Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day celebrations swoop across Manchester in the form of limited edition menus in the city’s popular restaurants, and sensational seasonal window displays at spots like Rosso.
And with all of the romance that February brings, some of you might be thinking of popping that all important question to your partner, getting down on one knee, ring box in hand and asking: “Will you marry me?”
If you’ve picked out the ring - hopefully in the right size (though Poundland do have some cute placeholders) - now you’ve got to pick the perfect spot in which your other half will, again, hopefully, say yes!
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Whether you’re from Manchester and want to find the most romantic spot, or are from out of town and need some recommendations - who better to get them from than the people who have been there, done that, said yes, and put the ring on? Right?
Manchester Evening News have scoured the reviews of Manchester hotels, bars and restaurants to find out where the best place to propose in the city centre is, and there are some gorgeous engagement stories to go with them.
Whether you’re thinking cocktails with a Manchester skyline, a candlelit dinner or a swanky hotel room these are considered to be some of the best, most popular proposal spots in Manchester.
King Street Townhouse
Boutique hotel King Street Townhouse prides itself on 'specialising in the unexpected' and hosting 'unforgettable experiences'. Set in a Grade II listed building, dating back to 1872, the venue is hosting a number of Valentine's Day events that could be the perfect opportunity to propose. And hey, they do weddings too - so you could always consider it for the big day, too.
As well as a dinner-for-two experience, the hotel - which opened in 2015 - is offering an indulgent spa package for two, and a Be My Valentine's room upgrade, which costs an extra £59 on top of your booking, and includes a bottle of bubbles, rose petal turndown and hand-made chocolates waiting in the room for your arrival.
Alternatively, the hotel is also hosting a romantic date at the movies, which is also ideal for friends celebrating Galentines. The Screening Room is showing films to laugh and cry to this Valentine’s Day, including The Notebook, Romeo & Juliet, Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, Notting Hill and Valentine’s Day.
Tickets are priced from £15 per person, going up to £65 if you'd like to experience their afternoon tea, too.
On Tripadvisor, couples have heaped praise on the hotel after proposing in the Italian Renaissance style building, with particular mention to a member of staff called Leah.
Danielle said: "My partner proposed to me here a few days ago and it was the most perfect occasion we could have wished for. My partner couldn’t have done this without the help of Leah, who was extremely supportive throughout the entire process of arranging the proposal and was lovely during our time there. If anyone else is considering an engagement here we couldn’t recommend this place highly enough."
Balraj S wrote: "Words can't explain how amazing our stay at King Street Townhouse was. Not only is the hotel second to none, the service provided by its staff is something to be proud of. In particular I want to thank Leah Spence.
"Leah is a credit to the hotel. This visit was extra special as I planned to propose to my girlfriend during our stay. I'm happy to say she is now my fiancé. None of this would be possible without Leah, who from start to finish, mapped out our stay down to every detail and communicated with me consistently. We planned to use the rooftop, but on the day the South Terrace was available so we went with this.
"The end result was stunning, the lights, the balloons, the music, the drinks, the moment, everything was perfect. Without Leah a huge moment in both mine and my fiance's life would not have been possible. Props to Leah also for her great acting skills and also photography skills.
"We stayed in the suite, which was out of this world. The infinity pool is something not to miss too and a visit to the Spa too! For anyone thinking of proposing here I wouldn't think twice either."
Another romantic, Paul, added: "I used King Street as the venue to propose to my girlfriend and the service Leah and the team provided was perfect, using the cinema, roof terrace and pool for the most memorable evening!"
While Jake L shared his engagement story, commenting: "The night of our stay, I proposed to my girlfriend of 10 years on the rooftop of the hotel. With the help of Leah and her team they made our night go perfectly. They were so discreet about everything my girlfriend didn't suspect a thing.
"The rooftop looked unbelievable and after my girlfriend's reaction once I had proposed there could not have been a better place to do it. Throughout the many emails and long phone calls worth of planning, Leah was able to give me help on the setting, time and items that could be placed up there to make everything just right. Once we were done on the rooftop the staff then placed everything in our room so when we got back to the room all the memories from the rooftop were in there for us."
