Manchester is one of the North-West’s most celebrated cities and it’s jam-packed with many amazing bars, restaurants, museums and other exciting things to do. With so much entertainment on offer, there’s a wealth of great dating experiences for you to enjoy with your partner. We’ve compiled a list of 7 sober curious date ideas in Manchester, shared experiences that guarantee fun, romance, and connectedness, without alcohol being a mainstay of the date (though it is available to be enjoyed as part of all the below experiences should you wish to).
The Manchester Cheese Crawl
Explore the city of Manchester through the medium of cheese on this fact-filled adventure through the city’s local cheesy haunts. You’ll meet cheesemongers, try various cheeses and have the opportunity to take part in various quizzes and games as you explore the city with a professional tour guide. Cheese might not sound like the most romantic thing in the world at first, but we think that an afternoon of strolling hand in hand, sharing food and laughing over a cheesy joke or two, sounds like a perfect date. After all, what could be better than having fun and doing something a little bit different together?
Everyman St John’s Cinema
Going to the cinema is one of the most quintessential dating experiences out there. The Everyman St John’s elevates this experience thanks to its luxury velvet seating, which includes two-person couches for maximum hand-holding, snuggling and shielding one another from the scary bits! There’s also waiter service so that you can order hot food, snacks, and hot and cold drinks straight to your seat to enjoy during the movie. They also have a programme of special events which is worth checking out.
Candlelight Concerts
There’s something about the soft, flickering light of candles that cannot fail to ignite the spark of romance. Fever has created a programme of candlelight concerts which take place in Manchester Cathedral and celebrate the music of various artists including Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Rihanna with a classical twist. Some events combine ballet or flamenco dancing alongside the music so there are plenty of amazing performances to choose from all in a spectacularly romantic setting.
Ginger’s Comfort Emporium
Ginger’s Comfort Emporium has an incredible ice cream parlour on the first floor of Affleck’s Palace in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Inside you will find an assortment of delectable sorbets, real-dairy and vegan ice creams as well as french toast, toasted ice-cream sandwiches, affogatos, and shakes. Is there anything more joyous than a few scoops of colourful ice cream, beautifully decorated with sprinkles, sauces, and toppings? Ask for two spoons and cozy up to your date as you enjoy this super sweet dating spot.
The Allotment Vegan Eatery
If you’re planning a romantic meal but would like to make an eco-conscious choice when it comes to selecting a restaurant then The Allotment Vegan Eatery could be the place for you. Using the best of the season’s harvest, The Allotment uses locally sourced produce from predominantly sustainable growers to create a vegan menu that is sure to delight. Make a dinner reservation or head there in the daytime for afternoon tea for two. With a picturesque location this date idea in Manchester’s Cathedral Gates is sure to be a winner.
The Cube – Urban Playground
Step into The Cube and have your mental ability and physical agility tested as you move through a series of challenges designed to push you to your limits. For a date that requires teamwork and some moral support, not to mention a dose of healthy competition, what could be better than taking on the challenge of The Cube? Located at the Manchester Arndale, Urban Playground is also home to Putters mini golf, so if things are going well on your date why not take on a 9-hole challenge and make the date last even longer?
Food Sorcery
If you want to spend some time creating something that can be enjoyed together, then a cookery class at Food Sorcery could be a great option. Choose from various cuisines including Middle Eastern, Thai, Sri Lankan, and Korean. There’s also a fine dining option to take your cooking skills to the next level. After working together to craft a spectacular meal for two, you can enjoy it in the dining area safe in the knowledge that all the washing up will be done for you! Food Sorcery has two locations in Didsbury and Deansgate.
Manchester has so many incredible spots to eat, drink, and enjoy yourself. There’s also a wealth of different architecture, which means that even just wandering through the streets with one another would be time very well spent. Manchester is a pretty big city and has something to suit every taste. These are just a few date ideas in Manchester that we’ve chosen to show how many things there are to do without putting alcohol front and centre of the experience.
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