For those of us lucky enough to have secured dates for Valentine’s day, it’s a case of one hurdle down and another to go, as the next question that we repeatedly debate with our friends is where on earth is the best location for the date. Is a dinner and drinks combination too generic for an uber cool student couple? Is going to see a show a little too much for a Valentine’s date and even if it’s not, do we really have the money to spend on such extravagances? With all these pros and cons to weigh up when considering a date location it’s no wonder it can be a stressful time, so we’re making your life easier by suggesting some of the best date locations in Leeds, because really, between uni work, society commitments and a social life who has time for such worries anyway?
- The Classic Dinner Date
A dinner date is a classic for a reason. Who doesn’t like a few drinks, tasty food and good conversation? With so many restaurants in Leeds to choose from there’s something to fit any budget and suit even the most fussy of eaters. If you’re looking for a date to dress up for then maybe Piccolino on Park Row would be of interest or if a more relaxed, quirky setting would suit you then why not try LS6 on Headingley Lane? A simple google search will come up with a vast number of restaurants and all you have to do is choose the one that suits you best!
- A Romantic Night In
This allows you to save some pennies while enjoying the intimate setting of your own home. You could cook your date’s favourite meal and eat by candle light which, according to every rom-com, is of course obligatory for a romantic evening.
However, if the current state of your sink over flowing with dirty plates in your student kitchen doesn’t quite inspire your culinary talents, then why not order a take away and watch a film together instead, which can be equally as romantic.
- Attend a Show
While a big theatre production may seem enticing, not every student budget can quite stretch to this for Valentine’s Day, so perhaps a University production may suffice instead. LUU Theatre Group are showing a production of The Face on Valentine’s Day and with talented young performers entertaining you at affordable prices this may be a chance to impress your date with your original idea for an alternative Valentine’s date. No one needs to know that Her Campus inspired you!
http://www.leedstickets.com/eventinfo/3620/That-Face-LUU-Theatre-Group
- A Bar Crawl For Two
No doubt you’ve been to Call Lane many times as it’s one of the best areas in Leeds for bars, so how about replicating all the good nights out you’ve had there with your date? Make an earlier start than usual to avoid the crowds and enjoy sipping cocktails, talking, dancing and laughing together at any particularly funny drunks you may see along the way.
- A Traditional Cinema Trip
A trip to the cinema is a tried and tested date location success. The cosy, dark setting is the perfect place to enjoy a film together and if you’re looking to make it a little more special try booking tickets for the balcony at the Hyde Park Picture house. If your worry is that you won’t get enough time to talk to each other on a
cinema date then follow it up by heading to the nearest bar or pub for a few drinks afterwards. Don’t forget to book cinema tickets in advance though as they are bound to sell out for Valentine’s Day.
- Ice Skating For a Winter Theme
The ice rink that is currently in Millennium Square provides another opportunity to do something a little different with your Valentine’s date. You can finally succumb to the romantic notion of ice skating where you wrap up warm while your handsome date holds your hand and glides you artfully around the rink. While the reality may be that you both fall over a few times and bump into each other, the fun you’ll have laughing about it together will undoubtedly make the ice rink a perfect date location anyway.
In a vibrant city like Leeds there is no reason to stress about where to go on your Valentine’s Day date as there are so many options from the classic to the unique, and if your date doesn’t enjoy spending time with you on one of these dates then he clearly wasn’t worth the stress anyway.
Pictures: