Some of Manchester city centre’s best-loved pubs have been out of action for most of 2021 thanks to the ongoing restrictions amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
They aren’t the only ones who’ve been out of action though.
Singletons who were previously used to playing the dating game and “shooting their shots” in person have had to embrace a year of video dates, cold winter walks and rain-soaked evenings, but next week, as ‘Step Three’ in the government’s roadmap to lifting lockdown commences – which crucially allows hospitality to reopen for indoor service – the chance to meet their match in real life will return ready for the summer.
Looking for the best places in Manchester to hit up? Global dating app, happn, has picked out the top 10 Manchester boozers for daters to pack-out from 17th May.
happn – a location-based social search mobile app – uses geolocation technology to give users the chance to find the people they’ve crossed paths with, like or dislike those people, and then subsequently chat if both parties like each other.
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The list is made up of Manchester’s hottest spots for “singles to meet singles”.
Top 10 Manchester Pubs to Meet Singles
The Briton’s Protection, Great Bridgewater Street
The Old Nag’s Head, Jackson’s Row
Grey Horse Inn, Portland Street
The Knott, Deansgate
Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, Cathedral Gates
Mother’s Mac, Back Piccadilly
The Molly House, Richmond Street
The Castle Hotel, Oldham Street
The Wharf, Slate Wharf
The Angel, Angel Street
Do you agree with this list? Had better luck elsewhere over the years?
Now that we’ve got the list of the city’s best matchmaking boozers out the way, happn has also revealed some top tips for singles who are to brush up on their flirting techniques, which you can have a read of here.
Speaking ahead of the reopening of indoor hospitality on 17th May, Marine Ravinet – Head of Trends at happn – said: “Singles may be feeling all kinds of emotions in the lead up to more freedom, and not all of these will be positive ones.
“What’s to be understood is that you’re not alone in this.
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“Nervousness is to be expected [and] what we do know is that time waits for no one so enjoy the moment and live in it – If not now, when?”
Featured Image – Freepik
Manchester
Police provide update after stabbing of 14-year-old boy at Manchester Arndale carpark
Emily Sergeant
Police have provided an update following the stabbing of a young boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
At around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Sam Jones, of GMP’s City of Manchester District CID, said this will ‘understandably’ cause concern, but has assured the public that police believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
“Detectives at the scene are working extremely hard to process the scene with Crime Scene Investigators,” explained DI Jones in an update statement issued.
“The car park is expected to be closed for several hours, so we ask for your understanding and patience whilst we gather evidence to bring these offenders to justice.
“Detectives and Officers will be in the area today to speak with local businesses and members of the public to provide reassurance. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public.
“Greater Manchester Police are committed to diligently investigating all knife crime and bringing offenders to justice, and we are asking for anyone with information about this incident to come forward to assist with our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
Manchester
Manchester parks are hosting loads of FREE Halloween-themed activities this month
Emily Sergeant
Parks across Manchester are set to host loads of Halloween-themed activities this month.
With October half term right around the corner and Halloween not far off either, it won’t be long before parents and carers are looking for ways to keep little Mancs occupied… luckily, Manchester City Council has unveiled a programme of free ‘spooktacular’ activities that’ll be happening at parks across the borough this month.
Manchester’s parks will ‘come alive’ this October half-term with a packed programme community-focussed free activities for children – including a range of lantern making workshops delivered by the parks’ teams.
There will also be pumpkin carving throughout the week, with everything provided to create a suitably scary masterpiece to take home, as well ‘Hidden Horror’ trails across 13 parks with lots of spooky characters to be discovered.
Other highlights included guided walks, cycling along the Yellow Brick Road in Debdale Park, helping to create a giant haunted house using recycled materials at Alexandra Park, and a Halloween Party at Grounded Cafe in Cringle Park.
Manchester parks are hosting loads of free Halloween-themed activities this October half term/ Credit: Max Burchill | Pierre Bouyer (via Unsplash)
And fireworks won’t be the only attraction on Bonfire Night either.
Activities on the day begin from 3pm with the chance for little ones to enjoy magical storytelling experiences from Z Arts, with hands-on crafting inspired by the story.
Dazzling fire performers will light up the event with a mesmerising display of flames, fiery choreography, and captivating skills, and the Lantern Parade prior to the main fireworks display is not to be missed.
Emily Sergeant -
14th May 2021 
