Whether you’re looking to spoil a significant other or just want to spend time with friends, this Valentine’s Day food and drink round up is sure to provide some inspiration for that all-important restaurant decision. We’ve included a bit of everything, from wine tasting at Portico and tapas from El Gato Negro all the way to fine dining at The Midland Hotel or Mason’s. There’s also plenty for couples and groups, so no matter what your relationship status there’s plenty to look forward to throughout the week.
Portico Wine Tasting
Impress your valentine with a date at Portico Library and Gallery, one of Manchester’s hidden gems. The historic building welcomes food critic Neil Sowerby to host a luxurious group wine-tasting event. Feed your belly and your brain amongst 19th-century books and architecture. Along with some delicious-sounding sharing boards, this event at The Portico is an ideal off-beat taste of culture, history – and of course, fine wines.
Wed 14 Feb, The Portico Library & Gallery, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HY. Tel: 0161 236 6785, 6:30-8pm, £38.37pp, www.eventbrite.co.uk
Valentine’s Supper at The Gallery Cafe
Another unlikely Valentine’s location is The Gallery Café at Manchester Art Gallery. Enjoy a free prosecco cocktail on arrival and a paired wines list (£20pp extra) to accompany Mary-Ellen McTague and Isobel Jenkins’s 3 course meal. The menu includes beetroot carpaccio, cured mackerel and game pie, all sourced locally. The night has a limited number of 20 pairs of tickets, so book now to avoid disappointment.
Thu 15 Feb, Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3JL. Tel: 0161 235 8888, 6:30-9pm, £42.38pp, www.eventbrite.co.uk
Free fries for lovers at Bundobust
All day on Valentine’s Manchester’s favourite veggie curry joint will be offering free okra fries with every combo for two ordered. It turns out that okra is also an aphrodisiac which is just another reason to scarf a bunch down. As well as this spicy treat they’ll be offering a takeout discount of 25% for all sharing bottles of beer (750ml) if you’d prefer to take your date somewhere more comfortable.
Wed 14 Feb, Bundobust, 61 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AG. Tel: 0161 359 6757 www.bundobust.com
Mr Cooper’s at The Midland
Mr Cooper’s at The Midland Hotel has a reputation for inventive, artful menus, and their Valentine’s offering doesn’t disappoint. Running all week from the 9th to the 18th Feb, the menu covers all bases from the traditional – hake fillet, duck breast, rhubarb – to the exotic – think Spanish olives, Tempura oysters and Ratte potatoes. Finish it off with a shared portion of marbled chocolate brownie with pistachio ice cream, or some award-winning cocktails.
Fri 9 – Sun 18 Feb, Mr Cooper’s, The Midland Hotel, Peter Street, Manchester M60 2DS. Tel: 0161 235 4781, times and prices vary, www.mrcoopers.co.uk
Yadda Yadda Valentine’s at Electrik
Chorlton’s no nonsense Yadda Yadda kitchen offers up a perfect cheap date for this Valentine’s day. Two of their delicious and surprisingly nutritious kebabs with a bottle of wine (or 4 cans of beer) for just £25. Serving all day so you can avoid the rush with some afternoon delight.
Wed 14 Feb, Electrik, 559 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 0AE. Tel: 0161 881 3315,
Relaxed Tapas at El Gato Negro
If a more relaxed, social evening is what you’re after, then conversation over tapas at El Gato Negro might be the perfect occasion. Couples, friends and groups are always going to find something to talk about with a menu that includes braised ox cheek and jamón ibérico de bellota. Alternatively, splash out on their premium menu for a half bottle of champagne and music from the Didsbury String Duo. Tables are selling out fast, so book now.
Wed 14 Feb, El Gato Negro, 52 King Street, Manchester, M2 4LY. Tel: 0161 694 858, times and prices vary, www.elgatonegrotapas.com
Valentine’s Day at Mason’s
The Valentine’s Day offering at Mason’s is another option for those who’d rather celebrate “Palentine’s”. Their blog categorically states that the restaurant is open for both couples and groups. So regardless of the state of your romantic life, spend the 14th tucking into a lobster spring roll bisque and seared Picanha with chimichurri. Another one set to sell out, so pre-book now for your free glass of rosé.
Wed 14 Feb, Mason’s, 36 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BT. Tel: 0161 359 6952, times and prices vary, www.masonsrestaurantbar.co.uk
For more local food and drink inspiration, click here.
Image: Still Life: Flowers and Fruit by Jan van Os © Manchester City Galleries
- Words:
- William Felix Robinson
- Published on:
- Mon 12 Feb 2018
