Pot Kettle Black is based in one of Manchester’s more attractive shopping arcades, the Victorian Barton Arcade – an immaculate mosaic of cast-iron and glass. It’s ideal for those oh-so casual lunchtime meet-ups, craftily giving the perfect opportunity to see how you feel about this person in the cold light of day. And if it’s a no, don’t fret, Pot Kettle Black have an excellent menu for daytime dining. The eggs benedict comes highly recommended.

Certainly not first date material, unless you’re really showing off, The French is top of the pile when it comes to romantic high-end restaurants in Manchester. Subdued lighting, wonderful food and cheerful friendly staff combine to make this a guaranteed fuzzy-feeling big night out. Sure, it doesn’t come cheap, but who’d put a price on love?

Struggle with that all-important first date patter? Let Teppanyaki Chinatown take the strain. Part-theatre, part-incredible food, there’s enough going here on to ensure there won’t be any awkward silences. And if it isn’t working out, you’ll likely be sharing a table with some other people so you can simply flirt with them instead. Don’t judge, life’s short enough as it is.

One of Manchester’s most awe-inspiring buildings, and 2015 museum of the year, The Whitworth is a must for lovers of modern art and moreso for potential modern lovers. Is your paramour a tortured Bacon or a humdrum Lowry? Find out here. Our up-to-the-minute exhibitions guide will help to show you the way.

Prefer your nights out a bit more wild and boozey? Gorilla is your one-stop-shop for all your food and drink needs. A favourite with the city’s students and twentysomethings, the atmosphere is always upbeat and just on the right side of rowdy.

Manchester’s only high-end seafood restaurant and oyster bar. The follow-up to the hugely successful original Soho venture.
Enjoy some of their finest dishes at a bargain price (just £12.50 for a meal and drink from 12 noon to 7 pm). The courses on offer change on a daily basis, taking in everything from roast pork belly to chicken kiev, with a marvellous fish stew available on Fridays. It’s hard to think of a better deal in the city when it comes to quality and price.

Of course, a date can be about more than filling your face. And this is where HOME comes in. A superpowered replacement for the much-loved Cornerhouse cinema and cafe, this multi-layered arts venue boasts two theatres, five cinema screens, a large gallery, bar, cafe bar and bookshop. What better way of assessing your date than by their reaction to the latest arthouse film or theatre production? If their knowledge of Wes Anderson and Chekhov passes the test celebrate by nipping upstairs for a bite to eat.

Laid back and sophisticated – but not too sophisticated – Flok is a good casual option for date-night, boasting a relaxed atmosphere and wide range of quality drinks. Plus it’s fairly new and undiscovered – perfect if you’re all about earning brownie points.

The Refuge is a restaurant and bar based at The Principal hotel in Manchester. It’s an excellent choice for either grabbing a couple of drinks or a dinner date.

Bringing a touch of class to the dating scene, Harvey Nichols is the number one choice for those who like the finer things in life, but don’t want to come across as trying too hard. However, if you first met your date at the Pig & Whistle in Wigan, you might want to think again.