The CUBE Live Experience at the Urban Playground, Manchester

How to plan the best date ever

Another date? Special anniversary or birthday? Whatever the occasion, it’s time to make it the best date ever.

Date night comes with a lot of pressure. Will it be fun? Will you have enough to talk about? Can you afford it? These are all questions that will sure to be plaguing you in the run-up to the event.

But never fear, your dream date night is here! Impress the one you’re with using our date night guide to guarantee an evening to remember.

Make your pitch

Remember, this isn’t any old date. It’s the BEST DATE EVER. And that means you’re going to have to sell it to get the other person on board. Don’t give away too many details, but promise them some fun and something a little different. The best date nights are the unexpected ones, so a little air of mystery is no bad thing. Give them an idea of what to wear to help them out, but the rest can be a surprise if you’re into that sort of thing.

Do something a little different

Some typical date night ideas include:

  • A trip to the cinema
  • Drinks
  • Dinner
  • A gig

But let’s face it, there’s nothing ground-breaking there, right? It’s a little ‘been there, done that.’ Doing something a little different is sure to impress and is the perfect excuse for the both of you to have some fun.

This is why Urban Playground is one of the best things to do in Manchester on a date. There’s mini-golf, your chance to take on The CUBE and a buzzing bar and restaurant. We’re giving you everything you need to try something a bit different on your date.

As one of the newest Manchester bars, you’ll win some brownie points for knowing all the hottest places to go.

The best burgers in Manchester. Join us at The Butcher restaurant!

Make sure there’s good food

A key part of any date night is, of course, the food. Even if everything else doesn’t go to plan, some good food can save the day, although we hope it doesn’t come to that!

If you’re looking for places to eat in Manchester, it’s time you paid a visit to THE BUTCHER. With restaurants in Ibiza, Amsterdam and Berlin, it was only a matter of time before THE BUTCHER found its way to Manchester. Burgers are always a winner, and you’ll find plenty of tasty choices on the rather large menu at THE BUTCHER.

Just don’t forget your table manners - they can make or break a date!

Keep it all under one roof

Now, we all know that the British weather can be adventurous at times. But nothing can rain on the date parade more than a downpour or yet another windy storm. Make things easy for you and your date by keeping everything under one roof. That’s why Urban Playground is ideal. After experiencing THE CUBE Live, you can go grab some food at THE BUTCHER, play mini-golf at Putters and then enjoy drinks at the bar. You can even make the most of people watching as other people take on THE CUBE. Sounds like many dates in one if you ask us!

Throw yourself into it

The best way to make the most of a date is to throw yourself into it. Everyone can feel a little uncomfortable on a date, but if you make a promise to yourself to have fun and enjoy it, what can go wrong? Even if things don’t pan out, you’ll have still had a great night, so it’s a win-win situation really.

A date night packed with activities, cool surroundings and a little competitive spirit makes for the best date ever, so if you’re looking for some inspiration, check out Urban Playground. As one of Manchester’s newest entertainment spots, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy the perfect date all under one roof.

With your date plans sorted, it’s time to put on your best shoes and get ready to sweep that someone special off their feet.


The CUBE Live Experience at the Urban Playground, Manchester

What is THE CUBE Live?

Are you looking for fun nights out in Manchester? Think you can complete deceptively simple tasks in a high-pressure environment? Then look no further than THE CUBE Live Experience. Do you have what it takes to beat THE CUBE? Well now is the time to find out!

THE CUBE Live is a game for you and your friends. Bringing the hit ITV show to life, the best part is that it's inside the legendary new hotspot for Manchester mini golf: Urban Playground!

What is THE CUBE?

THE CUBE is a high-intensity TV show that sees an individual or pair take on a series of seven challenges, all carried out inside a 4m x 4m x 4m Perspex cube. Presented by Philip Schofield, it aired for the first time from 2009 - 2015 before being rebooted in 2020. During its first run, the maximum prize money was £250,000 (a feat only achieved once, by Sir Mo Farah), but this was quadrupled for the reboot, increasing the odds considerably.

THE CUBE makes extremely straightforward tasks much harder by confining players to a small, enclosed area, whilst being surrounded by a live studio audience. Once inside, players risk letting their nerves and sense of claustrophobia get the best of them, affecting their concentration and ability.

