The Butcher restaurant, the best burgers in Manchester, only at Urban Playground

Saturday night hangout ideas in Manchester

Are you looking for new hangout ideas to liven up your Saturday nights? Well, look no further. Urban Playground is a new, innovative entertainment venue that's packed with activities and food and drink options. You'll never have to spend a Saturday at home feeling bored again. Call up your friends and head down to Urban Playground for some of the most memorable nights out in Manchester.

Here are just a few of the must-do activities at Urban Playground this Saturday night:

THE CUBE Live Experience

Your favourite game show comes to life at Urban Playground's THE CUBE Live! Give it a go with friends and see how you cope when completing deceivingly simple tasks under serious pressure. THE CUBE Live features all of your favourite games from the original TV series. In teams of up to four people, you will compete in seven games, both single and two-player. THE CUBE live makes a Saturday night out in Manchester like no other, and it's even more fun after sinking a few tasty cocktails beforehand.

Mini-golf

If pressured games aren't really your thing, we've got you covered. Our techy crazy golf in Manchester is the perfect Saturday night out for friends. At every hole, you'll find a different experience, brought to life with innovative animation and sound. You'll finish the course with 'The Loop' - do you have it in you to beat it?

There are three different nine-hole challenges to try, allowing you to get competitive with your family and friends in groups of up to six. Putting sessions last 45 minutes and are available up until 10:15 pm on Saturday nights. No one will be going home early on a weekend at Urban Playground.
Serving the best beef burgers at The Butcher restaurant, at the Urban Playground Manchester

Dinner at THE BUTCHER

After all that mini-golf and high-pressure action in THE CUBE, you'll no doubt be hungry. Round off the perfect Saturday night out at our favourite place to eat in Manchester, THE BUTCHER. Calling all meat lovers, the chefs work with the best quality products to provide you with the tastiest burgers around. Our recommendation? The Aberdeen Angus beef burger. For those seeking meat-free options, there is also a selection of vegan and veggie alternatives, so there's no need to worry about finding a restaurant to suit a range of dietary needs.

Urban Playground promises to bring you and your friends a night out like no other in Manchester. Our selection of unique entertainment means you won't let a weekend go by without a trip to Urban Playground. So what are you waiting for? Get your next Saturday night out with the squad planned in with us today. We promise you won't regret it!


Inside Urban Playground in Manchester

Ready to try something new on your next night out in Manchester?

When you're thinking about having a night out in Manchester, sometimes the standard plan of going to a club isn't something your group is looking for. After all, heading out for drinks can start to feel the same after a while. Below, we take a look at why you should try something new and recommend some fun activity nights out in Manchester to try.

Why try something new?

Manchester has a lot to offer and is an attractive city no matter what time of day you're visiting. However, sometimes going for the same night out week after week just doesn't cut it. Some of the reasons you might want to try something new include:

  • Avoid burnout: Going for the same nights out to the same clubs each week can lead to burnout. This might mean you eventually stop going altogether!
  • Great variety: Manchester has a lot to offer anyone looking for adventure, so doing something different each week couldn't be easier.
  • Cater to different tastes: Everyone likes different things, so changing your nights out from time to time means all of your friends have a great time.

Where to go

If you want to try somewhere new, Urban Playground is a perfect choice. Urban Playground is huge and includes a range of different experiences. If you're looking for a fun throwback to the TV shows of your teens, dive headfirst into THE CUBE Live, taking on some of the challenges you saw and loved on TV. After facing the pressure in THE CUBE Live, relax on the crazy golf course at Putter's - although if you and your friends are competitive, you can always turn this into a challenge too! Maybe the loser buys the first round of drinks?

Once you've made the most of one of the best activity nights out in Manchester, you might fancy a bite to eat. THE BUTCHER has a range of delicious dishes on offer, creating some of the best burgers in the city. You can pair this delicious meal with one of our tasty cocktails or drinks from the bar. Urban Playground offers everything you could need for a fun night out in one place, so you don't have to waste time walking from bar to bar.

Book a trip to Urban Playground

If you're looking to make the most of your trip to Urban Playground, be sure to book a time slot for the activities to avoid disappointment. We know you'll love challenging yourself in the iconic THE CUBE Live and trying to beat your mates at Putters on your next night out.


