Celebrating Palentine’s / Galentine’s Day in Manchester

Drawing on intimate summer nights spent on Mediterranean isles and Californian sunset strips, The Firehouse promises ‘slow fires’ and ‘wild spirits’ – the perfect combination for any girls night. Located in an ex-MOT garage, the venue is both a lazy brunch hangout come morning and a decadent performance venue in the evening – regardless of the time of day, it’s all about enjoying stellar company around an open fire. The menu revolves around its signature Firehouse chicken, charred over a flame with peri spices, accompanied by a range of rustic sides. When it comes to the drinks, The Firehouse specialises in the signature spirits of Latin America – including tequila, mezcal and cachaça, complimented with fresh ingredients such as sugarcane, agave and grape.

In the heart of the Northern Quarter, rows upon rows of benches line the road outside Common, a popular joint serving ginormous slices of pizza, its own beer and one of the most enduring happy hours in town. With its casual atmosphere and budget cocktail menu, the venue has everything you need to grab a group of mates and kick back. Permanently occupying the kitchen is Nell’s Pizza, a family-run business operated by husband and wife dream team, Jonny and Charlotte Heyes, who derived the name Nell’s from their kids’ initials. These are not your average pizzas – taking inspiration from across the pond, the 22-inch New York-style slabs are thin and fully loaded, with a focus on ingredients from local suppliers, such as the Crafty Cheesemen and Littlewoods Butchers.

Arguably the best venue in town to enjoy with your girlfriends, The Washhouse is a must-visit  for any Galentine’s Day celebrations. This humble laundrette has done an impressive job of disguising its true intentions, not only with the storefront but on the website too. Behind the mock facade of coin-operated washing machines and vintage tumble driers, there’s a chic speakeasy bar where you can dress up to the nines and live out all of your Roaring Twenties fantasies. Spin the 1970s dial phone to enter and settle into the cosy setting with leather booths, dim lighting and an innovative cocktail list – carefully crafted by expert mixologists and accompanied with flashy spectacles and special effects.

As the ultimate hangout for friendship groups everywhere, it was a sad day when Northern Quarter institution Jimmy’s was forced to shut its doors in 2019. Fast forward to 2023 and the beloved basement bar has found a new home on the lively Cutting Room Square in Ancoats. Now set over two floors with an outdoor terrace, Jimmy’s is still the go-to spot for all things rock and roll in Manchester – despite no longer having a licence for live music. From the signature neon signs and playlist of indie hits, to the dedicated barbecue restaurant upstairs, it’s the perfect venue to celebrate the closest people in your life. Pizza purveyors Corner Slice have also set up shop in the open kitchen, serving impressive Detroit-style slabs topped with everything from Shawarma chicken to Korean cauliflower.

If your gals and pals enjoy the more sophisticated things in life, The Jane Eyre is a neighbourhood bar serving classic cocktails and seasonal small plates. Named after the late mum of the Eyre siblings, and not a familiar Gothic heroine, the cocktail menu is pride of place here, crafted by a skilled team behind the bar and using unique ingredients such as egg whites, fortified rhubarb wine and champagne acid. When it comes to the food offering, the small plates are designed for sharing with friends – there’s a clear Mediterranean influence with dishes including  sea bass chowder, marinated pork chop and patatas bravas. Finish the evening with a massive cheese plate, a decadent affogato or Jane’s signature chocolate biscuit cake.

Serving everything from boozy brunches to the full Sunday spread, The Smithfield Social is the ideal spot for all your social antics this February. Inspired by the modern aesthetic of New York cafe culture while still paying homage to the historic Smithfield Market down the road, the venue combines original small plates with an extensive list of tipples. Founded by The Courteener’s star and Manchester’s own indie darling, Liam Fray, the venue’s all-day menu takes inspiration from the frontman’s globetrotting tours, with influences from Italy and Asia alike. With its floral outdoor terrace and contemporary cocktails, there’s no surprise The Smithfield Social is now a magnet for millennial friendship groups.

Nestled right between Stockport and Ashton-Under-Lyne, Ornella’s Kitchen is like the James Bond of pasta joints—it’s a hidden gem with a license to thrill your taste buds! They’ve been nominated for Affordable Eats and Neighbourhood Venue awards at this year’s Manchester Food and Drink Festival, and once you step inside, you’ll totally get why.

The main dishes come in two sizes—small and regular, priced at a wallet-friendly £6.50 and around £11.50 respectively. So, whether you’re looking for a quick pasta fix or planning a feast with friends, Ornella’s is your go-to spot. From lobster ravioli to Sicilian wild fennel and anchovies, their menu is a parade of pasta wonders. Plus, they’ve got sides, brunch, ciabatta sandwiches, and small plates like arancini and minestrone soup. It’s basically the perfect place to carb-load on gorgeous Italian grub with your mates.

Picture this: four mates decide to create the ultimate local hangout, and boom, FOLK. is born. This stylish joint in the ever-growing Didsbury area is not just a bar; it’s a vibe. With a lively and inclusive atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to honour friendship and solidarity. Plus, it’s conveniently located near parks like Fletcher Moss Park and Chorlton Water Park, and getting to the city centre is a breeze on the tram.

FOLK. serves up a mix of cocktails, mocktails, and small plates that cater to all tastes. It’s the ideal spot to gather your pals, swap stories, and revel in the spirit of sisterhood. From their Folk Fry Up to the Burrata, Prosciutto and Hot Honey, the menu is a symphony of deliciousness. And let’s not forget the pan-roasted seabass—a true hero dish. Wash it down with a pint of Paulaner or a Northern Monk beer, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a memorable Galentine’s Day.

If Valentine’s Day isn’t your thing, head to Black Dog NQ underneath Affleck’s for a wild night of fun with friends. This New York-inspired joint, with a giant pool hall, brings out your competitive side in the friendliest way possible. Open until the wee hours, it’s the ultimate spot for a night that stretches into the early morning.

Expect a cocktail menu that’ll keep the party going, with names like Hawaii, Kentucky, or New Orleans. A DJ spinning some bangers? Check. Food served by Smash and Dash, pizza specialists extraordinaire? Double-check. From loaded fries to mouth-watering pizzas, Black Dog sets the stage for laughter, shared stories, and unforgettable moments. It’s the place to be for a Galentine’s Day celebration that embraces the true spirit of friendship in Manchester.

Proove is the pizza joint that Manchester can’t get enough of, and it’s the perfect spot for a friend-filled feast. Tucked away in the trendy West Didsbury area, Proove offers an intimate setting that’s ideal for a Galentine’s Day celebration with your close mates.

Known for their authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, Proove creates an atmosphere that’s as warm and inviting as their wood-fired oven. From funghi and San Daniele pizzas to dessert delights like tiramisu and sorbet, Proove’s menu is a pizza lover’s dream. And it’s not just about pizzas—they’ve got a spread of small plates and starters, including bruschetta, arancino, and caprese salad. Sharing scrumptious food in the welcoming ambiance of Proove West Didsbury guarantees a Galentine’s Day to remember in Manchester.