As Manchester gears up for a Valentine’s weekend packed with offers, special menus and hotel packages, we’ve picked out some of the biggest and best that’ll have you swooning in no time…
Nell’s have revisited some old favourites for the month of February, with their specials bringing back the lost loves of past menus.
That means a return for the Cacio e Pepe (Fior de Latte Mozzarella, pancetta and pecorino cream) and the Sausage & Peppers (roasted peppers and house sausage). Joining them is a new third wheel, a vegan take on the Sausage & Peppers, making sure everyone is accounted for.
Manchester’s Stock Exchange Hotel has launched their #LoveStock weekend, featuring extra romantic packages right across Valentine’s weekend.
Bookings are also open for Tom Kerridge’s Bull & Bear restaurant, for anyone wanting a delicious dining experience within the stunning surroundings of the historic former Trading Floor.
Manchester’s highest restaurant and bar will be serving up a specially curated four-course dinner when the big day comes around.
To start, guests can choose from Jerusalem Artichoke Croustade or Beetroot Croustade, followed by a choice of a Ham Hock Terrine or Citrus Cured Salmon.
Guests will then be served Seared Duck Breast, complete with caramelised celeriac purée, glazed chicory in a spiced duck jus. For the final course a cherry trio is on offer consisting of cherry soufflé, cherry macaron and cherry sorbet or a selection of local cheeses.
The set menu is priced at £65pp.
Manchester’s Italian stalwart Gusto will be offering a special sharing menu between Fri 11 Feb – Mon 14 Feb, alongside their usual A la Carte.
Kicking off the first of three courses, guests can enjoy the Antipasti Sharing Board, complete with lightly-smoked speck ham, prosciutto, burrata, goat’s cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, focaccia and chargrilled courgette.
Next up, the 18oz Chateaubriand with cacio e pepe butter, truffle mash, tenderstem, green beans and chillies.
Finally, the Dessert Plate; amaretto creme brulee, tiramisu, warm chocolate brownie and real Italian gelato. All in, it’s £90 for two people.
The ideal date idea for keen foodies, Thaikhun will be running a range of Thai cooking classes where guests can craft their own two-course meal under the guidance of expert chefs.
Whether it’s Spring Rolls and Red Curry or Tom Yum Thai Soup and Pad Thai, there’s plenty to get stuck into.
CitySuite’s vibrant brasserie bar and restaurant, Embankment Kitchen, have unveiled their ‘Love is in the Air’ set menu, complete with delicious dishes like Pan-Seared Scallops, Chateaubriand and the Coconut Panna Cotta.
Tipples include A Kiss from Cupid; Chambord and prosecco with edible flower, The First Spark; gin, raspberry puree, sugar, lime and prosecco and the Aphrodite’s Crush; gin, lemon, sugar and strawberry compote with crushed ice and fresh strawberries.
Spinningfields hotspot The Ivy have teamed up with Letters of Note to create a special book that will be gifted to all diners on Valentine’s Day. Compiled by Shaun Usher, it features a collection of the most passionate love letters penned throughout the years.
There’ll also be a limited-edition cocktail menu launching on Fri 11 Feb – Mon 14 Feb, alongside Pillow Talk; an indulgent sharing dessert featuring peach and raspberry parfait, white chocolate mousse, popping candy and raspberry sauce.
GRUB’s own indie cinema Chapeltown Picture House will be hosting a special edition of Down With Homework, the venue’s regular Simpsons-inspired pub quiz—this time with a romantic twist.
An integral fixture in Taporley for more than 400 years, historic coaching inn The Swan will be offering special Valentine’s menu in its spectacular Georgian surroundings. Visitors will be able to grab a Valentine Cocktail, two courses and a coffee for £29.50, or make it three courses for £36.50.
Anyone looking to make a weekend of it outside of the city centre can also book one of the 16 recently-renovated rooms, a number of which are even dog-friendly.
Diners at Bill’s can get a three-course set menu for £24.95 that includes Crispy Chicken and Sesame Dumplings, Sharing Profiteroles and Carrot Cake Doughnuts.
Wash things down with the all-new Lovestruck cocktail, featuring pink gin, sour mix, strawberry puree and topped with basil leaves.
Fancy a little friendly competition between you and your date? Lane7’s bowling lanes, arcade games and virtual shooting pods bring a whole host of activities under one roof.
Fat Hippo, who run food side of things for the venue, have even created a special addition to their menu for the romantic season—the SIRIEIX ON FIRE; double patty, American cheese, buttered steak, Bearnaise mayo, peppercorn sauce, garlic & herb frites, Fred’s Bourguignon hash, BBQ sauce with parmesan & truffle fries.
Ducie Street have pulled out all the stops for this year’s festivities, offering a variety of different avenues to spend a romantic evening.
Priced at £40, a three-course menu titled ‘Threes A Crowd’—available Fri 11, Sat 12 and Mon 14—features dishes Spiced Parsnip Hummus, Gochujang Chicken and Whole-Roasted Spiced Celeriac Shawarma has you covered for food. Grey Goose will also be overhauling the cocktail menu, pouring a selection of specially-crafted winter tipples.
On Sat 12 Feb the venue’s lounge will be transformed into a romantic getaway soundtracked by the venue’s ever-popular resident DJs and on Mon 14 Feb, their Mini Cini will be showing foreign classics Betty Blue (1986) and Jamon Jamon (1992).
The recently rejuvenated Black Friar has gone down a hit since its big unveiling and their outdoor dining pods provide an idyllic romantic setting for anyone looking to dine out under the stars.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Tue 1 Feb 2022
For anyone looking for a little spice this Valentine’s, Manc curry veterans Zouk will be offering an indulgent banquet for £35pp. Including dishes like Aphrodisiac Appetiser Oyster Pakoras, the Lovers Sharing Platter and the Achari Paneer Corn Chaat, you’ll be spoilt for choice.