Maybe my heart is a shrivelled black pit of despair, perhaps I’m far too young, or maybe I’m just cynical. Who knows? Truth is, I’m probably just jealous, so make sure those of you who are in love do me proud and pick somewhere half-decent to do the asking.
Bridgewater Hall
I don’t know how it would be possible, but I’ve always thought it would be pretty special to ask someone to marry you in a vast concert venue. It would have to be empty- although it would be pretty cool if you could tip the BBC Philharmonic £20 and play “Ride of the Valkyries” in the interval when you get down on one knee. That would just about get them a Freddo each which seems like a fair trade.
Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St, Manchester M2 3WS
0161 907 9000
bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Crazy Wendy’s
Everybody loves campy renditions of Shirley Bassey, Elvis and Tina Turner, right? And if you don’t I would like you to go away and watch season 6 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race and come back to me with the correct answer. If you want to create a memory he/she will remember for the rest of their natural born lives, then grab a Pad Thai from Crazy Wendy’s on Burton Road and enjoy the musical stylings of the glamorous proprietress. I know you must think I’m mad, but it’s loads of fun…and I promise you won’t forget it.
Crazy Wendy’s, 210 Burton Rd, Manchester M20 2LW
0161 445 5200
www.crazywendy.co.uk/
The Temple
My friends will tell you that I spent most of my time at university sat on top of the roof bar of Big Hands chain-smoking. But, it wasn’t until this year that I paid a visit to its little sister The Temple. It is small but perfectly formed with great beer and a charming interior. Sometimes there’s a dog there too which is always a plus in my books, and it would be perfect for those who don’t want a big hullabaloo from strangers. And whoever said old public toilets weren’t romantic?
The Temple, 100 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5JW
0161 278 1610
Crystal Maze
I’m pretty sure that if, at the end of a game at The Crystal Maze I was surprised by an actual crystal (well, enormous diamond) and someone got down on one knee I would probably say yes due to all the excitement. I had to watch the show when I was a kid continuously, so it would probably be a pretty thoughtful choice for me- so to all those men out there itching to ask me, take note. Any takers? Anyone…?
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, Lower Byrom St, Manchester M3 4FP
0161 791 0727
www.the-crystal-maze.com/manchester/
Tatton Park
It is easy to forget when you are looking out on a vast vista of dirty brick and crisp packets that trees actually exist. One idea for popping the question would be putting a Waitrose picnic together and heading on over to Tatton Park to sit under a tree, with perhaps a bottle of champers, and be among some clear air for a change. Oh, and you could get married there too, which might be sweet? I don’t have a soul, so I’m not sure.
Tatton Park Gardens, Mereheath Dr, Knutsford WA16 6QN
01625 374400
www.tattonpark.org.uk
Canal Boat
Fair enough, our grotty little canal is about as far away from the beautiful blue waters of Venice as Bolton is to Bologna. However, there is something quite charming about chugging along through the city just the two of you… and a driver… and 60 other thrill seekers. We wrote an article about all the options available here in Manchester, so have a read and take your pick.
Junkyard Golf
Picture this; you’re standing there under the glowing lights of Junkyard golf, surrounded by random objects and plastic visors. You pop your hand in the hole to retrieve your golf ball, and you find in it a ring. How good would that be? And what a perfect way to make up for the fact that you did the par 3 in 16 shots. Just don’t forget which hole you put it in – that could be embarrassing when she only finds a chewing gum wrapper.
Junkyard Golf Club, Unit 1, First Street, Manchester, M15 4FN
www.junkyardgolfclub.co.uk
Cat Café
If you are ever in a situation where you aren’t 100% sure if the lucky man/woman is definitely going to say yes when you pop the question- then this might be the best option. You try and find me one person who is going to say no when she is caressing something fluffy- especially a purring kitty. If it was me, I can guess my answer would be something like ‘yeah sure whatever, just pass me the Persian.’
Cat Cafe, 103 High St, Manchester M4 1HQ
0161 222 4960
catcafe.co.uk
John Rylands Library
As one of Manchester’s oldest and most iconic buildings, The John Ryland’s Library certainly gains some extra brownie points in the charm department. Opened to the public in 1900 this Neo-Gothic library comes complete with carved stone, vaulted ceilings and lots of nooks and crannies to snuggle into and be alone. Just keep the noise down- might have to whisper the four magic words.
150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH
http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/
Heaton Park Animal Centre
Piggies, and chickens and alpacas oh my! Everyone loves some fluffy or feathered farm animals don’t they? Well maybe that’s just me, but either way, if casually strolling through Heaton Park on a sunny day and stumbling upon a giant pot belly pig with “will you marry me’ shaved into the side doesn’t scream romance than I don’t know what does.
Heaton Park Animal Centre, Manchester M25 2SW
www.heatonpark.org.uk
