Single dog owners can meet likeminded pooch parents at this Manchester doggy dating event

It’s a tough time of year for us singletons, with many of us turning to our furry friends for some cuddles.

This Valentine’s Day, however, your pooches are going to save the day in more ways than one. 

According to a recent study of over 2,000 dog owners by pet food brand Natural Instinct, 57% of people would rather have dinner with their doggo this Valentine’s than anyone else. But what if you could find love, AND bring your floofer along?

We all know our woofers can be major pulling machines (not just on their leads, either), so why not use them to catch a date this February? And where better to do so than one of the most dog-friendly venues in Manchester: Hatch.

In honour of the single dog-mums and dads, Hatch are throwing their very own ‘Hounds of Love’ shindig, where dog-lovers can try their luck at doggy blind dating. 

All you have to do is fill in your – and your doggo’s – dating profile, pop down to Hatch and Cupid will do the rest. Simply register via their Instagram or Facebook page, and you can rest easy this Valentine’s.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to be single to attend. Couples can bring their good boys and girls to celebrate Valentine’s as a furry family, with access to ‘Paw-secco’, special treats for your puppers, and – the best part – a wonderful doggy networking opportunity.

Perhaps it’s time for your four-legged friend to find some romance of their own? 

To keep the romance vibes flowing, a Valentine’s pianist will take centre stage to create the soundtrack for your evening, alongside a canine compere to keep the doggy dating in check. We don’t want any more puppies just yet…

But all that mingling can really work up an appetite, so it’s lucky that guests will be completely surrounded by foods of all kinds. 

For those hoping for a truly romantic evening, Manchester’s tiniest tapas bar Abeja is the place to be, with top ingredients imported directly from the region of Granada. This cosy space makes for a beautifully intimate evening, but – due to its size – seats can be rather limited.

If you’re after something more quirky, head over to Hanoi 75’s decked-out double decker and munch on some Vietnamese-style street food – or check out the superb Grandad’s Sausages.

For plant-based pooch owners, Herbivorous are here to take your order. Serving up towering burgers, loaded fries, and the most authentic hoisin duck wrap you ever did taste, urging you to exclaim, “you’re telling me this isn’t real meat?!” with every bite. 

Just fancy a drink? No worries, lovebirds. Number 8 cocktail bar is the ideal location, with two storeys of cosiness, cocktails and fine wine ready and waiting. Snuggle up in the warm downstairs, complete with boho decor and strings and strings of fairy lights, or journey upstairs to watch the stars on the roof terrace. Either is perfect for a Valentine’s smooch. 

And finally, for the kids at heart, teenage lovers and the hipster couples: Elektric Box is the place for you. Indulge in some lo-fi vibes in a super cool location, embrace your competitive side with some intense games of darts, or choose a track on the best jukebox in town. Oh, and we mustn’t forget the 10 lines of draught and craft beer. 

It’s all good wining and dining, but everyone loves a little gift on V day. Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten to pick something up – Hatch is here to save the day with a unique collection of independent stores and sellers.

Treat your significant other to some high-end jewellery and homeware without breaking the bank at Nordic Muse, or pick up some winter warmers at Artic Fox for an extra cosy time. For the shopaholics, This Ting of Ours has you covered, selling some of the most stylish socks we’ve ever seen.

And if you’re really committed to your date, you could even get yourselves some matching tats from Gold Panther Tattoo (steady on…).

Hounds of Love is a completely free event at Hatch, with festivities starting at 6pm on 14th February. Get down early to get a toasty seat by the heaters!