With one of the liveliest and most creative communities in the country, the prospect of dating in Brighton really does present an embarrassment of riches. With one of the country’s best beach fronts and a centre made for great shopping and great fun, Brighton has so much to offer you and your dating partner. Here are a few examples of what you might like to enjoy together when dating in Brighton.
Royal Pavilion
If you want to get a proper feel for Brighton’s Regency heritage then The Royal Pavilion is a good place to start. If you’re dating in Brighton you are bound to come across plenty of quirky locations and this is no exception. The wildly ornate Pavilion, inspired by Indian architecture, was built in the 19th century as a retreat for the Prince Regent, whose physician had advised him that the seawater would improve his gout. These days you can pay to walk around inside but a simple lounge the gardens is a splendid way to while away a summer day with the person you are dating.
Beaches / Promenade
Brighton’s beachfront is the place to head for some of the city’s best nightlife; it’s also a lovely area to stroll and enjoy during the day. The stretch between the two piers is perfect for dating in Brighton on sunny afternoons, with bars and cafes all the way along, and the beach itself fills with people on the sunniest days of the year.
Brighton Pier
The Palace Pier will always conjure up mixed emotions among Brighton residents, what with its gaudy casinos and extortionate candy-floss booths. But take the pier for what it is – a mildly tasteless fun-house in the sea – and there is plenty going for this Brighton landmark. Wander up the wooden decking with something sugary and, when you get to the end, jump on some of the fairground rides – the old helter-skelter overlooks the sea and on the Crazy Mouse rollercoaster you can cosy up to comfort your dating partner if they get scared!
Brighton Dome
The Brighton Dome (no relation whatsoever to the London Dome), is an attractive arts venue on the grounds of the Pavilion which holds top-notch comedy and pop music gigs as well as classical concerts all year round. This Brighton dating location is perfect for a more sophisticated or high-octane night out. Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd have all performed at the Brighton Dome in the past, and it famously staged the Eurovision Song Contest of 1974 where ABBA won for Sweden with ‘Waterloo’.
Komedia
The Komedia is the classic place to head for comedy, it also has cabaret, music and theatre and is located in the trendy North Laine area of Brighton so it’s surrounded by excellent places to eat, drink and shop – perfect for dating in Brighton. Head to the area earlier on for a look around one of the best bohemian shopping districts in the UK, and stay for a couple of drinks and a show here or, for a West-End style experience, at the Theatre Royal down the road.
By: Emily Heart
Manchester is the spiritual home of British pop and a brilliant city for dating. The city which, according to Ian Brown, has ‘everything except a beach’ is filled with enough entertainment and intrigue to make any date an experience to remember. If you are dating in Manchester, here are some of the best places to go make sure you make the most of Manchester.
Manchester Evening News Arena
As Shakespeare says, music is the food of love, and Manchester has long been home to a music scene to die for. The Smiths, the Buzzcocks, The Fall, Joy Division and Oasis are just a few of the bands who have emerged from the city over the last century. So where better to take your dating partner than Manchester’s main pop music venue, the Manchester Evening News Arena, to get a taste of what the place has to offer.
The Manchester Wheel
If you are looking for a way to literally sweep them of their feet, why not take your dating partner for a spin in the Manchester Wheel for a date to remember. A trip on the wheel, located in Exchange Square in the Millennium Quarter, is an excellent way to see the city from above. For a romantic treat you can even hire luxurious ‘VIP Gondola’ with champagne.
Chinatown
Chinatown, located around George Street and Faulkner Street, is home to most of Manchester’s east-Asian restaurants, as well as Chinese shops with merchandise directly from China. The area, with its neon lights and high quality restaurants, has been a feature of the city since the 70s. If your dating partner likes Chinese food and culture, this will be a good place to take them for dinner dating in Manchester.
Curry Mile
Manchester’s Rusholme is home to the largest concentration of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi restaurants in the UK, and possibly in the world (outside India), located in a stretch known as ‘Curry Mile’. With more than 70 restaurants, kebab houses and takeaways, as well as sari and jewellery shops, this is the perfect place to go for a really good curry when dating in Manchester.
Didsbury
If you’re looking for a more upmarket dating location, visit Didsbury, a suburb about five miles south of the city centre. Didsbury Village has perfected the art of cafe culture with plenty of opportunities for people-watching – there is outside seating at many of the bars and cafes in this trendy area. It’s definitely the ideal place for a stroll and a browse if you’re dating in Manchester on one of the city’s rare warm summer evenings.
The Northern Quarter
For a more bohemian Manchester dating experience, head to the Northern Quarter, the ‘Soho’ of Manchester. Here you will find a variety of quirky shops selling clothing, music and art. ‘Affleck’s Palace’ is an interesting place to wander – a multi-storey bazaar full of alternative clothing and knick-knacks. Stop off in one of the Northern Quarter’s cafes or bars and you and your dating partner can enjoy the artistic ambience of the area.
By: Emily Heart