You can find out more about King Street Townhouse and how to book your visit here.
20 Stories
Situated on the 19th floor of No.1 Spinningfields, 20 Stories is composed of a glamorous restaurant, lively bar and expansive rooftop terrace with unparalleled 360-degree views of the Manchester skyline. So where better to pop the question and make the moment special?
To mark the occasion, the restaurant has created a special four-course menu that costs £70 per person, set to the soundtrack of live music from artist Nina Morton. Posting on Twitter, 20 Stories described it as 'most romantic setting somewhere high above Manchester' - don't you agree?
The sky-high bar is no stranger to a proposal, either, with many visitors sharing their engagement stories in the reviews. Lauren recently got engaged at the site and penned: "Had a fantastic evening at their candlelit dinner event at the start of November. My boyfriend booked it as a surprise and the set meal was delicious and catered for my gluten intolerance.
"The staff were lovely, we’d just picked up our water bottle once before someone came running over to pour for us and our glasses were kept full all evening. My boyfriend proposed during dessert and they were all lovely coming to give us a glasses of champagne & offer their congratulations. They couldn’t have done anything more than they did to make it a special evening for us. It was the first time we’ve been but we can’t wait to come back."
Ian B wrote: "We went on Saturday evening and managed to get a reservation quite near to our visit. The outside terrace is quite large and gives you great views over Manchester City centre. I actually proposed to my girlfriend during our meal. The staff were friendly enough and the food was exceptional."
While Scott visited just before the pandemic, writing: "I cannot thank the team from organisation of the proposal and reserving tables, to their input on the proposal and the way the day went. Everything that was I discussed came off so perfect and it will be a day that lives in our memories for the rest of our lives."
Bill’s Spinningfields
Set in the stunning Spinningfields district, Bill's are going big on Valentine's day with a set menu where couples can enjoy two courses, as well as a special Valentine’s Day cocktail, for just £29.95, or add another course for a fiver.
The setting is pretty Instagram-worthy, too, with velvet seats, faux plants, patterned wallpaper and opulent, statement chandeliers.
One Tripadvisor review said: "My now future son in law organised a surprise proposal at Bill's for our daughter, to say the staff went above and beyond is an understatement, they were the friendliest, genuine and most helpful people we have ever had the pleasure of dealing with and made a very special day perfect - particularly Heidi and Anna.
"I truly hope these employees receive the recognition they deserve as they are a complete credit to the Company. The atmosphere and food is incredible at Spinningfields and we cannot wait to visit again. The perfect place for a proposal."
The Midland
First opened in 1903, The Midland Hotel is a Grade II listed, four-star hotel considered to be one of Manchester's most-loved icons. It offers 312 beautiful rooms, award-winning food and drink, an idyllic spa and impressive event spaces, so its easy to see why many opt to pop the queston and even get married here.
Laura H and her parents organised a surprise proposal at The Midland after heading to a concert, and the hotel even gave them a free room upgrade. The review read: "I booked this hotel with the plan of proposing to my girlfriend. My mum booked a hotel room to set up the room with decorations and the engagement ring while myself and my girlfriend were at a concert in Manchester.
"My mum called the hotel on the day of the proposal to explain the situation and to get a key to my room at check in so she could let herself in while we were out, the staff member that mum had spoken to - I believe her name was Jade, was so excited to hear our plans, she’d got in touch with other staff members who organised a free upgrade to a suite which was absolutely INCREDIBLE.
"We had a free mini bar, a free bottle of champagne, and a staff member called Holly helped my mum and step dad decorate the room beautifully, and gave my mum and step dad drinks vouchers for the beautiful bar in reception. The whole staff team at the hotel were absolutely incredible and so friendly, we had two staff members approach us the next day to ask how our night was. I can’t thank the staff enough for everything they did for our special night and I will be forever grateful. And.. she said yes! We will be back in the near future for another beautiful stay at The Midland."
Another couple described it as a 'once in a lifetime experience', adding: "Me and my now fiance had a wonderful stay in the Midland Hotel. We walked into the beautiful lobby and entered the Octagon Lounge for a drink. We were directed to a table that had been reserved and it transpired my boyfriend was to propose to me!