The best crazy golf in Manchester

Who doesn't love mini-golf? It's a fun day out with your friends and a chance to try your hand at some surprisingly tricky tests of skill, precision and tactics. And now there's a fresh addition to the Manchester mini-golf scene with Putters at Urban Playground, the all-new attraction at the Arndale Centre.

What makes Putters so special?

Putters isn't just mini-golf; it's an entire experience that'll keep you and your friends absorbed and entertained right in the heart of Manchester. Where some mini-golf courses offer the same old tired formula of a handful of holes with some uninspired decoration strewn around, here there are three entirely different themed challenges, each with nine holes. This means that - if you want - you can spend hours exploring the different challenges.

Like all the best Manchester attractions, Putters is an experience for all the senses. It's colourful, eccentric, full of flashing lights and state-of-the-art electronics - this definitely isn't your childhood crazy golf course! High-end LCD displays will give up-to-date details of who's in the lead, while there are plenty of sound effects and dramatic lighting for each hole.

Why choose Putters over other crazy golf courses in Manchester?

Of course, crazy golf is above all a social event. At Putters, you can compete in groups of up to six while a lot of other mini-golf venues in Manchester only allow smaller groups, meaning plenty of opportunities to challenge one another and laugh at how bad your friends are. It's nothing personal - if you've never played mini-golf before, you're going to have plenty of mishaps before you start getting good!

Speaking of the social aspect of crazy golf, there's nothing better than a few - or more than a few - drinks to make the evening even more entertaining. At Putters, you can choose from a specially curated range of beverages, from wine and beer to classy spirits, as well as soft drinks for any non-drinkers amongst your party. And while at other venues drinks are left at the bar, Putters lets you bring them with you while you golf, which is the best way to liven up your mini-golf experience!

Feeling peckish?

There's no shortage of places to eat in Manchester, but we think Urban Playground might have one of the best. At THE BUTCHER, our top chefs use the finest cuts of beef to prepare some of the best burgers in the city. Ingredients range from the classic (beef, lettuce, bacon) to some pretty unusual flavours such as Lebanese baba ghanoush or exotic sriracha mayonnaise - and the prices are extremely reasonable too, even with a portion of our famous fries added in!

Visit Urban Playground today

Crazy golf is more than just an activity - it's an event in itself, and it's about time that central Manchester got a venue like Urban Playground where urbanites can enjoy themselves in unique surroundings. Located right in the heart of town, it's easy to visit whether you're based in Manchester or coming into town from further afield. Embedded right in the middle of Manchester's nightlife district, it's a great way to begin or end your night, and with Urban Playground closing at 10 pm on Fridays and 10:30 pm on Saturdays, there's always time for some golf-related revelry. Note that Putters itself closes at 8:30 pm on Fridays and 9 pm on Saturdays - but that still leaves plenty of time to drop into our bar or THE BUTCHER for a bite to eat and a few more drinks!

Social media has been raving about Urban Playground, and it's been discussed on major local websites like The Manc and Place North West. People love not only the fun factor but the great value for money and the uniqueness of it all. Putters is a new crazy golf attraction in the area that is already proving to be a hit.

So for a night to remember, come along to the Arndale Centre this summer and enjoy a round of golf like no other


Urban Playground's The Putters mini golf in Manchester

Sunday Funday ideas in Manchester

People who say that Sunday is a day for rest and recovery clearly haven’t heard of Urban Playground! Life is for living, so why not get the most out of your weekend by spending your Sunday doing something fun with your mates? With Urban Playground, Sunday is transformed into Sunday Funday, with Manchester crazy golf, THE CUBE Live and the best burgers in Europe. Haven’t been yet? You’re in for a treat. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about Manchester’s hottest attraction.

THE CUBE Live

Chances are you’ve seen THE CUBE on TV, but in the slim chance that you haven’t, here’s how it works. Contestants enter the iconic Perspex box and need to complete some super simple tasks in order to win. Sounds easy enough, right? Think again. With your friends and other Sunday Funday go-ers watching your every move, you won’t believe how hard it is to complete these simple tasks in front of an audience.

THE CUBE Live at Urban Playground features many of your favourite games from the original TV series and takes teams of up to four people. You and your mates will die laughing at your attempts to crush these simple tasks, and you may even meet a friend or two when watching another group.

