Anti-valentine's Events for Manchester

Maybe you’re single and happy to be so but that doesn’t mean you enjoy being surrounded by the inevitable flurry of balloons, love hearts and pink tat that always appear at this time of year.  Staying in with your head under the duvet until it’s all over may seem like the only way of avoiding it, but why the hell should you? Well, the good news is, you don’t. Yes folks, it is possible to rage against the love machine on Valentine's Day and have fun without having to battle your way through loved-up couples. If you’re looking for somewhere to have a tasty bite to eat and some post-dinner entertainment that doesn’t involve romance and candles, here are a few ideas.

Steak n chips and rock n roll

 Instead of an intimate dinner for two how about enjoying laid back, unpretentious grub followed by some decent live music? If Indie music’s your thing, why not take refuge at the Ruby Lounge and sample the delights of Uncle Meat and the Highway Children in the process? And you could grab a wholesome bite to eat at Bluu just round the corner on Thomas Street before the gig.

If you’re into rock not romance you’re also in luck because Yo-Shi are playing at the Studio on Valentine’s Day. And if you’re worried about not being able to find a romance-free restaurant in the vicinity, fear not.  Believe it or not, it is possible to escape the convey of couples on Deansgate by seeking sanctuary in the relaxed atmosphere of Ha Ha in Spinningfields, just down the road from The Studio, where you can tuck into a succulent steak from the grill menu.

Get your dancing shoes on

Tucked away on New Wakefield Street and conveniently located next to Oxford Road station, Pure Space is the place to go to let your hair down and dance the night away. Open til 3.00 am and playing a funky mishmash of Soul, Disco, Motown, Classic House and Alternative Sounds, its regular club night ‘Across the Tracks’ will keep you safe from all things soppy and romantic and ensure that you have a blast in the process.

So you see, there’s no excuse for staying in - you can still go out and have a good time in Manchester on February 14th without letting the dreaded St Valentine ruin your Saturday night! 

Words: Joanne Starkie