AS of now a sea of red paper hearts are starting to fill Manchester’s high streets. Lingerie stores and their buzzing, whirring 'toys' are all set with double AA batteries, restaurants are prepping for the influx of infatuated couples wanting window seats and petrol stations are stocking cards and wilting flowers for those who have left it to the last minute.
February is here, Valentine’s Day is coming and you can’t avoid it even if you try.
So, whether you're set to splurge this year or actively trying to stay away from everything crimson, take your lover's hand (or not) and follow the rose petals (or not) to one of these V-Day events.
If you're gonna do it, do it right.
Bridgewater Hall
Malmaison Mcr
The dinner date. It's the Valentine's failsafe.
While a M&S two-for-one deal has allure, we feel San Carlo Bottega's A La Carte menu will provide a fair few aphrodisiacs on your Valentine's evening.
The restaurant has called on San Carlo Group’s star Chef Consiliere, Aldo Zilli, to create a dish which will seduce the senses on Valentine's Day such as champagne and butter langoustines - the classic bubbles and shellfish, always a sexy option.
Italians are romantic and passionate by default (or so they keep telling us) and their food is no different. Thus Bottega has extended their opening hours, for one night only, to 10pm, as romance just can't be rushed.
Do you hear that gentlemen? Not rushed. You won't be back in time for last orders with your mates in the local.
San Carlo Bottega
Manchester company Duerr’s are claiming they’ve produced the world’s only Aphrodisiac jam, made with strawberries, Champagne and a sprinkling of ground horny goatweed, the ‘natural Viagra’. Apparently ground horny (yes that word is an official one) goat weed is a natural male sexual stimulant. According to legend, this was discovered by a Chinese goatherd who noticed sexual activity in his flock after they ate the weed. And after he ate it thought his beasts were looking very attractive. Gordo, Manchester Confidential’s horny old goat, has promised to try some of the jam should be find an attractive goatherdess by Valentine’s Night. Duerr’s serving suggestions include breakfast in bed and a 45-minute ‘lie-in’ - or baking it into treats like jam tarts to add 'extra fizz to an afternoon treat'. Of course with this sort of thing its bound to end in a sticky mess.
It'll really take your lid off
If you’re single and the option of staying at home and eating an entire Tesco’s Own cheesecake to yourself reminds you of the Great Expectations spinster, Miss Havisham, then the other option is throwing on something lucky, splashing on a good au du toilette, going out and betting your chances with other singles.
Artisan are dedicating the 14th to singletons with a ‘singles soiree’. DJ Hollywood Dave will be there providing the tunage and the cocktails will be overflowing.
To reserve your place contact manchesterbdm@artisan.uk.com
Artisan
Still, Bishop David Walker is welcoming couples to Manchester Cathedral for prosecco and a prayer this Valentine’s Day.
If you fancy a little heavenly intervention in your relationship, from 7pm there will be a 30 minute celebration with hymns, and an opportunity for Valentines to reaffirm their commitment in love to each other. Couples are invited to come along and offer their relationship anew to God before they go out and enjoy the rest of their evening together, spreading aphrodisiac jam and themselves all over the place.
Manchester Cathedral
The Clubbing One @ Sankeys
Sankeys