Think you have what it takes? In order to beat THE CUBE, you’ve got to overcome a crazy amount of nerves and pressure. Not to mention, your mates laughing in the background! This is a great way to have a laugh with your friends and meet new people. You’ll be so glad you left the house for this.

Tech-Infused Mini Golf

Not into game shows? No worries. We’ve got something a bit more low-key on offer that will still be loads of fun for you and your friends. Urban Playground has tech-infused mini-golf and is perfect for groups of up to six people.

Let’s be clear. This isn’t the standard mini golf you might have seen in some coastal towns across England. This mini golf is next level. There are live scoreboards that show each player’s points and there are even on-screen animations and audio to really elevate the experience.

This is a great way to spend a Sunday with your friends, family and also makes for the perfect date. When it comes to creating fun experiences, doing an activity is the best way forward. After all, sometimes you just want to play instead of chat! With tech-infused mini-golf, you get to show your competitive side while having fun with the crazy holes. It’s a fun and wholesome way to spend a Sunday.

THE BUTCHER

You know how lots of places with attractions have rubbish food? That’s not the case with Urban Playground. We’re proud to have the best burgers in Europe, all with the help of THE BUTCHER. Made using Aberdeen Angus Beef, magic signature sauces, fresh vegetables and homemade buns, you’ll want to come to Urban Playground just for the burgers! THE BUTCHER will satisfy all of your Sunday Funday needs with quality food you’ll be dying to have again.

Visit Urban Playground for your next Sunday Funday

If you need somewhere great to spend your next Sunday Funday, look no further than Urban Playground. Whether you want to get involved with THE CUBE, play a fun game of mini-golf or just indulge in all the good eats and drinks with your mates, there’s something for everyone. Weekends are for living, so put on a cute outfit, call your mates and book your next Sunday Funday at Urban Playground today!


Bars in Manchester at Urban Playground. Nightlife in Manchester

Fun nights out in Manchester

From its museums to its rich musical heritage, it’s no surprise Manchester is one of the greatest cities in the UK. But while its rich heritage and stunning architecture are selling points for many, for others, the endless stream of nighttime entertainment is what draws them into this metropolis.

This article will help narrow down your evening options and highlight the best things to do to give you a fun night out in Manchester.

1. THE CUBE live

For anyone after a bit of friendly evening competition (or not so friendly, depending on your friends), THE CUBE Live is the perfect challenge to bring you and your friends together on a night out. Take part in your own version of the hit TV show, tackling challenges and tasks in a high-pressure environment to see if you can get a place on the leaderboard.

Do you think you have what it takes to beat THE CUBE? Do you want to set your friends up for one of the biggest and most immersive experiences in Manchester? If you think you have what it takes, this fun-filled evening is surely at the top of your Manchester night out to-do list.

2. Mini golf

Mini golf is a time-old classic and is a fun way to spend an evening out with your friends or family. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend your birthday, or if it’s been a long week and you’re looking for a way to let off steam, mini golf is the perfect solution.

Offering a fun course to compete against your friends and a chance to fight for first place on the day's leaderboard, our Manchester mini golf offers something for everyone. And what is mini-golf without a few cocktails? Get your night out started with a few drinks over a fun game!

3. Time for food!

The best way to kick start any night out is to grab some food with friends for a good old catch-up.

When deciding on where to eat, quality should always be a priority. That's quality food, quality atmosphere and quality company. So bring your favourite people along to Urban Playground and check out THE BUTCHER.

Serving the best quality meat products around and offering the freshest salad and vegetables, there is something for everyone on the menu. And if the cocktails during mini-golf didn’t appeal to you, hopefully, the luxurious milkshakes THE BUTCHER has to offer will be more to your liking.

There is something for everyone in Manchester, but if it’s a fun night of challenges, games, drinks and good food you’re after, then Urban Playground is the perfect destination.


Creative date ideas in Manchester

Settling for a drink in a dull pub or an awkward meal at a restaurant can feel more like an interview process than a lively date at times. With so many new attractions around the heart of Manchester, this doesn’t have to be the case.

At Urban Playground, you can enjoy a variety of unique and creative date ideas.

