This Sunday 19th June is the one day of the year (we’re told) that you should be celebrating your dad, and as expected, venues, bars and restaurants across the city are pulling out all the stops so you can put a big smile on his face.
From FREE bottomless Boddingtons, FREE Burgers and even HUGE tomahawk steaks (that he definitely won’t want to share), there’s something for every dad who likes to eat too much and drink too much. But we’ve also added more events and happenings in here too that don’t revolve around that – so if he’s a big fan of sport, likes the outdoors or is a secret raver – we’ve got you covered too.
Dads Who Love Food
FREE Burgers at Almost Famous
This Sunday Almost Famous is offering all Dads FREE burgers to celebrate Father’s Day! Whether he’s into triple patty stacks or something with a kick, the burger joint has you covered, as it has plenty of diverse options to choose from. All you have to do is book a table on Sunday 19th June and take your Dad along to claim the discount!
FREE Beer and a Slap Up Sunday Roast at Zouk
Zouk is offering a free bottle of Kingfisher or a soft drink to all Dads this Sunday! The restaurant will also serve up its super Sunday Roast from 12pm to 5pm and there’s also a range of curries, biryanis and Zouk’s delicious grilled sharing platter on offer, too. It’s a great place to stop off for an alternative Sunday Roast and a bit of alfresco dining.
Dads Eat for FREE at La Bandera
The city centre Spanish restaurant are offering dads a FREE meal when you book in advance and dine in on Sunday 19th June. Order 6 or more tapas for your table and dad will get the cheapest 3 totally free! All you need to do is use the code ‘DAD22’ when booking.
Free drink for Dad at Vero Moderno
Salford’s popular Italian restaurant, Vero Moderno is also famous for its weekly Sunday feast. This weekend, the eatery is offering Dad’s their first drink on the house if you quote ‘PAPA’ when making a reservation. With a selection of porchetta, rolled lamb belly and slow roasted chicken all on offer, alongside the restaurant’s knock-out a la carte menu, there’s bound to be something to take Dad’s fancy at this authentic restaurant.
Tomahawk Steak Dinner with FREE Beer at Firefly
This Fathers Day Firefly is presenting its ‘ultimate roast experience’, which consists of a prime rib tomahawk sharing roast with all of the trimmings for £70. Alongside the roast, Dad will also get a complimentary beer and some time to wind down with live acoustic music all day in Firefly’s jungle utopia.
FREE Pint and Bottomless Pizza at Ramona
All Dads get a pint of their choice on the house this Sunday at Ramona, and the outdoor Detroit-style pizza paradise is also offering BOTTOMLESS slices from 12pm – 5pm! The offer is valid on any slices, and you’d be a fool not to pair the slabs with a plate of Tater Tots, too, as they’re truly some of the best potato-based side dishes you can get in the city.
25% OFF at Ate Days a Week
Father’s Day is the very last day you can claim the exclusive Manchester’s Finest discount on Ate Days a Week’s menu when booking a table in the restaurant’s upstairs dining area. The award-winning pie shop is known for its signature pies that cover breakfast, lunch and dinner, with cheeseburger and lasagna based pastries making the menu. I highly doubt that there’s many Dad’s that don’t love a pie and mash tea, so this one’s a no brainer really! Just quote ‘MCRFINEST’ when booking your table to claim the 25% offer.
FREE Pint with Any Burger at Shack
Burgers and beers are surely one of the best ways to Dad’s heart, right? Shack in Northern Quarter is offering every Dad a free pint of beer when you treat them to a burger this Sunday, and with 13 burgers making up its menu, there’s sure to be something for every kind of taste up for grabs! If we were to recommend anything, though, it’d have to be the Salt & Pepper Stack burger, which comes with a double chicken breast tossed in salt and pepper seasoning, spring onions, chillies, slaw and garlic and chilli sauce.
2 Lasagne Slabs & Garlic Bread for £25 (+ a FREE Pint for Dad) at Alvarium
Lazy Tony’s are currently serving up their legendary lasagne slabs from the kitchen at Northern Quarter bar Alvarium, and this Father’s Day they’ve got a great offer going. They’re doing 2x slabs of lasagne and garlic bread for just £25, plus dad gets a FREE pint.
