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Valentine's Day in Manchester

Name: The 20 Stories Blackout Dinner – Valentine’s Edition
Start: 2025-02-16T17:30:00+00:00
End: 2025-02-16T21:00:00+00:00
Location: 20 Stories

We’re all heart here in Manchester. The whole city region has a special sense of civic pride and love. Valentine’s Day in Manchester is no exception, however, we’re here if you need some inspiration. Love is love.

Ideas for Valentine's Day

Are you looking to surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day with something a bit more interesting than a box of chocolates?

Looks like you’ve come to the right place. Manchester is one of the UK’s most romantic cities, after all.

Valentine’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to get together as a couple or a group. Of course, you can go out any time of the year at your convenience – we’re all busy bees – but a day dedicated to romance ensures you do something special.

So, unless you’d prefer to sit in alone, watch Bridget Jones and cry into an empty carton of ice cream; here’s a handy list of the best things to do in Manchester this Valentine’s Day.

Just call us Cupid!

Podium Restaurant

5-course tasting menu from £50 per person

Book Now

The Lowry Hotel

Valentine's Day packages including 4 course dining

Book Now

James Martin MCR

Three courses steak sharer from £55 per person

Book Now

Valentine's offers

There are two types of people when it comes to Valentine’s dining celebrations. Those that have their restaurant booked months in advance, and those always scrambling for a table just a night or two before.

Having been both, we thought we’d lend a hand with a few suggestions for those of you who haven’t quite got yourselves organised yet.

Of course, not everyone’s idea of a romantic restaurant is the same. And not everyone likes the same cuisine. So below you’ll find a range of choices, from swanky fine dining spots to more relaxed bistros and tapas bars.

From Chinese to Italian, from steakhouse to sushi, there should be a little something for everyone.

Keep reading to find your perfect Valentine’s dinner.

Podium Restaurant

Hungry for love? Podium have some special offers available from the 12th – 15th of February

12 to 13th of February: Valentines 5 Course Tasting Menu with a glass of fizz on arrival. Enjoy a selection of carefully crafted dishes, each designed to create a memorable experience with balanced flavors and textures. This intimate dining experience offers a perfect setting for a romantic evening.

14th to 15th of February Valentines Wine & Dine; enjoy a 3-course meal in our 2 AA Rosette awarded Podium Restaurant on the ground floor, with glass of Prosecco or wine per person.

Available from £50 per person

The Lowry Hotel

Join The Lowry Hotel this Valentine’s Day, where love is not just in the air but is expertly woven into every culinary creation.

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day at The River Restaurant with an enchanting evening of romance, fine dining, and live entertainment. Indulge in a carefully crafted 4-course set menu, designed to delight your senses as you enjoy a candlelit dinner overlooking the serene river views.

Exclusive Valentine’s Day package offers you and your special someone an unforgettable experience filled with love, luxury, and delightful surprises.

Enhance your Valentine’s Day with a five-star touch, where every dish is a work of art, and every moment is an expression of love.

James Martin Manchester

At James Martin Manchester, you can celebrate love on the most romantic night of the year with an exclusive menu.

Enjoy a glass of bubbles on arrival, a romantic three course meal for two including a steak and lobster sharer for just £55 per person

Available 12th to 15th February 2025
Priced at £55 per person
Booking required

Fenix Restaurant

Experience the Eclipse this Valentine’s with Fenix Restaurant.

The Sun and the Moon move in harmony, each with a purpose. Though separate, they are forever connected. On rare occasions their paths unite, creating a moment of alignment that transforms everything around it.

Fenix are offering a special cocktail pair ‘Love is Cyclical’ and special dessert ‘The Heart Eros’ alongside the a la carte menu this Valentine’s week.

Available to book 13th, 15th & 16th February 2025; 14th February is fully booked.

Tattu

Visit Tattu this Valentine’s Day and ask ‘What does love mean to you?’

Celebrate with them and a selection of specials to enjoy alongside their amazing a la carte menu.

Try their sharing cocktail ‘Elixir of Love’ which includes champagne and is certain to get the love flowing.

Food offerings this Valentine’s include a Wagyu beef dumpling and ‘The Lasting Mark’ dessert, delicately created with dark chocolate, raspberry and rose.

Available 13th to 16th February 2025

Pizza Express

Sparks are flying at PizzaExpress on a Valentine’s set menu, with 2 courses & a cocktail for just £26, or 3 courses & a cocktail for £30.

When it comes to creating perfect pairings, Cupid has nothing on the Heart-Shaped Dough Balls and exclusive Valentine’s Strawberry Mimosa.

Book now and spend Valentine’s Day with pizza, cocktails, and love.

Available from 10th-16th February.

Garten Bar

Looking for an unforgettable Valentine’s date?

The Ultimate Sharing Experience is perfect for two or more, starting with a welcome prosecco and a trio of starters—Asian cauliflower, buttermilk chicken tenders, and sticky Korean pork belly.