"To add to the occasion a room had been booked so we could enjoy the sights and sounds of Manchester and then relax in the luxury of the Midland. This too was helped along by Joe in regards to information of which room would be best for our romantic evening to continue. The setting and welcoming atmosphere was so special for such a special night, one I will never forget. Thankyou so much to Joe and Dawn for your extra efforts to make guests welcome and comfortable."
You can find out more about The Midland and book yourself a room here.
Piccolino
Manchester’s stunning Piccolino Caffe Grande sits on Clarence Street, just off Albert Square and overlooking Manchester’s iconic Town Hall. It’s a fittingly-impressive location for their elegant restaurant which boasts an open kitchen, wine boutique, cocktail bar, oyster and caviar bar, juicery, and alfresco terrace.
To help out with Valentine's Day plans, the restaurant is offering half price Laurent-Perrier Rosé from February 10 to 14, down to £65 a bottle.
One visitor who proposed at Piccolino on their anniversary wrote: "Me and my partner visited Piccolino for our anniversary as it is a favourite of ours and as always, the service and the food were phenomenal. The staff were very attentive, friendly and went above and beyond. What I didn't know was that my boyfriend had previously planned with the Piccollino staff to propose to me that night. They made the moment extra special by adhering to the requests of my now fiancé. Thank you so much, we will back again soon."
Tattu
Another popular place for loved up couples is contemporary Chinese restaurant Tattu. Tattu Manchester are inviting visitors to say ‘I love you’ at the Hardman Square venue this February.
The restaurant said: "Expressing love and appreciation through words is one of the most powerful ways to connect with others. This valentines at Tattu beautiful words of love and adoration are projected across our walls as lovers dine in gorgeous red illuminated interiors. Meet under our famous blossoms and affirm your love with Tattu."
They also warned that Valentine's is 'our busiest time of year' - so be sure to book early if you're hoping on it being your engagement location.
A number of people have had the same idea previously, asking their partner to marry them in the stunning setting of cherry trees and blossoms. One customer wrote: "Part of my surprise off my boyfriend he had booked here, walked in and I was happy straight away! I didn't have a clue where he'd booked so didn't know what to expect.
"Whilst waiting for food we had the Tattu magician come to our table, let's just say I am still trying to figure out his magic, how amazing! To end my night my boyfriend proposed!!! I will never forget this place or that night."
Another wrote: "It was my second time at Tattu, the service was exceptional, the staff were attentive and their attention to detail was second to none, in particular the waitress who was attending my table made the whole experience so seamless. I arranged a proposal and Tattu made it so special In such short notice. Thank you to all the team and especially Rochel."
Meanwhile, a third lover made a special request in the kitchen to help them ask the question, writing: "What a great day, amazing service by Amir he was brilliant from start to finish constantly winking on the sly as he knew what was going on. I’d asked for will you marry me in the fortune cookie at the end and everything went to plan, around by 10th visit here and the food seems to be enriched with flavour more every time."
Dakota Hotel
The luxurious Dakota Hotel is among one of the highest-rated stays around the world, ranking among the top one per cent of hotels on TripAdvisor in 2021. The 137-bedroom boutique hotel, which opened in 2019, boasts a destination cocktail bar and restaurant, the Dakota Grill, and The Dakota Terrace, which offers al fresco dining right next to the Rochdale Canal.
With stars like Hollywood's Hugh Jackman and Spice Girl Mel B among the first guests to stay in its luxurious suites, there's no wonder it's a hotspot for proposals, too.
"So the reason for are stay was I proposed to my girlfriend of five years," one review wote. "We could not fault the staff nor the room everything was spot on and they could not do enough for us. What an amazing experience we will remember forever so clean and tidy food well what can we say AMAZING worth every penny. Thank you for making my proposal and are stay great will be back again with out a doubt."
While another commented: "I cannot put into words how amazing our stay at Dakota Manchester was. Originally I had thought we were just meeting friends for drinks, when we got to the hotel we went to the room where my boyfriend Adam had arranged to propose to me!
