Date spot in Manchester
The Washhouse
Walk into what looks like an ordinary launderette, pick up the phone on the wall, and get let through into a small hidden cocktail bar.
Shudehill, Northern Quarter
Address: 19 Shudehill, Manchester M4 2AF- Bar
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Big night
Why it's a good date: The way in is a great icebreaker, and there are more surprises once you're inside. It's tiny, so book ahead: you won't get in without a booking.
More from our Manchester guide
Speak in Code
Jackson's Row, off Deansgate
Address: 7 Jackson's Row, Manchester M2 5ND- Bar
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Cosy
- Big night
Settle into a low-lit cocktail bar tucked away on a side street, with inventive drinks made from house-made ingredients.
Why it's a good date: Intimate and unhurried, with friendly bartenders who'll steer you to something new. Good for a quiet second drink after dinner.
Bundobust
Piccadilly, city centre
Address: Bundobust, 61 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AG- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Share a spread of Indian street food and a couple of craft beers at the big, buzzy hall on Piccadilly.
Why it's a good date: Everything's vegetarian and made for sharing, so you order a few small plates each and keep going. It's a short walk from Piccadilly station, which makes it an easy first stop on a night out.
This & That
Soap Street, Northern Quarter
Address: This & That, 3 Soap Street, Manchester M4 1EW- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Grab a plate of rice and three curries at the no-frills Northern Quarter canteen that's been feeding the city for decades.
Why it's a good date: You queue, point at what looks good and sit down at a plain table a minute later. The curries change through the week, so it's worth coming back, and it sets you up well for a wander round the Northern Quarter after.