14th of February, a day for lovers right? Think again as this year it also coincides with the first day of the Chinese New Year (which for astrology fans out there is the year of the tiger… grrr!)

In Manchester you can join in the celebrations between 11am – 7pm in Chinatown as well as Albert Square. There will be a range of activities going on throughout the day including traditional dragon dance, Shaolin martial arts demostrations, street stalls all topped off with a firework display at 6pm.

After all that excitement you’ll be in need of some nibbles so why not check out one of the following:

• Sweet Mandarin – Looking for something outside Chinatown then why not try the Gordon Ramsey approved Sweet Mandarin. Located in the Northern Quarter it was voted the UK’s best Chinese restaurant during the 2009 series of The F Word. Check out the Lion Head Meatballs (no lions were harmed during the making of this dish!)
• Red Chilli – Whether it be the Oxford Road or Portland Street option they both have extensive menus – though I might say I’d be giving the stir fried eel a miss.
• Wings – Popular with the celebrities (though my last spot in there was Pete Waterman, so that could be debatable) offering a chilled out vibe and excellent service.
• Yang Sing – One of Manchester’s original and best, enough said.

*licks lips… stomach rumbles*

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