adults

Address

2 Canal Street, Manchester, M1 3HE, UK

Website

Velvet

Any Notes

Part of a hotel and restaurant

Brief Description

If you like your gay bar date ideas to be luxurious and unique then we recommend checking out the five star bar, Velvet. Velvet is also a boutique hotel and restaurant but we are going to focus on the bar in the listing. The bar at Velvet is a sumptuous cocktail bar where you and your date can sample custom cocktails or upscale spirits. This is one of those date spots where you'll want to dress up but that's okay! It's fun to dress up and once you see the inside of Velvet, you'll be glad you did. Be sure to sample the Glitter Ball cocktail, which is a blend of four different kinds of vodka. And on the weekends, you can find popular DJs spinning club hits at the back of the bar.

Lock 91

Type

Cocktail Bar

Space

Bar and lounge space

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

9 Century Street, Manchester M3 4QL, UK

Website

Lock 91

Any Notes

No parking, open 7 days a week

Brief Description

Lock 91 is a very special bar located in a popualar area of Manchester. We say it is "special" because of all of the unique date ideas that they have available. Sure, you can simply grab a drink at Lock 91. There are multiple floors and many unique rooms in which to enjoy a cocktail or fine ale. The attic space is particularly nice, done up in the style of a study. You can also spend time on the terrace if the weather is nice too. But what Lock 91 is known for is its experiences. At this cocktail bar, you can take cocktail masterclasses, play beer pong, learn about the history of alcohol, and even go on a haunted tour of the canal area! There is no way that Lock 91 won't be at the top of your favorite Manchester date spots list after just one visit.

Manchester Nightlife and Clubs

The dancing and nightlife scene is also super great in Manchester. There are so many dance clubs and venues that make perfect date spots. If you don't find your perfect date spot in the list below, why not check out this other list.

The Comedy Store

Type

Comedy Club

Space

Bar and performance space

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

Arches 3 & 4, Deansgate Locks, Manchester M1 5LH, UK

Website

The Comedy Store

Any Notes

all major cards accepted

Brief Description

For some of the best laughs and best date ideas in Manchester, look no further than The Comedy Store! This award-winning comedy club is always serving up some of the best in stand-up. No matter the night, you can always catch an amazing act, whether they're an up and coming comedians or a world famous comedian. There is comedy on the go seven days a week at The Comedy Store. There are also private rooms available for large groups or parties. The food and drinks menu is also pretty great. You are able to eat comfortably at your table during the comedy routines, which is why The Comedy Store is always one of the top date spots in Manchester. If you love a good laugh, definitely visit this club!

Band on the Wall

Type

Jazz Bar

Space

Bar and performance space

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

25 Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JZ, UK

Website

Band on the Wall

Any Notes

Open 7 days a week

Brief Description

Band on the Wall is one of the best jazz bars in all of Manchester. In fact, it might be one of the best jazz bars in all of the UK! People who are serious about their jazz always consider this at the top of their date ideas lists. There is always incredible live music playing at Band on the Wall. To make the most of your visit and if you think you are going to be a return visitor, you can look into a membership! There is also a shop on site in case you discover a new band and you just have to have the record! Depending on the night of the week that you go, there are different drink specials. We think you'll agree that jazz bars like this one make excellent date spots.

The Birdcage Nightclub

Type

Nightclub

Space

Bar and lounge area

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

Withy Grove, Manchester M4 3AQ, UK

Website

The Birdcage Nightclub

Any Notes

Parking available

Brief Description

If you are looking for an unforgettable experience and one of the best date ideas around, have we got the spot for you! The Birdcage Nightclub in Manchester is a very special nightclub. Once a week they put on an iconic cabaret performance that is not to be missed! This performance so popular though that you need to book in advance. Along with its incredible cabaret nights, they also feature Las Vegas style shows with drag performers, Diva shows with singers impersonating some of the greats, and special DJ nights featuring all of the top hits throughout the eras. Even if cabaret isn't your thing, there is something for everyone at the Birdcage! There aren't very many Manchester date spots that are as special and outrageous as The Birdcage!

