A little bit of romanchester: The Tab’s guide to Valentines Day

Whether you’re a single-pringle, newly dating, smug and loved up or ‘it’s complicated’ The Tab’s guide for the 14^th of February ensures that this Valentine’s Day will be one to remember

Couples

Cute

Spend some much needed one-on-one time with someone special this Valentines Day with the Tab’s top 5 dates for couples.

1. The chill factore

Best for those who can actually ski

For something a little more unusual, enjoy some exhilarating alpine activities with your valentine at Manchester’s indoor skiing and snowboarding slope. Fun, adventurous and cheaper than Val-d’isere.

2. Dinner for two

Snazzy

Treat someone special to dinner at stylish underground restaurant Australasia in Spinningfields. Though it’s a busy restaurant, the tables provide an intimate space leaving you to spend some quality time with each other.

If you can bear a restaurant full of student couples

For a more pocket-friendly restaurant choice head to Fallowfield’s hidden gem- KOSMOS Taverna for delicious Greek food, a romantic atmosphere and student friendly prices. Alternatively, if you’ve left it late to book a table for dinner, pop to the northern quarter for a relaxing valentine’s breakfast

3. Comedy night

Guaranteed lols

Don’t actually click here

Have a laugh with your loved one at multi-award winning comedy club Frog and Bucket (the site of Peter Kays first shows!) The ticket includes a two course meal as well as an after show disco.

4. A bit of culture

And you’ve probably never been on it before

If you’re after a valentines date with a bit of culture without splashing the cash, visit one of Manchester’s museums or galleries (there’s a great coral exhibition on at the Manchester Museum) and finish the day with a ride on the Ferris wheel at Piccadilly gardens.

5. Lyme park

Maybe not quite as pretty in Feb

If being surrounded by loved-up couples at this time of year isn’t your cup of tea – take your valentine on a trip to Elizabethan Stately home Lyme Park, home to BBC’s first adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Just a short drive from Manchester, Lyme Park’s lush gardens and deer park are perfect for romantic walks with beautiful views.

 Singles

Fighting back the tears

Who says you need a date for Valentine’s Day? If you don’t fancy drowning your sorrows at home with a bottle of wine and Ben and Jerry’s here are some ways to celebrate as a singleton.

1. Speed dating

For the impatient singleton

Single and ready to mingle? Label in Deansgate is one of the many places holding a valentines speed-dating event on Thursday the 14^th of February to find that special someone in time for Valentine’s.

2. My bloody valentine

Manchester Murder Mysteries presents a specially written Valentine’s murder mystery night at Odder Bar. Bring some single friends or couples along for ‘a night of intrigue, suspense and murder, along with a good dose of humour’.

3. Peak district

For the outdoorsy

Escape from the city to frolic in the beautiful setting of the peak district. Perfect for a peaceful weekend away with some friends or a refreshing outdoorsy day trip.

4. Go out and get smashed

Probably your best bet

For an anti-Valentines night, DJ/Producer Alexis Raphael is playing at 256 in Fallowfield where you can dance the night away for just a fiver. And you might even pull.

 5. Pandora’s

At the end of the night there’s always Pandora’s

If all else fails, there’s always a chance of valentines romance at the mysterious Pandora’s massage parlour. (If you’re really desperate.)