Manchester activities for a fun date

Taking part in a new activity can bring a unique vigour to the dynamic of your date. The activities themselves create simple touchpoints for an easy and stimulating conversation. There will never be any worry about the chat going stale when you’re in the middle of an interactive game. It also suggests that you are up for trying new things with an open mind.

Think inside the box at THE CUBE Live

THE CUBE is no longer a passive viewing experience from the comfort of your couch. You can play many of these games from the iconic TV show either single or two-player with your date.

The different tasks and games will allow you to experience an unforgettable evening with each other in ways you couldn’t possibly anywhere else. The uniqueness of THE CUBE Live will have you both howling with laughter or dancing in triumph.

Take on THE CUBE’s varied challenges and release your nerves and inhibitions!

Enjoy a different type of clubbing at Putters

At Putters, you and your date can enjoy a healthy challenge against each other with a round of crazy golf. The course is infused with distinctive tech designs on each hole, and you can enjoy 3 different themed challenges on the 9-holed games for a thrilling experience with each round.

The competitive element of crazy golf and the interactive scoreboards provide excitement, whilst working your way around the course will allow you and your date to engage in a truly stimulating chat. A round of golf allows some personal time with your date, and the game itself acts as a pressure valve to remove the stresses of a more formal encounter.

A night out in Manchester all under one roof

You can enjoy a full and exciting date night in Manchester without having to traipse all around town. At Urban Playground, the best of Manchester’s nightlife is under one roof. Between games and activities, you won’t need to head out for places to eat in Manchester either.

With THE BUTCHER and the multiple bars available, you can take your date for a delicious meal, and enjoy a sophisticated cocktail as you get to know each other in a casual environment.


THE CUBE Live Experience at Urban Playground

4 reasons why Urban Playground makes the perfect place for your next date

Not sure where to head on your next romantic date? With so many places to choose from in Manchester, it can be hard to decide on somewhere that will really make an impression.

Whether it’s your first date, 100th date or a special anniversary, there’s plenty to do at Urban Playground to celebrate!

Carry on reading to find out the reasons you should visit us for your next romantic night out.

THE BUTCHER

Food and drinks are always a good choice on a date, especially if you are meeting for the first time and want to break the ice.

THE BUTCHER offers a delicious burger menu, featuring our infamous THE BUTCHER Burger and more extravagant burgers like The Daddy, The Codfather and THE BUTCHER TLV.

The milkshakes are loved by people around Manchester and further afield, and can be made into a boozy version if you need a little Dutch courage, or perhaps just want a little celebratory tipple.

Fancy a light bite before you move onto THE CUBE Live or Putters? Tasty snacks like mozzarella sticks, onion rings, chicken wings and sweet potato fries are also available from THE BUTCHER.

And if you’re feeling extra romantic, why not share a portion of fries with your loved one?

Putters

Who doesn’t like a little game of putting?

Putters has been designed to make your date different from the rest, and are great for first daters looking to make it a little less awkward!

At our tech-infused putting experience, you can challenge your date, or friends and family, in groups of up to six people. The virtual course consists of three different nine-hole courses and has animations and audio to keep you entertained all night long.

You will be able to track scores throughout your visit, so it's perfect for the competitive couples out there!

THE CUBE Live

Always fancied having ago at the popular game THE CUBE? As seen on TV, THE CUBE Live challenges even the most inquisitive of minds with a selection of fun and intense games. From testing your balance to working with your team to navigate THE CUBE, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time.

When you’re immersed in the excitement of the game, it doesn’t feel as easy as it looks on the big screen. But with the support of your date, and any other teammates, you can put your skills to the test.

It's a good choice if you want something a little different, and more hands-on, for your next date night.

The Bar

Sit back, unwind and watch others playing THE CUBE from the comfort of our stylish bar. This is a great place for date night as it gives you time to get to know your date or catch up on what each other has been up to.

Our incredible cocktail menu features all your favourites, including Pornstar Martini, Bramble, Raspberry Mojito and Negroni

For those who want to try something new, we have added a twist to your average beverage, with cocktails like Tommy’s Margarita, Flaming Passion, Kiwi Cosmo and Not Another Gin Zombie making an appearance on the menu.

Other drinks like beers, spirits, wines and soft drinks are available if you don’t fancy a cocktail this time.