Cloud 23 Bar

Type

Nightclub and Bar

Space

Bar and lounge space

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ, UK

Website

Cloud 23 Bar

Any Notes

No parking; all major cards accepted

Brief Description

Like the name suggests, Cloud 23 gives you a view from the clouds! And what we mean by that is this bar and nightclub is situated at the top of the Beetham Tower and once in the bar, guests are treated to amazing views of Manchester. Whether you're getting a daytime view or nighttime view, Cloud 23 is definitely one of the best date ideas in all of Manchester. Be sure to try one of their signature cocktails. The menu changes often so it's a good excuse to go multiple times! And if you're looking for something a bit unique, you can try their signature afternoon tea, available at any time of day. We know you'll love Cloud 23 as much as we do and we hope it becomes one of your favorite date spots!

Albert Hall Manchester

Type

Nightclub and Music Venue

Space

Bar and performance space

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

27 Peter Street, Manchester M2 5QR, UK

Website

Albert Hall Manchester

Any Notes

Parking available

Brief Description

Albert Hall is one of the most beloved Manchester date ideas and live music venues in the city. Famous acts like Erasure, Sheryl Crow, Tom Champlin, and Justin Bieber have played a this iconic venue. If that isn't enough to make it one of your top date spots, how about all of the specialty nights and in-house events that Albert Hall has to offer? From luchadora wrestling to American football viewing parties, there is something for everyone at Albert Hall. They also have an incredible restaurant and bar located on the main floor of the venue. So once you work up an appetite listening to your favourite band, you can grab a delicious bite to eat. We love this venue!

Manchester Date Spots

Like the bar and club scene, the rest of Manchester is also yours to discover! There is so much to see and do in this city that nearly everything makes the perfect date idea. Definitely visit our three favourite places below!

Museum of Science and Industry

Type

Speciality Museum

Space

Multi-purpose space

Crowd

All Ages

Address

Liverpool Road,Castlefield, Manchester M3 4FP, UK

Website

Museum of Science and Industry

Any Notes

Open 7 days a week; fully accessible

Brief Description

We think that museums make great date ideas! They are a great opportunity to learn and spend time with your date. And often all the walking around works up an appetite so you can both hit up a bar afterwards for a drink and bite to eat. The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester is one of our favourite museums and favourite date spots. We love this museum because it is super hands on. That means there are lots of interactive exhibits that you get to touch! It's not often that you're allowed to touch things in a museum so we highly recommend checking this one out. There are also many visiting exhibits so be sure to check the schedule before you plan your date.

National Football Museum

Type

Specialty Museum

Space

Multi-purpose space

Crowd

All Ages

Address

Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG, UK

Website

National Football Museum

Any Notes

Full accessible; open 7 days a week

Brief Description

First of all, when we're talking about "football" in the UK, we're referring to what Americans call "soccer." Now that we've got that out of the way, we think the National Football Museum is one of the best Manchester date ideas the city has to offer! Yes, yes, it's devoted to sports but that doesn't mean it won't be a good time. The museum is incredibly unique and very interactive, with lots of opportunities to touch and explore. You'll learn all about the history of football through multiple exhibits in multiple rooms. It's very easy to spend hours at the National Football Museum. Sometimes the most unlikely spots make the best date spots. You can ever practice your goal keeping at the museum, but maybe you should practice a bit beforehand so you can impress your date.

Manchester Cathedral

Type

Historic Building

Space

Multi-purpose space

Crowd

All Ages

Address

Victoria Street, Manchester M3 1SX, UK

Website

Manchester Cathedral

Any Notes

Open 7 days a week

Brief Description

The Manchester Cathedral is worth a visit and worth a spot at the top of your date ideas lists. It is maybe one of the most beautiful cathedrals in all of the UK and features gorgeous stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and original pews and woodwork from medieval times. The Cathedral is open for anyone to walk through, making it one of the simplest date spots in the city. However, if you and your date are wanting to learn more about the cathedral, you can book a tour. There are also plenty of special events, like choir performances, happening year round at the Manchester Cathedral so make sure to check their events calendar to see what is going on.

More Manchester Date Spots Information

Manchester truly is one of the greatest cities in the UK. It is incredible how much there is to see and do. We know you will fine some amazing date spots during your time in Manchester. And after you visit Manchester, definitely visit another fine city in the UK like Leeds.