Congratulations! You have navigated the minefield that is Manchester's Tinder and after some awkward messages, you've progressed to Whatsapp and then finally to the Tinder date.
Well done you. Now what?
As much as we would like to say otherwise, Tinder dating, or any online dating is just not the same as meeting someone on a night out. Things are bound to be a bit more awkward. You are sober for one thing - or at least you should try to be at the start.
The destination of any such date is a tricky one. Too formal and it might feel like a husband/wife audition. Too casual and you may as well have written 'looking for fun' on your profile, if you know what I mean?
Here is a handy list of places that tread the fine line between 'Please love me, I don't want to die alone' and 'Your place or mine?'.
If they don't like tequila this might not be the place for them as it serves a ton of different types. The food is really good Mexican Cantina and the chicken wings are to die for. Staff are relaxed and the place has a really chilled out vibe which is perfect for when your date is boring you and you need to concentrate on your fourth shot of Petrone.
At the top end of town, Gorilla's food is varied and delicious and the bar is pretty casual but you could always head upstairs for one of the many gigs on any evening of the week. Heads up - the wine often comes in a pint glass, so probably not one for the WAG wannabes.
Exactly the same as Alchemist Spinningfields without the added tension of bumping into everyone you know. Food is fantastic and although it is a fully fledged restaurant it still has a bar feel to it. Who needs a date when the chicken in a basket is served in a basket shaped like a chicken!
A firm favourite in Spinningfields and great for casual drinks on a sunny day. Plus, they serve up hanging kebabs that are much tastier than they sound. Comes with the caveat that you will probably see most of the people you work with or at least one other person you've met on Tinder. You'll definitely get more Happn notifications though, if that's also your bag.
Hidden in between the betting shop and the takeaway on Deansgate, this bar is much more glamorous than its surroundings. A favourite with the Corrie lot, food is reasonably priced but be prepared to shell out for a cocktail. With names like The Lovelace Martini, they are worth every penny and will definitely get you in the good books.
Because who doesn't like eating out of a picnic basket whilst listening to some 90s RnB? Nice food and a great cocktail list, but it is a bit far away from the tram though so not ideal if you need to make a quick getaway.
If going for a meal sounds like too much pressure, the Frog and Bucket is the ideal date venue with the added bonus that you can spend most of the night not looking at your date and laughing at some of Manchester's finest comedians. Tickets are cheap and if it goes well there's always the cheesy disco afterwards. Nothing says marriage material like a stranger doing the full dance to Steps' '5, 6, 7, 8'.
Part tapas bar, part music venue, Sandanista is the perfect combination of great tunes and a casual vibe. The staff are brilliant, the soundtrack is so eclectic its impossible not to like it, and the food is quick but really tasty. Warning, its open every night until 3am and time does really fly in this place. You have been warned!
A place that serves ribs and lots of things covered in BBQ sauce sounds like the worst place to go on an awkward date. However, keep your eyes peeled as they do occasional whisky tasting evenings on a Thursday 6.30-9pm. Maybe best to check they aren't a veggie and don't mind whisky first.
Need some more date inspiration? See Time Out's guide to Manchester's best restaurants.