"The room was beautifully decorated with balloons on the ceiling and rose petals on the floor and jazz music being played - I was very taken aback! We cannot thank Pino and his team enough for going above and beyond and ensuring we had the most memorable experience, it's something that will stick with me forever and we will be telling stories for many years. Thank you Pino - you really did make our experience one to remember - we can't wait to come back again soon!"
You can book a room at Dakota Manchester on Booking.com here.
Hotel Gotham
Manchester's Hotel Gotham is known for its opulent glamour, with a 1930s banking theme and lavish five-star rating. The establishment is, in fact, one of the most luxurious in the world, having won Best Luxury City Centre Hotel at the World Luxury Awards.
Since it first opened in April 2015, the hotel - inside the landmark Art Deco former Midland Bank - has become known for its A-list clientele including the likes of Robbie Williams, Simon Cowell and Jennifer Hudson.
The hotel boasts 60 individually-designed bedrooms, starting from around £160 a night for standard rooms up to £1,000 for the most luxurious Gotham Suites and Inner Sanctum Suites at the heart of the hotel.
One newly engaged customer left a glowing review on TripAdvisor, writing: "I had my proposal at Gotham Hotel over this past weekend and from start to finish everyone I encountered at this hotel went beyond what I expected. I would like to say a special thank to Sanela who was so kind and helpful through it all. She helped in a huge way to get me everything I needed for that day."
Another added: "Everything and more! The room itself was absolutely beautiful. The decor was amazing and had a elegant vibe. From what I can gather my fiancé had a lot of requests before we came to which the hotel did it all! We went out for dinner and I came back to a proposal! Hotel Gotham now has a very special place in my heart and we will definitely becoming back soon."
Meanwhile, a third went into retail about their stay, which inclided the sweetest touches. They wrote: "I took my fiancé here to propose to her and the place did not disappoint in the slightest! During the preparation a few weeks ago all the staff I had contacted were extremely helpful and allowed me to get everything I needed for my engagement plan. When we arrived they greeted us warmly and showed excellent service.
"The hotel from the entrance to the room was beautifully decorated in the vintage 1920s style. We had the lovely Gotham suite which was very spacious and luxurious with a stylish bathroom. There was amazing attention to detail here from the period news papers to the Gotham Mugs in the cupboards.
"They booked us afternoon tea and dinner at the Honey resteraunt which was on the top floor with beautiful views overlooking the city of Manchester. The afternoon tea was exquisite and just right amount of portions. During this time I made a quick excuse back to my room to find Costa one of the hotel staff arranging the bedroom to my specification for my proposal. It was beautifully done with complimentary chocolates and drinks. I added the finishing touches myself and then took my fiancé eventually there to propose.
"The room was incredibly romantic with the dim lights and music for my proposal. She absolutely loved it! After we celebrated with a dinner at honey resteraunt and the staff were eager to know the outcome. Once they were informed they brought complimentary champagne and congratulated us. We then headed up to the rooftop bar to get some more views of the city at night. We were again kindly greeted with more complimentary champagne by the bar staff. We had such a lovely time at this hotel no doubt thanks to the amazing service from the staff at Gotham who have made this experience so special."
Visit Booking.com to book a room at Hotel Gotham in Manchester here.
Ivy Spinningfields
Located in the heart of Manchester, Spinningfields, The Ivy restaurant occupies an impressive space within The Pavilion, surrounded by greenery, with The Ivy Asia and Bar located on the second floor. The restaurant is beautiful. illuminated with a show-stopping green, semi-precious stone floor serving Asian-inspired cocktails and sharing dishes with entertainment and resident DJ’s.
The venue has been described as 'classy' by customers, and seems to be the ideal location for a ring reveal, according to loved up Jenny.
She said: "This place is amazing. The décor really classy and the staff dressed so cool. Couldn't fault our starter, main or dessert and had a cocktail or two. Had the Shepherds Pie as it was highly recommended and didn't disappoint.
"After dessert my partner discretely got down on one knee and proposed. He had told our waiter and we have a lovely complimentary dessert with congratulations on and two pink Proseccos. Afterwards we went downstairs to Bar Asia and had another drink or two and chatted to the really friendly bar staff about which celebrities had been in."
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