Whether you and your partner are in a long term relationship, you’ve just started seeing somebody new, or you’re wanting to plan your next mate date, date nights are exciting. When on a student budget, it can sometimes be difficult to find places that are both affordable and enjoyable, meaning a takeaway and DVD can quickly become the norm.

If you’re fancying a change and want to get out of the house, here’s a round up of some great local spots that won’t break the bank!

AMC Great Northern

The Great Northern, 235 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN

The cinema may be a typical date night spot but there’s nothing wrong with that, especially when it’s as cheap as this one! Student ticket prices are discounted and you can see the latest films without struggling to find a seat in a fully booked showing. There’s also arcade games within the cinema if you fancy hanging around after the film.

Monty’s

207 Langworthy Road, Salford, M6 5PW

One of Salford’s hidden gems! This small cafebar and pizzeria serves tasty pizzas, burgers and craft beer. With regular deals offered alongside the menu and a nice, modern interior, it definitely stands out among big chain restaurants.

The Old Pint Pot

2 Adelphi Street, Salford, M3 6EN

This student friendly pub is simple yet welcoming. You can grab cheap drinks and food from the chatty staff and spend the evening chilling in the cosy interior. Sitting in the beer garden on a sunny evening is also nice.

Night & Day Cafe

26 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JN

This cool and quirky music venue doubles up as a cafe-bar, serving food and alcohol. If supporting local music is your thing, bands and artists take to the stage most evenings.

The Font

7-9 New Wakefield Street, Manchester, M1 5NP

This relaxed and trendy bar serves a range of cocktails starting from just £2! What more could you want? Spend the evening working your way through the colourful menu, in the equally colourful location.

Crazy Pedro’s

55-57 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BQ

When compared to other pizza places, this place is definitely top of the list! They offer an incredible happy hour and as the name suggests, crazy pizza flavours. The interior is cool and quirky and it’s definitely a spot that you need to try at least once.

The Frog & Bucket Comedy Club

102 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LJ

With completely free entry for students on a Monday night, this comedy club is an ideal date spot and something different! Watch as emerging comics take to the stage and enjoy food and drinks from the bar.

The Dockyard

DockHouse, MediaCityUK, Salford, M50 2EQ

This rustic ale house is located within the stunning MediaCityUK. You can enjoy a beer with a view and the food menu is great! Don’t forget to make use of the jukebox whilst you’re there too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ulLQdnwLll/?taken-by=thedockyardmcuk

Dog Bowl

Whitworth Street West, Manchester, M1 5WW

Get competitive and hit the lanes! With half price offers for students, this is a date night spot that you’ve just got to try. Loser buys the next round of drinks?

Lowry Outlet and The Lowry

The Quays, Salford, M50 3AH

Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese food, Italian food or a cheeky Nando’s, there’s really something for everyone at the Lowry Outlet, where you can grab a bite and pick up a bargain. Then why not head over to The Lowry Theatre and take advantage of their cheap ticket offers for 16-25 year olds. Whatever you do, you can always finish off the evening with a walk around the stunning Salford Quays.

Main photo: The Font, Manchester.