WOOD’s Father’s Day Steak & Cheese Boxes
Last Day to Order – Tuesday 14th June
Manchester’s fine-dining institution, WOOD has announced ‘WOOD At Home Boxes’ to treat your Dad to this Father’s Day. You can choose from either the Woodkraft Breakfast Box, the Father’s Day Steak and Cheese Box or, if your Dad’s been particularly good over the past year, you can purchase both at a slightly discounted price. They all consist of the very best local produce, all chosen by MasterChef winner, Simon Wood himself. Tuesday 14th June is the very last day to order the boxes, so be quick if you’re treating Dad to some at-home fine dining this weekend.
Dads who love the Outdoors
Join in with Manchester Day Celebrations
Father’s Day also falls on Manchester Day this year, and the city will be awash with colour and dancing as the official Manchester Day parade snakes its way through the city centre. Along the way there’s plenty of music, entertainment and great food and drink – enough to keep your dad interested (until you spy a pub).
Go for a ‘Weekend Walk’
Perfect for dads who like to go for a ramble in the countryside, regaling you with facts about geology movements and the occasional tidbit on wild plants, take him out for a walk this weekend. Over the years we’ve amassed a varied database of some truly wonderful walks around Greater Manchester, including the forgotten Japanese gardens of Rivington, the savage scapes of Lud’s Church and most recently – the waterfalls and wonders of Hebden Bridge.
RHS Garden Bridgewater
Just on the outskirts of Manchester in Worsley you’ll find RHS Garden Bridgewater, a stunning 156-acre site that opened up to much fanfare last year. If your dad is a keen gardener, or just enjoys walking around garden centres on a Sunday – this is the place to take him. The Bee & Butterfly Garden is looking particularly spectacular at the moment, as is their Paradise Garden.
Dads Who Love Music
Electric Chair Rainy City Reunion with Joaquin ‘Joe’ Claussell at Escape to Freight Island
This Sunday as part of its brand-new ‘Better Days’ series, Escape to Freight Island is hosting a free party for Dad. Headlined by one of the most world-renowned DJs, Joaquin ‘Joe’ Claussell the afternoon will be a celebration of the finest music selectoris, alongside alfresco BBQ food, pop-up shops and a family disco. In support will be Unabombers, Lil’minx and Neil Diablo – a collection of Manchester artists with a pedigree that speaks for itself.
Adam Ant at The Bridgewater Hall
This Sunday, none other than Prince Charming and pop icon himself, Adam Ant will play a special gig at the Bridgewater Hall. This is a perfect present for any Dad from the New Romantic era, as the musician will play a set list of classics sure to get guests’ feet moving. His music defines a generation, one that your Dad was probably part of, so make sure you grab a ticket now while there are still some available.
Elvana Unplugged at The Lowry
An Elvis fronted Nirvana tribute band is something that any Dad will surely get behind, especially when it falls on the day of Father’s Day. Elvana are currently touring their first ever unplugged show, which emulates the iconic Nirvana unplugged gig from 1993, but puts tongue in cheek, Elvis Presley spins on hits such as ‘Lake of Fire’ and ‘Jesus Don’t Want Me For a Sunbeam’.
Manchester Music Tours
It can be said that Manchester’s music scene is completely unrivalled, and this Father’s Day you can book a unique tour to explore the city region’s musical heritage, from Salford Lads Club through to the infamous Sifters Records. Founded by the drummer of Inspiral Carpets, Craig Dill, Manchester Music Tours is a unique way to learn about the history and legacy of Manchester’s music scene. With unique tours tailored to your favourite bands, this makes the perfect Father’s Day gift for any Manchester music lover.
Deptford Northern Soul Club at YES
South London-based DJs and label, Deptford Northern Soul Club have reinvented the new-age Northern Soul scene, transporting punters straight back to the dancefloors of the Twisted Wheel and Wigan Casino. This is a great event for any Dad with a passion for the Northern Soul dance subculture, especially if he’s partial to a pair of loafers and a Fred Perry, too.
Dads who love Booze
FREE Bottomless Boddingtons at The Black Friar
Book a table at Salford’s The Black Friar pub on Sunday 19th June and dads will get bottomless Boddingtons to go with their food. An old Boddies pub and a literal stone’s throw from the brewery when it was open, there’s no better place in the city for a pint of the ‘Cream of Manchester’, never mind bottomless ones.