The relaxed yet energetic atmosphere is one that you definitely need to try when out for drinks in Manchester. It’s like no other in the city!

Visit us at Urban Playground today!

When planning your next date, we’d love for you to visit us so we can help you to make it a special, memorable occasion. We recommend booking your tickets in advance, which can be done quickly and securely on our website.

One thing to note before you visit Urban Playground is that it's a completely cashless site. Be sure to bring your card so that the only thing that’s cringe when it comes time to pay is whether or not to split the bill!

We look forward to seeing you and your loved one very soon.


Urban Playground's The Putters mini golf in Manchester

Take a shot on your next team night out

Are you trying to plan your next team-building night out, but are struggling to find a venue that will cater to your needs? Well, it would be rude to not put ourselves forward! Home to THE CUBE Live, Putters and THE BUTCHER, Urban Playground is the perfect place to bring your team together.

We recently opened our latest venue in Manchester, for people to enjoy competitive socialising through cutting-edge technology and premium food & drink - is there much more to ask for?

What can you do?

THE CUBE Live

If you've seen it on TV, the thought of taking on THE CUBE yourself would have certainly crossed your mind; probably more than once! And for those of you that haven't, this award-winning gameshow sees contestants take on a series of tasks within the high-pressure confines of a Perspex box. Making for the perfect team-building exercise to get people working together.

We have now bought this concept into our very own studio, where you can take on the challenges in person as if you were really on the telly. In teams of up to four, take on the challenge of seven iconic games, both as a single or two-player and see if you really have what it takes to take on THE CUBE Live.

Putters Golf

Once you have tried your hand at taking on THE CUBE, why not have a bit of friendly competition at Putters? Our tech-infused mini golf experience (one of the best in the world) is perfect for groups of up to six. You have the option to take on three different nine-hole challenges, all with different themes to shake up your night. To elevate the competition, you will be able to keep track of scores as you go and even see how yours compare to other high scores gained throughout the day. Our special audio effects and on-screen animations will keep the adrenaline pumping throughout the course.

THE BUTCHER

So you've had your fun and your team has worked together, but now it's time for a pit stop to refuel. Enjoy a selection of burgers and other hearty dishes at the renowned restaurant, THE BUTCHER. Using only the best quality meat (Aberdeen Angus), THE BUTCHER is easily one of the best places to eat out in Manchester. 'The Daddy', 'Silence of the Lamb' and 'The Butcher's Wife's Favourite' are all favourites of ours and we would 10/10 recommend them. There are also vegan and vegetarian options available.

To top off a night well spent, treat your team to milkshakes as a post-game treat. Complimenting their quality dishes, THE BUTCHER has eight delicious flavours on its menu. Keep it simple with a classic vanilla or strawberry milkshake, or challenge your team with something new such as the boozy 'Dark Rum 'N Chocolate', made with indulgent chocolate ice cream. Are milkshakes not your thing? No problem, they also offer a variety of soft drinks alongside classic alcoholic beverages such as beer and cider.

The Bars

For those who are looking for a more flavourful infusion of alcohol, step into 'The Bars' and enjoy the extensive list of spirits, or treat yourself to one of their cocktails. 'The Kiwi Cosmo' and 'Raspberry Mojito' are an absolute must for summer, but for those who like more bitter concoctions, we would recommend the classic 'Smokey Old Fashioned.' Which would you choose?

Christmas Parties

It’s never too early to start planning the ultimate Christmas party for you and your co-workers! We offer the exclusive private Christmas party venue hire in Manchester, making your office Christmas party unique and one to remember. Book your Christmas party today!

We are sure that after all of that, your team will be more than satisfied and will have lasting memories of one of Manchester's greatest attractions (if we do say so ourselves!). To book your next team event, book via our website or give us a call on 0161 527 1230. A full list of our opening times can be found on the 'Contact Us' tab on our website. Don't be shy, give us a follow on our social media channels to stay up-to-date with all of our news & offers.


Couple playing on date night playing mini golf in Manchester.

