Dates with Mates – show your friends some love this Valentine’s Day

February, the month of love, doesn’t have to be all about set menus and flowers flooding your social media feeds. If that’s not your thing, why not gather your friends and spend some quality time together in Leicester? Because, after all, friendships are the greatest love stories of them all! sappy face

Group Activities in Leicester

Forget the usual meal out – Leicester has a plethora of great independent businesses that offer fun group activities. Sharing an activity together is the best way to bond as friends, whether you’re tackling a challenge as a team or competing against each other for the ultimate victory.

Here are our favourite independent businesses for dates with mates

Chuckle as a Group at Leicester Comedy Festival

As sure as Valentine’s and Pancake Day, the Leicester Comedy Festival comes around every February, bringing with it much-needed laughter to brighten up the dark and cold month. This year, the festival celebrates its 30th anniversary with an exciting program of returning favorites, established acts, and fresh talent. There are plenty of shows in various venues across the city, with many free, pay-what-you-want, and low-cost tickets available. Grab your mates, have some giggles, and be a part of this beloved Leicester tradition.

Get Your Brains Together and Beat an Escape Room

Test your communication and collaboration skills by taking on an escape room challenge with your BFFs! Escape Leicester offers different themed rooms, from Witchcraft and Wizardry to a Da Vinci-style mystery. Work together to solve puzzles, make decisions, and find hidden clues as a team. It’s an exhilarating experience that will strengthen your bond as friends.

A Retro Night Out at East Street Lanes

Take your mates day out up a notch at East Street Lanes! Enjoy a boutique bowling experience with your entire crew and then head to their arcade, filled with retro classics. From pool and air hockey to giant screen Space Invaders and Nintendo Cruis’n Blast racing machines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to make a night of it with food and drinks from their bar and restaurant.

Take in a Show at Curve

For a cultural night out, consider visiting Curve Theatre. Catch thrilling stage adaptations like Neil Gaiman’s “Ocean at the End of the Lane” or classic favorites like the smash-hit West End production of “Annie.” Dress up in your finest and enjoy a night of entertainment together.

For Everything You Want in a Night Out Under One Roof: Lane 7

Lane 7 is the ultimate venue for all kinds of fun packed into one space. Enjoy delicious street food from various vendors, indoor and outdoor bars for drinks, and an array of activities including bowling, crazy golf, pool, beer pong, shuffleboard, ping pong, and a retro arcade. It’s the perfect recipe for a fun-filled night with friends.

Work up a Sweat at Social Climbing

If you’re up for a more active and adventurous activity, visit Social Climbing, Leicester’s largest bouldering climbing center. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert climber, you can have a blast trying out different climbing routes and challenges. Bouldering is a form of free climbing on artificial rock walls without ropes or harnesses, so you can stay close to the ground and enjoy the fun together.

Catch a Gig at an Independent Music Venue

Leicester boasts several fantastic indie music venues like The Soundhouse, The Shed, The Musician, and Firebug. Check their listings for up-and-coming acts that might just be the next big thing. Discovering new talent together will surely be a memorable experience for you and your friends.

Grab the Popcorn and Explore the Newly Extended Phoenix

For the perfect mates’ hangout, head to Phoenix – Leicester’s independent cinema, art center, and Café Bar. With a new cinema screen and café bar area, Phoenix offers a diverse film program, including micro-budget independent films and Hollywood blockbusters. You can also enjoy arts, exhibitions, festivals, and events. Add dinner or drinks at the café bar to complete your movie night experience.

This February, don’t get lost in the clichés of Valentine’s Day. Instead, celebrate the month of love with your friends by engaging in exciting group activities across Leicester. These independent businesses offer a wide range of experiences that will create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds of friendship. Have a blast and make this February one to remember!