Activities 

Throw axes at Whistle Punks and discover who the axe throwing champion is this Valentine’s Day. In a social lane you will be in a group of ten who will be taught how to sling steel by one of the expert instructors. You will practise your throws before going head to head in a tournament that will determine who the champion is. Book one of their date night tickets that are available Sunday – Wednesday for only £49. This ticket covers two people and includes a drink each and one of their delicious pizzas to share. 

Found in The Light along the Headrow is Leeds’ biggest Roxy Lanes venue. Here you can challenge your date to a series of games with air hockey, American pool, basketball, ice-free curling, shuffleboard and ten-pin bowling found inside. If you get a bit peckish whilst playing your way through all the games they have available, you can enjoy some American style pizzas, hotdogs and some of their tasty sides. The Boar Lane location is just as great with a couple different games you can’t find in The Light such as ping pong, beer pong and Roxy golf. 

Flight Club can be found along Park Row and the impressive decor creates a perfectly quirky atmosphere for a Valentine’s date. Here you can enjoy a cheeky cocktail, or more like a few, whilst playing fast-paced games of darts in one of their social lanes. Cosy up in one of the many comfy spots to chat the night away in between throwing darts and sipping cocktails. This laid-backed environment mixed in with the exciting games make it a must-visit activity for this Valentine’s Day. 

Around the corner is the surprisingly exciting and competitive Electric Shuffle. This fairly new venue is home to a classic shuffleboard experience that you and your date can enjoy in one of their semi-private areas. Whilst you shuffle the night away you can enjoy some of their delicious sharing pizzas, burgers or wraps. Wash all that tasty food down with one of their innovative house cocktails or share one of their £40 sharing trophy cocktails that are perfect to enjoy when celebrating the darts winner! 

Restaurants

Michelin recommended Tharavadu is home to vibrant, traditional Kerala flavours and has become a favourite dining spot for many in Leeds. If you or your partner are lovers of Indian cuisine but are looking for something different from the usual curry houses, this is the place to visit this Valentine’s. Dishes to indulge in from their A La Carte menu include fragrant soups such as Chemmeen Rasam, delightful Dosas, curries from the coast and even more tasty, traditional dishes you can’t find anywhere else in the city. 

Take your partner for a classy, upmarket dinner and drinks at DoubleTree by Hilton. Within the Hilton there is The Lock Kitchen and Bar who have crafted the perfect valentines meal for you and yours, starting from £10.95 you get a special valentines cocktail and the choice of one, two, or three meals. This menu is only available 10th-14th of February and all plates are designed for sharing in true couple style, what’s mine is yours! Or take it up a notch and spend your valentines looking over the beautiful Leeds skyline at Sky Lounge. As a valentines special, Sky Lounge are deviating away from their usual afternoon tea and offering exclusive sharing platters, paired with a bottle of wine, champagne or a love-themed cocktail for a picture perfect date night.

Enjoy the casual setting at Sarto for a relaxed Valentine’s meal where you can chill, enjoy each other’s company and indulge in some fresh, handmade pasta. The freshly made pasta is the foundation of their menu with mouth-watering dishes such as pan-fried gnocchi with jerusalem artichoke puree, hazelnut and nutmeg, fettuccini with wild mushrooms and marsala cream, and much more. Their impressive drinks menu includes a range of red and white wine, as well as a Mirabello Pinot Grigio, that will make the romantic night extra magical. 

The beautifully floral Fleur is an amazing restaurant with a stunning interior and relaxed dining atmosphere perfect for your Valentine’s date this year. Contemporary British cuisine with a twist from flavours all around the world can be found on the Fleur menu for you to enjoy. Dinner specialties you can enjoy during your date include their signature pink cheese samosa, slow-braised lamb steak, the 6oz 28-day aged sirloin and many more amazing dishes full of vibrant flavours and hints of aromatic spices. 

Bars 

Head down to The Basement on South Parade to find the cocktail bar, Below Stairs. Here cocktails tell stories with each house created cocktails that aim to replicate sensory and emotive stories that make it easy for everyone to pick a cocktail they will love. The cocktail menu includes intriguing drinks such as Hope, Primary Education, the Individualist and the First Love, First Kiss cocktail for lovers with a deep connection, perfect for a Valentine’s Day date.

The Domino is home to an array of some of Leeds’ best cocktails, as well as jazz, blues, funk and soul music to make the night’s atmosphere extra relaxed and romantic. There is live music to be enjoyed every night at The Domino with nights dedicated to different genres of music. Find the night that suits your music taste the best and enjoy a romantic Valentine’s night with amazing vibes. The drinks menu includes cocktails such as Afternoon Chai, Zero Waste Collins, Midsummer Martini and N.O.T.O.R.I.O.U.S as well as many more you can enjoy. 

Pixel Bar is the perfect bar for couples who love video gaming and quirky dates. The lively, neon bar has a plethora of Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo Switch games with something everyone will have fun playing. Mainly four player games are available, but a few two player games can also be found inside and are perfect for couples to enjoy together. Game inspired cocktails such as the jigglypuff and Princess Peach are on the menu with happy hour on until 9pm everyday with a 2-4-1 cocktail deal available as long as the cocktails are the same. 

Shops for gifts 

Treat your partner to a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Chu’s Floral. Make Valentine’s extra special with a beautifully crafted bouquet full of your partner’s favourite flowers. Or go classic with a stunning bouquet of beautiful and fragrant roses. There are so many creative options for your bouquet so make sure you pick up something special from Chu’s Floral. 

Latitude Wine is a great gift shopping location if your partner is an avid wine lover, or dabbles in spirits and liquors. Their huge collection of wine reaches over 900 products with a variety of different regions, certifications, styles, grapes and ages with prices ranging from £4.50 to £250. There truly is a wine that is perfect for everyone’s taste buds and budgets. For liquor and spirits lovers there is a wide variety of over 700 products with prices from £3.50 to £240. Ranging from absinthe, gin and bitters to vodka, whiskey and rum there is a huge selection to choose from. 

If your partner is an avid fashion lover or self-described fashionista, HIP is a modern clothing store full of perfect potential Valentine’s gifts. They sell mens and womenswear with every type of clothing or accessories you could possibly think of. Menswear includes brands such as Adidas Original, Stussy, Polo, Ralph Lauren, Norse Project, YMC and more. Womenswear stocks brands such as Patagonia, OTTI, Brain Dead, Fred Perry, Girls of Dust and much more. Living items such as homeware and self-care are also sold here. If you are a student, you are in luck as you can save 20% when shopping here. There is a huge variety of products you can treat your partner to this Valentine’s, or many visit in store and treat your partner to a mini shopping spree to pick out their favourite item.

Photos: Electric Shuffle, Below Stairs, Whistle Punks, Tharavadu, Chu’s Floral