Indulge in a steak platter featuring aged sirloin, ribeye & fillet, served with your choice of two sides. Finish with homemade cheesecake or sticky toffee pudding.

Take a look at the full menu here.

Priced from £65 per person
Booking recommended

Riva Blu

Celebrate love the Italian way with a night of romance, exquisite flavours, and warm hospitality at Riva Blu. Indulge in their à la carte menu or savour the occasion with their special Valentine’s Day menu, featuring guest favourites like Fritto Misto and the decadent Lobster Linguine. End on a sweet note with our That’s Amore dessert, perfectly paired with a Valentine’s aperitivo cocktail.

Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a Galentine’s celebration, Riva Blu is the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening.

Available from 10th to 16th February 2025.

Trafford Centre

Love is in the air at Trafford Centre, and with it some amazing prizes!

On 14 February, keep an eye out for Henry the Heart – the giant, lovable mascot – for your chance to win incredible freebies.

From 4-8pm, it’s your chance to win anything from Jellycats and flowers, fragrances and chocolate, to free Premium Parking and a meal for two… plus many more surprises!

What’s more, they’ll also be giving away a massive £3000 to spend, with six £500 gift vouchers hidden in select stores on 14 February!

Louis

This Valentine’s Day, Louis invites guests to experience A Timeless Romance.

Diners can indulge in Rockefeller Oysters paired with French Champagne, before finishing their evening with Louis’ signature Love Lasts A Lifetime dessert.

To enhance the romance of the evening, Louis has also curated a special lineup of live performances throughout Valentine’s week.

Available 12th to 16th February 2025

Electric Shuffle

The For the Love of Friends Brunch is ready for any occasion from 13th to 16th February. From celebrating your besties, or a special date night, we’re here to take care of all your Galentine’s or Valentine’s needs:

Start with an exclusive “Blush Bloom” cocktail
Enjoy a bottle of Prosecco or four refreshing beers
Indulge in a selection of bottomless pizzas
Show off your skills with a friendly shuffleboard competition.

Available 13tth to 16th February 2025

Flight Club

Join Flight Club as they toast the love of friends with an extra special Brunch Social; it’s guaranteed to be perfect for gathering your besties or toasting a loved one!

Your brunch includes:

A welcome cocktail to kick things off
A bottle of Prosecco or four beers per person
One hour competing for Social Darts glory
Two hours of endless sourdough pizza paddles
A table in our beautiful bar, soaking up the lively atmosphere

So, whether you’re celebrating with a Valentine or a Galentine, we can’t wait to toast the good times with you!

Available 13th to 16th February 2025

Hispi

Sitting down and sharing a meal with someone you care about can be a simple but beautiful thing.

There’s nothing better than being sat opposite your favourite person in the world with lovely food being prepared and served for you. So join Hispi for a romantic evening with your special someone to dine from an exclusive Valentine’s Day dinner menu.

Five course menu priced from £75 per person
Available 14th February 2025

Total Ninja

This Valentine’s Day, Total Ninja is hosting an adults-only session, for the ultimate alternative date night. For £8 per person or £15 per couple, visitors can enjoy a 1-hour session to the soundtrack of classic 00’s throwback tunes and of course, love songs!

The courses will test visitors’ Ninja skills while they find their inner calm on Balance logs, sail through the Sea of Swings and reach new highs on the challenging Warped Wall. They can also enjoy a range of meals and drinks in the cafe.

Junkyard Golf

Whether you’re in a new relationship, celebrating an anniversary, or simply trying to escape the usual lovey-dovey clichés. Junkyard Golf Club offers the perfect escape with its quirky vibe and unforgettable experience.

Entrants need to share their craziest dating story, whether it’s a hilarious disaster, the most romantic date or anything in between.

The craziest story will be crowned the winner and treated to a full year of dates on Junkyard Golf Club!

That’s a new date every month, including free golf, drinks and White Claw! Daters can either enter for themselves, submit for their mates or anonymously, and all stories can be submitted via their website

Marriott Hotel Piccadilly

Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember with an overnight stay at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.

The Valentine’s Day Package, starting from £189 per night, includes a 3-course set menu, paired with a bottle of prosecco to add a sparkling touch to your evening celebration.

After dinner, enjoy a peaceful night’s rest in one of the hotel’s luxurious rooms, and wake up to a delicious breakfast at Loom and Ladle Bistro. Indulge in this romantic getaway offering a luxurious and comfortable stay, providing a unique experience.

Available for booking now between 7th and 16th February 2025.

Trafford Palazzo

From 13th to 22nd February, Trafford Palazzo is hosting a free schedule of love-themed events and activations to celebrate the month of love.

There will be an opportunity for visitors to capture photos in front of a beautiful flower wall with positive messages of self-love.

Also home to all-pink café EL&N for those tasty Valentine’s treats and the North’s largest pink roller rink Archies Atomic, Trafford Palazzo is the perfect place for a date night this February.

All events are free of charge but tickets to some events must be booked in advance.

Valentines gift ideas

Faulty Towers: The Live Dining Experience - voco Manchester

Be part of the action as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up mayhem on a plate alongside a 3-course meal and two hours of non-stop laughter at voco Manchester.

15 years since first performing at the Lowry, they’ve returned every year since. Now they’re bringing more culinary catastrophe than ever… it’s the world’s most sought-after show based on the legendary BBC series.

Tickets priced from £67.50
Performances from 13th to 23rd February 2025
Subject to availability

James Blunt - AO Arena

James Blunt takes to the road with Toploader to embark on a special run of UK arena dates for the ‘Back To Bedlam 20th Anniversary Tour’, where he will perform the Back To Bedlam album in its entirety, along with other classic hits from his career.

Back To Bedlam featured the global smash hit ‘You’re Beautiful’ and is one of the top ten best-selling albums of the Noughties. He’s won two Brit Awards, two Ivor Novello Awards and has received five Grammy nominations.

Saturday 15th February 2025

Lowry - Theatre & Show Tickets

Lowry is a world-class arts centre in the heart of Salford Quays.

With a range of shows throughout the year from musicals and stand-up comedy to heartwarming stories and children’s books come to life, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Give the gift of tickets this Christmas and make somebody’s year.

The Girl on The Train: 11th to 15th February 2025
Hold On To Your Butts: 12th to 15th February 2025
Ghost Stories: 25th February to 1st March 2025
Pig Heart Boy: 26th to 29th March 2025

Bat Out of Hell - Palace Theatre

BAT OUT OF HELL: THE MUSICAL makes a triumphant return to the UK in 2025, with a thrilling spectacle of a show where the timeless music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf reigns supreme!

Inspired by the spectacular arena tour of Australia and New Zealand, this reimagined show promises to be a thrilling experience, featuring our dynamic eight-piece rock band live on stage. Sprawling multi-level platforms will transport you through the diverse worlds of Bat Out of Hell, from Raven’s bedroom to the depths of the Lost’s underground domains.

Live from 24th February to 8th March 2025

The Hallé Presents Philip Glass: Glassworks

Over the course of three days, in collaboration with the RNCM, the Hallé brings you a festival celebrating his best-loved works.

Following the success of his larger-scale orchestral and stage creations, Philip Glass wanted to write something that would be more accessible to a wider audience.

In February 2025, the Hallé presents a three-day celebration of the music of living legend, Philip Glass.

13th to 15th February 2025
Concerts at RNCM and The Bridgewater Hall

Millington Hall Farm - Gift Experiences

A relaxed and interactive field-to-fork cookery school, guided by expert tutors.

At Millington Hall Farm, they offer a rare and unique culinary experience that blends learning, exceptional food, adventure, and fun all in one. They don’t operate year-round; instead they work with the seasons to create truly special moments.

Experiences include:

Lamb in a Day
The Wild Grill
Bake Off
Gin Experience

RNCM Membership

For just £35 grab free and discounted tickets, special offers on food and drink, and exclusive members events. All this and more whilst supporting the next generation of musical talent.

All RNCM Members receive:

50% off up to two tickets to RNCM Promoted Performances*
Free Tickets to Weekly Lunchtime Concerts*
15% off Food and Drink at the RNCM Bar and Café*
Digital ‘What’s On’ newsletter
Invitations to at least two special events a year such as artist talks, digital livestreams, or backstage / archive tours, for you and a guest.

*Terms and conditions apply

Nerina Pallot - RNCM

Nerina Pallot, the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies, brings her seminal album Fires to the RNCM after a sell-out show at the London Palladium.

Discovered while working as a publishing assistant at Mute Records, Nerina Pallot signed to Polydor Records and released her first album in 2001. The release of her critically acclaimed second album Fires in 2006 drew comparisons with Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple and Tori Amos, and spawned hit singles ‘Everybody’s Gone To War’ and ‘Sophia,’ plus Brit Award and Ivor Novello nominations.

Saturday 15th February 2025
Tickets from £28.60

Valentines Packages - Carden Park

Celebrate with an exclusive evening spa experience surrounded by the stars this Valentine’s Day – love is guaranteed to be in the air on this limited edition package.

Couples can unwind and relax together in saunas, steam rooms, and warming hot tubs sipping a welcome glass of sparkling wine.

As part of your Valentine’s Day Spa package, you will be invited to indulge in a special menu in Elements Restaurant. Following your spa evening, retreat to your luxurious room and enjoy breakfast included, along with leisure club access the next day.

Prices start from £379 per person.
This package is only available in February 2025 on the following dates: 7th, 8th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th & 16th.

Things to do for Valentine's Day in Manchester

It’s that time of year again. The big V is nearly here and we know you’re probably running around flailing your arms in the air wondering what the heck to do with your loved one this Valentine’s Day.

But fear not. We’ve compiled a list of our top things to do in Manchester to celebrate the romantic day. So now all you have to do is worry about ironing your best top and trying not to say something completely stupid on your date.