FREE Bottle of Rum at Three Little Words
With their outstanding Sunday Roasts, excellent cocktails and now – FREE bottles of rum and branded glasses for the first 100 dads that head on down to Three Little Words’ ‘Feed the Soul Sunday’. Alongside the giveaway, they’ll also be offering £6.50 doubles across the One-Eyed Rebel rum range (which includes a mixer).
World Whisky Tasting at Harvey Nichols
If your dad enjoys a tipple, then this masterclass from Harvey Nichols is perfect. Expand his horizons with their ‘world tour’ of five radically different expressions of whisky, all pre-selected by their expert. Taking place on Thursday 23rd June at 6pm, it’s £30 per person with £10 redeemable on whisky products purchased at the event.
Complimentary Beer and a Shindigger Pop-Up at The Refuge
The Refuge at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, is hosting the ultimate Father’s Day shindig this Sunday 19th June. The Father’s Day special will feature an exclusive mini partnership with ShinDigger Brewery Co. who will be hosting a pop-up store sampling its best-selling homebrews. While food choices span from The Refuge’s legendary Sunday roast, dads and father figures will be treated to one complimentary beer. Completing the line-up is the finest local DJs to keep things groovy.
FREE Bottomless Madri at The Botanist
Book brunch, a Sunday Roast or a main meal at The Botanist on Sunday 19th June and dads will get bottomless Madri (for FREE) throughout the booking.
Slane Irish Whiskey Tasting at The Whiskey Jar
If your dad is a fan of whiskey, or even whisky, then this event at The Whiskey Jar is perfect for him. Taking place on Thursday 30th June, Slane Irish Whiskey will be taking over the Northern Quarter bar, with 4 bottles to try, a complimentary cocktail and a seminar with the distilling experts.
The Brewer’s Mile
Manchester is home to a world-class brewing scene, and if your dad likes his IPAs, his DIPAs, his Sessions and his Pales, then the city’s myriad of expert brewers can make his Father’s Day even more special. Most of the taprooms are open on Saturday, so its best to go then, but you can make your way from one end of town to the other, visiting the likes of Cloudwater, Track, Beatnikz and more, tasting their delicious brews as you go.
Finest Day Out: “The Brewer’s Mile”
Dads who love Sport
Cricket Competition at SIXES
Sixes, the social cricket venue in the Corn Exchange, is running a UK-wide competition on Father’s Day, trying to discover the ‘King of the Crease’ with the winner getting an hour of free batting, a meal for four and tickets to The Hundred cricket matches. All you need to do is get yourself booked into a net on Father’s Day and you’ll go head-to-head against the rest of the UK via their nationwide leaderboard. Reckon your dad has what it takes? Or will he end up looking a bit silly?
Urban Axe Throwing (with Beers)
Okay so this hasn’t been a ‘sport’ since the time of Braveheart, and even then it came second fiddle to caber tossing. Axe throwing is still very competitive, so will be perfect for dads who enjoy a bit of sport, and like to think of themselves as an action movie star. This Father’s Day at Whistle Punks in the Great Northern, they’ve got an offer of two tickets to throw axes and a bucket of craft beers for £75.
60s Football, Comedy and a Family Rooftop Rave
A brand-new addition to the ABC Building on Quay Street, Roofdeck and Dome is a new rooftop space, which will be opening up with a packed weekend of activities over the Father’s Day weekend. Sunday will kick off with morning Yoga, followed by a Family Rave hosted by Big Fish Little Fish. Then there’ll be classic 60s football matches screened before stand-up comedy from 7pm. To get tickets for this – head here…
Flight Club Social Darts
The ultimate ‘dad sport’ (alongside golf, fishing and picking your arse), darts is well-covered in the city centre by the fantastic Flight Club on King Street. This isn’t your usual pub game of darts, this is ‘social darts’ and there’s a load of different games to play, with modern twists on the usual 501, all of which can be enjoyed alongside pizzas and cocktails. They also do a bottomless offer on weekends, so if your dad likes Prosecco – even better.
An Evening with the Manchester United Treble Winning Legends
If your dad is a fan of Man Utd, or even just footy in general, then tickets for this event on the 19th June would go down very, very well indeed. Jaap Stam will be leading the line-up of United treble winners, with Dwight Yorke and Denis Irwin also making an appearance. It’ll be a live and unscripted interview with the trio, reminiscing about their football memories and a real-life insight into behind the scenes of the 1999 treble-winning side.