The BEST venue for date night in Manchester

Coming up with a date concept that is as entertaining and original as your relationship might be almost impossible, if not more so, than finding somebody to date. Whether you commute to work or walk 20 steps from your bedroom to your desk, the majority of us don't have a ton of great energy left over at the end of the day. After a while, you'll become sick of having dinner and a movie date night with your significant other. If you want to enliven your date nights and feel energised, read on to learn how to make your date night in Manchester one to remember.
The best venue for date night in Manchester at the Urban Playground

1. Make use of beating THE CUBE Live

Instead of screaming at the television, why not try your hand at defeating THE CUBE yourself? As a fan of the legendary show that motivates contestants to complete presumably simple tasks such as picking up red balls in a set amount of time or walking in a single direction inside a Perspex frame, you'll become one of the first-ever set of people to try the hurdles for themselves - and win!

2. Dine at THE BUTCHER

Since its founding in 2012, THE BUTCHER has expanded its operations to include THE BUTCHER West, THE BUTCHER Nine Streets, THE BUTCHER Dubai and more – each of which brings a distinct and innovative dimension to the dining experience. THE BUTCHER is a well-established brand with multiple outlets in Berlin and Ibiza. THE BUTCHER is a full-service concept that combines gourmet fast cuisine with a full-service approach.

3. End the night with mini golf

You'll have a fun and engaging experience playing mini-golf at Urban Playground, which is a golf spectacle that will blow you away. Not only does it provide some of the greatest experiences on the planet as a result of its proprietary technology, but it also guarantees that you can have a great time challenging your relatives and friends to a variety of hard-themed tasks as well.

You'll also have the chance to see real-time scoreboards that display the points earned by each participant. This is in addition to the audio and animations that are displayed on the screen to bring each hole to life.

Pay a visit to Urban Playground today

Here at Urban Playground, we're proud to consider ourselves a new and groundbreaking entertainment venue in Manchester, making it perfect for any couple planning a date night. We're committed to providing our guests with the greatest bars, restaurants and experiences available in the heart of the city. So, don't hesitate to pay Urban Playground a visit and give all these incredible Manchester activities and events a try today.


THE CUBE Live Experience at Urban Playground

Eat, compete and putt to the beat - birthday night out ideas when you’re tee-total

Whether it’s dry January, a baby in the belly, or simply because it’s not your thing, there are many reasons why you might be tee-total in this day and age. And while not drinking is no biggie, planning a birthday night out might be quite the ordeal for someone who is abstaining from alcohol. Lots of birthday outings often involve shots and cocktails (and a few boomerangs of the above thrown in for good measure – we’re all human, right?), but what things can you do in Manchester for your birthday to still feel part of the pulsing nightlife?

EAT

Food is never off the menu – pardon the pun. Your birthday is the best excuse to get the group chat together and inhale a few cheeseburgers – and at Urban Playground’s in-house restaurant ‘THE BUTCHER’, what a mighty feast you’ll be treated to.

Made famous in Amsterdam and Berlin, THE BUTCHER now boasts of being one of the best places to eat in Manchester (mainly because they have simply NAILED the art of creating a burger that hits just right). So load up on all that good food and hold the wine – opt for a Red Velvet milkshake instead to wash it all down.

COMPETE

One thing about being sober is you’re guaranteed to win any competitive game. Your reflexes and reactions are bound to be on point when you’ve been on soft drinks – which means it’s the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in THE CUBE Live Experience at Urban Playground.

This replica of the intense game show is one of the best things to do in Manchester and will have you battling to beat THE CUBE in a range of tasks. Perfect for a birthday night out – so long as you don’t fall out with your pals if they mess up during the teamwork trials…

PUTT TO THE BEAT

Techno and mini-golf sound like an experience from some beautiful fever dream, right? Who doesn’t want to PUTT golf balls in a neon rave on their birthday? Celebrating your big day has never been so trippy or competitive at the newest and quirkiest mini-golf in Manchester ‘Putters’, located within Urban Playground.

Fancy whooping a stranger with your putting skills? Soak up some more of that birthday glory by keeping your eyes on the interactive and animated scoreboards to ensure you’re thrashing complete strangers in this electro wonderland. Quite simply one of Manchester's best mini-golf hotspots, it's guaranteed to leave you celebrating your newfound golfing prowess.

As Urban Playground is host to a whole range of exciting entertainment activities under one roof, it serves as one of Manchester’s most versatile and inclusive nights out whether you have a cocktail or a mocktail in hand. Book your tickets online.