Valentine's Day round-up

Valentine's Day – it's a bit like New Year's Eve in that you're obliged to do something special with it, even if you'd rather just stay in and pick your toenails. But if you're stuck for ideas for this year's grand romantic gesture, worry not. We've put together a list of possible solutions including meals out, spa days, and hotel breaks. There are also details of a Valentine's Market which will be selling gifts and cards for those who prefer to make a small to medium-sized romantic gesture that won't cost much.

Restaurants

Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant
Harvey Nichols, 21 Cathedral Street, 0161 828 8898

Head here for a five course gourmet tasting menu that can be booked alongside a champagne package for the big wheel. Highlights include compression of Goosnargh duck with spiced dates and golden raisins, and slow cooked Cheshire beef with truffle mashed potato and shallot purée. The tasting menu costs £55 per person. The spin on the wheel with champers costs £22 for two. Click here to find out more.

Linen
Manchester 235, The Great Northern, Watson Street, 0161 828 0345

Linen is offering a Valentine's menu on 13 and 14 February, 6pm-11pm, featuring champagne on arrival, a trio of starters, chateaubriand to share, and chocolate spring rolls. £40 per head (£10 per head deposit required). The a la carte menu will still be available. Click here to see the full menu.

Malmaison Liverpool
William Jessop Way, Princes Dock, 0151 229 5000

The Mal's Valentine's dinner will feature four courses plus a glass of rose prosecco with delectables such as oysters, smoked salmon and chocolate fondue all on the menu. Other options include asparagus and truffle scrambled egg for your starter, and john dory poached in sauternes wine for your main. £45 per person. To see the full menu, click here.

Obsidian
Princess Street, 0161 238 4348

At Obsidian you can have a five course menu plus a glass of champagne to start and an optional cheese course (£7 supplement). Main course options are daube of Cheshire beef or organic Scottish salmon. Available on Saturday and Sunday, day and evening, for £49.50 per person. Click here for more information.

Podium
Hilton Hotel, Deansgate, 0161 870 1688

Head to the Hilton for an indulgent Valentine's Day menu with options including lobster and crab salad with melba toast, and grilled High Peak fillet of beef with artichoke gratin, watercress purée and horseradish. Three courses for £55. Click here for a link to the menu.

The River Restaurant
The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf, 0161 827 4000

A candlelit dinner is available here on 13 and 14 February. Options include dived scallops with shallot puree and red pepper dressing, and pan fried halibut with champagne veloute, white asparagus tips and green grapes. £75 per person on 13 February and £70 per person on 14 February. Advance booking is essential. Click here for more information.

Sam's Chophouse
Chapel Walks, 0161 834 3210

Sam's is doing a special three-course Valentine's menu of traditional British food on 13 and 14 February. Options include roasted smoked salmon, roast beef dinner, and fig bakewell tart. £29.95 per person. Click here to see the full menu.

Velvet
2 Canal Street, 0161 236 9003

Velvet are putting on a special four course Valentine's Day menu (Sunday 14 only) with pink fizz and canapés on arrival. Options include quail stuffed with pork and apple, duo of duck with winter fruit compote and fondant potato, and duo of chocolate fondue to share. £60 per couple. Click here to see the full menu.

Zaika
Great Northern Tower, Watson Street, 0161 839 5111

Curry lovers should try this four course Valentine's dinner including a glass of champagne on arrival, popadoms and condiments, an aphrodisiac Valentine starter for two, a choice of main courses, and a dessert made especially for the occasion. Diners on 14 February will be entered into a draw to win a bottle of Crystal Louis Brut Champagne. £23.95 per head. You need to download a voucher to take advantage of this offer – click here.

Hotels

Park Inn
4 Cheetham Hill Road, 0161 837 8205

The city centre hotel is offering three Valentine's packages which all include a three course dinner at RBG, a night's accommodation, breakfast in bed, and full use of the health club and swimming pool. Prices start at £142 per couple. Click here for more information.

Macdonald Hotel
City centre Manchester and near Tarporley in Cheshire

The Macdonald Hotel in Manchester and the Macdonald Portal Hotel in Cheshire are both offering an overnight stay, a full-hour spa treatment, and a two course meal for two, for £150 per couple. Choose between a stay in the city centre, or a rural break – the Cheshire hotel is near to Delamere Forest and has its own swimming pool and golf course. For more information, click here.

Malmaison Liverpool
William Jessop Way, Princes Dock, 0151 229 5000

The Mal in Liverpool has two special Valentine's packages. Choose from one night's bed and breakfast plus a cocktail each for £125 per couple, or the exclusive Kirsty Doyle package which includes one night's bed and breakfast plus a cocktail each and a beautiful robe designed by Project Catwalk winner Kirsty Doyle (RRP £205) for £275. Click here to find out more.

Spas

Macdonald Hotel Spa
City Centre Manchester and Near Tarporley in Cheshire

The Macdonald Hotel in Manchester and the Macdonald Portal Hotel in Cheshire are offering two-for-one on spa days. You pay £80 for a one hour treatment and full use of the spa facilities and get the same again for free – making it ideal for couples. The package is available as a gift voucher. Click here for more information.

Lowry Spa
The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf, 0161 827 4034

The Lowry Spa has two special 'couple's packages' – one which includes a full body massage in the couples treatment room, then a glass of champagne and strawberries (£130), and one which includes a full body massage and a facial in the couples room plus a glass of champagne (£185). The packages are available as gift vouchers. Click here for more information.

Shopping

Valentine's Market
Piccadilly Gardens

The Valentine's Market on 12 and 13 February will be selling thoughtful, original gifts, such as custom-made cookies, luxury aromatherapy products, glass art and jewellery, and hand-made cards. There'll also be a flower market, and a real food market – handy if you're planning on rustling up a romantic meal at home.