Dating can be a complex process, so if you’re looking for tips and ideas about dating in Manchester, you’ve come to the right place!

There are many things to consider when going on a date, especially if it’s the first one or the so-called “zero date.” With the ever-rising popularity of dating apps, more and more people are meeting up for the first time through online matches.   

For a great dating experience and to ensure your safety, we compiled expert advice on the dos and don’ts of what to do during the dating process.

Moreover, we got some tips for common sense on what to do on dates. Some of these include safety tips such as not inviting their date to a private or intimate space until they get to know them better.

We also included the best – and safest – spots and activities to go on dates in Manchester. Finally, we considered options for various budgets, like public museums, green spaces, restaurants, and coffee houses.

Zero Date vs. First Date

Before arranging a date, you must first consider the person you are dating. 

If you know your intended date from work or school, the first date option would be the best way to go. The reason is that this person will already have an element of trust, respect, and interpersonal connection from being acquainted. 

If you do not know an individual or only know them from friends or dating apps, then a zero date would be the way to go. 

Consider the zero date as merely an opportunity to see if you and this other individual can connect on a personal and emotional level. If the initial meeting is successful, it may even lead to a first date on the same day!

Who will pay for the first date? 

A new study from Badoo – a dating app with more than 390 million users worldwide – has revealed that 65% of women prefer the man to pay on a first date. 

These statistics mean that, when considering the first date, women still traditionally expect the man to pay for the dinner.

However, suppose the dating period arrives at the 3- to 6- month mark. In that case, experts recommended that both parties split the bills or take turns paying for the different dating experiences.

On a zero date, it’s customary that both individuals split the financial bills of the date. The cost of an average date in the U.K. is £129, and dividing this helps set the tone that there will be no expectations of sexual relations or other further commitments.

What is a “foodie call”?

According to a new study reported by Fox News, a new trend has been noticed in the dating scene. In the two studies done by this agency, one-third of heterosexual women only date men to get free food in the so-called “foodie dates” or “foodie calls.”

This new trend is due to several factors, one of which is the use of social media apps where women tend to target higher-quality men. There are also more men than women in the online dating market, giving women an advantage in the selection process.

Another aspect contributing to the rise of foodie calls is the increased living costs. In the studies, 23% to 33% of women admitted that they only went on dates because they needed food.

On the downside, there is no definite way to know if the zero date or first date is only a foodie call. 

Although the studies mentioned above only focused on surveying women, it’s also worth noting that this phenomenon has been observed to be perpetrated by all genders. Furthermore, it has also been known to occur in different types of relationships.

The Best Zero Date or First Date Locations

First dates and zero dates cannot go wrong when done in student coffee houses since these are public, and thus they are a safer option.

Also, these coffee shops tend to be more private and have better seating, unlike the mainstream coffeehouses like Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and others.

Independent coffee shops cannot compete with the prices of mainstream coffeehouses, but they offer a better dining experience. 

The two famous coffeehouses in Manchester are Foundation Coffee House & 200 Degrees Coffee Shop & Barista School. These establishments sell three cups of coffee for £22.50 – perfect for those on a budget!

ASK THE EXPERTS: How do I stay safe on a date?

Safety is one of the biggest concerns when going on a date with someone you barely know, and it’s a genuine concern due to the rise of date-related rape cases. So let’s first take a look at the statistics of sexual offences in the U.K.:

• The National Crime Agency has reported a 450% increase in the U.K.’s sexual offences. They also stated that there is now “a new kind of sexual offender” due to an increase in date-related rape due to online dating, rising from 33% in 2009 to 284% in 2014.
• 85% of those who reported rapes were women, while 15% were reported by men. 
• Over 40% of victims spent the first date in their homes.
• 71% of alleged rapes that occurred on the first face-to-face meeting following online contact were committed at the victim’s or offender’s residence.
• The number of rapes and sexual offences recorded in England and Wales also rose by just 31% and 19% between 2009 and 2014, respectively.

These statistics are not given to you in an attempt to scare you or put you off the dating market. However, you need to know this information so that when planning your dates, they will be safe and enjoyable experiences.

To stay safe on a first date or zero date, experts recommend that you first hold a get-to-know-you session in a public location, such as a restaurant or a cafe. 

Don’t go to the movie theatre or do something that involves sitting together in silence. In fact, it’s still best to avoid these places even during the first few weeks of the relationship.

Also, do not make arrangements to go to green spaces, parks, or places where you can feel isolated from the public eye. These spots can also make your partner feel vulnerable and uncomfortable because they do not know you well enough.

On that note, if you or your partner seem to be uncomfortable on the date, first ask them if this is something that could be resolved. Otherwise, it is recommended that you do not continue with the date.

Fun Activities to Do When Dating in Manchester

There are many activities and happenings in Manchester! However, choosing what to do on your first date depends on the person you are dating. 

A particular experience can be memorable and unique only if it’s suited to your or your date’s personality. Here are several fun activities for a first date in Manchester:

Bowling Alleys

Before going on the first date, you should hopefully gather information on what your potential partner likes to do for fun. For example, if they enjoy physical activity or are competitive, bowling is an excellent way to bond.

There are three main bowling alleys in the city of Manchester: Tenpin Manchester Printworks, Dog Bowl, and Lane7 Manchester. 

Just a tip: before taking your date to a bowling arena or bowling bar, you must check out the venue in person to ensure its ambience and safety.

Art Galleries and Museums

If your date appreciates culture and art, the Manchester Art Gallery is an excellent option. Aside from the free entrance fee, it’s the perfect space to converse, maintaining a semi-intimate space while being in a public space.

You and your date can experience contemporary and classical art at the museum, giving you more topics to discuss if you are both art enthusiasts.

There is also the People’s History Museum that will tell the story of the development of political activism in the city of Manchester.

Manchester City Centre

Another great activity that you can do for free is hanging out in the Manchester city centre. If both you and your date love taking pictures, you can bring a camera or use your smartphone to take casual photos of the urban scene.

Typically, there are activists campaigning for LGBTQA rights, the war in Ukraine, or other social issues. Police will be at activist events, meaning you and your date will be safe.

Going to activist events can be a great way to have a memorable experience and a good bonding event if you both support the cause. 

However, before doing this activity, it’s best to have a good understanding of the person you are dating. Some people do not enjoy crowds or get the same thrill of being in a group of passionate people, and there is the possibility that they will not like walking around.

What about dinner dates?

You may be wondering why there has been no mention of dinner dates in this dating guide. This is because we consider dating a way to learn about another person on an emotional and physical level – not to count how much you both chew your food.

Getting to know someone when you’re busy chewing your food can be distracting. With the goal of dating as being able to connect with a potential partner, it would be best if you focus on the conversation to get to know them well.

A dinner date on the first date is great for people who already know each other well enough before the dating stage. Thus, it should be reserved for established couples past the awkward part of getting to know each other.