Valentine’s Day Manchester: 6 romantic things to do from The Ivy Spinningfields to speed dating

Some people love it while others loathe it, but Valentine’s is once again just around the corner and there are no shortages of ways to spend the annual celebration of amour in Manchester.

From spectacular fine dining to food and a film to events helping people find love, the city is once again putting on a host of special events to mark the most romantic date on the calendar, 14 February. There are events to suit a wide variety of tastes and budgets (always important in these cost-conscious times), so here are just some of the ways you can celebrate Valentine’s in Manchester.

With love, Spinningfields

Spinningfields is hosting a spectacular and interactive celebration of love and friendship featuring live music, words and art which takes visitors on a romantic or platonic journey. With love, Spinningfields, located at Hardman Square, is inviting residents along with their partners or friends for an experience which starts under a heart arch where they will pick an envelope containing a surprise song which is then played to them by a string quartet.

A storyteller then uses the envelope, along with some information from those taking part, to craft a beautiful love story. Local businesses will also be there helping people craft perfect proposal packages and there will be a competition couples can enter. This Valentine’s experience runs on 10, 11, 13 and 14 February and you can find out more on the Spinningfields website.

A Cinematic Spectacle for the Senses

Taking place on the weekend after Valentine’s Day, Woodford Reserve Whisky is taking over the Mini Cini venue in Manchester for an evening bringing together film and food.

A Cinematic Spectacle for the Senses presents a menu of small plates and cocktails placed in front of diners during the showing of Everything Everywhere All At Once, starring Michelle Yeoh. The food is being prepared by Tata Eatery, known for its imaginative take on Asian fusion cooking.

This event is coming to the 36-seat cinema at the Ducie Street Warehouse on Saturday 18 February. There are three intimate screenings to pick from at 1.30pm, 5pm and 8.15pm. Tickets are £40 per person and you can book or find out more on Eventbrite.

The Ivy Spinningfields

If you’re looking for a truly special meal for you and your loved one this Valentine’s then The Ivy Spinningfields is pulling out all the stops with a stunning tasting menu and special choice of cocktails.

Settle down and truly spoil your partner with a lavish set menu. The meat options include duck liver parfait, a lobster linguine and a fillet of beef, while vegetarians can try out dishes based around buffalo mozzarella and chargrilled halloumi with artichokes, black truffles and specially-prepared vinaigrettes and sauces. To finish the dessert menu includes a beautiful heart-shaped raspberry millefeuille.

There are also a couple of special cocktails which guests can choose from which have been inspired by love, while the meal includes a glass of Veuve Cliquot champagne. The set menu is £75 per person and can booked between Friday 10 February and Sunday 19 February. Book at The Ivy website here.

Manchester Valentine’s Speed Dating

If you’re dreading the prospect of spending Valentine’s single and haven’t yet been struck by Cupid’s arrow, an evening of speed dating could be just the ticket.

Be At One Manchester is inviting single people aged between 24 and 38 to the Deansgate venue for an evening which could help people find their perfect partner.

You will go on between 10 and 12 mini-dates lasting around four minutes each during the event, which will see the ladies stay seated while the men rotate from table to table. There will be breaks for drinks and chit-chat and afterwards there will be the opportunity to see who you matched with during the evening and a messaging system to help you get in touch.

The event is on Tuesday 14 February, starting at 7pm, and tickets are £22. Book via Design My Night.

Valentine’s at the Great Northern Warehouse

Whatever way you prefer to spend Valentine’s, it’s fair to suggest that the Great Northern Warehouse and its variety of venues might have something right up your street.

The Mews Bar and Charcuterie is inviting people to learn the art of flower arranging while enjoying sweet treats by award-winning Manchester independent producer Dormouse Chocolates, prosecco and cocktails on Sunday 12 February. Tickets for that are £55 per person and available by emailing [email protected]

James Martin is offering a romantic, candlelit five-course tasting menu on Valentine’s Day itself (Tuesday 14 February). For £70 guests can tuck into the likes of tender BBQ duck breast, mushroom and truffle tortellini and a raspberry and coconut parfait, while the vegetarian menu includes tempura tenderstem broccoli, salt baked beets and barbecued aubergine served with red curry sauce. Find out more on the James Martin restaurant website.

But if a traditional Valentine’s night out doesn’t appeal, there are plenty of alternative activities for couples to enjoy. Whistle Punks axe throwing is putting on a Valentine’s offer with a session of hitting the bullseye for two, a couple of cocktails and a pizza, starting at £77. Pong and Puck is offering free games of shuffleboard, table tennis, beer pong and prosecco pong along with ‘90s-influenced cocktails, and Paradise Skate World has two-for-one roller skating tickets at off-peak times between 12 February and 19 February if you book using the code LOVESKATE.

Paint A Pic Manchester

Paint A Pic Manchester helps people to unlock their creative potential with regular art events and for Valentine’s Day they are putting on an evening that will see participants create a perfect union of two halves.

Paint A Pair: Romantic Landscape involves participants bringing along their significant other half, a date or a friend and being guided by the resident artist to create two separate halves of a picture which will then magically be joined together to create one beautiful whole.

All materials will be provided at the location in the Northern Quarter and there will be a bar. The event is on Tuesday 14 February from 7.30pm until 9.30pm and it is for over-18s. Tickets are from £30 (each person needs to book a ticket separately) and can be booked at the Paint A Pic Manchester section of Design My Night.