Each challenge gets increasingly difficult, with the reward increasing in value too. Each contestant starts with nine lives and has to repeat each game until they complete it or run out of lives. After successfully completing each game, the contestant can choose to either leave with the money they currently have or play on. So in other words, they must win the game or else leave with nothing.

Some of the games featured in the game show involve picking up a white ball in the middle of many red balls (Barrage, Cascade), walking blindfolded within two red areas (Quadrant) and remembering a path that is lit up with arrows that disappear (Pathfinder).

Are you up to the challenge?

If you’re already a fan of THE CUBE and think you could smash the tasks you see others fail at on the telly, it's time to give it a go in real life and bring your friends along as well. At THE CUBE Live, players are welcomed by a host and get to try out the challenges made famous by the programme. But rest assured that, unlike the show, you don’t actually get the boot if you fail! Lasting for approximately 90 minutes, you can also head to the cocktail bar after your session and watch others take on the challenge.

It's worth noting that participants must be aged 12 or over to take part, but doors are open 7 days a week.

Head to Urban Playground inside Manchester Arndale today!

According to the architects behind the project, Baranowitz + Kronenberg (B+K), Urban Playground "creates a world of exploration that sparks play and social interaction".

Oh, and by the way, there’s also high-tech crazy golf in Manchester at Putters – an animated game of golf that can be played in teams of up to six!

What's more, there are also some delicious burgers to try at the award-winning burger joint THE BUTCHER, which first opened in Amsterdam but is now making its debut in the UK. If you’re wondering what the hype is all about, consider that your post-game stop.

You can also have a drink at one of the uber-cool bars in Manchester, whether it’s the sleek cocktail bar at THE CUBE or the funky Putters bar. You don’t want to miss out on this one, so be there or be square!


Inside Urban Playground in Manchester

Looking for party nights out in Manchester? You just found one

If you're looking for a great party night out in Manchester, Urban Playground is the place to be! We offer mini-golf, delicious food, and drinks in some of the hottest bars in the city. Whether you're on a hot date, looking to have a few drinks with friends or just enjoying a night of mini-golf, we've got something for everyone. So kick the FOMO and get to Urban Playground for the best party nights out that Manchester's got to offer!

A party night like no other

Why not kick things off with a few rounds of mini-golf? Urban Playground is the perfect place for a night of fun, friendly, possibly-intensely-competitive golf with friends. Our Manchester mini golf courses have three different challenging themes, with nine holes to each, so you can put your way through some of the best golf in the city! It's all tech-infused and features unique audio and on-screen animation to keep things lively, and you can play with up to six friends per team, so bring your A-game!

The competition doesn't end there though - got more than six people you need to demolish at mini-golf? You can! Our live scoreboards keep track of everyone's points and make sure the competition stays fierce, and they also show your team's position against other teams for that day, so you'll know whether you're the top dog for the day. We believe in you! We know you can do it!

After mini-golf, it's time for some food! Our flagship restaurant, THE BUTCHER, is currently the only restaurant at Urban Playground, but once you've tried it, you'll see it's the only one that we need. It's open late and serves up delicious dishes made from only the most high-quality meats, like the world-famous Aberdeen Angus beef or freshly-caught UK cod. They've even got milkshakes. Then, if you're looking for a refreshing drink to top off the night, our bars have everything from cocktails to craft liquors.

The ultimate atmosphere

It's all about the atmosphere when you're looking for the ultimate in trendy bars, and that's something we've got in spades - we've made sure to put together bars that have all got that special something, that unknowable magic element that's the secret ingredient of every perfect night out. There's no better place to party in Manchester, so get on it! Or miss out, but you're too cool for that.

Need a little extra kick? What other night out venues in Manchester can boast putting you into a famous game show? Not many. But at Urban Playground, you can launch yourself into THE CUBE! THE CUBE Live drops you right into the intensity of the TV game show, and just like the show, the high-octane live event will feature you and your friends attempting seemingly simple tasks within the high-pressure, nerve-wracking confines of THE CUBE. Ever wondered how you'd do in that high-pressure box? Or looking for yet another way to blow your friends out of the water or show a date what a fun, spontaneous and capable person you are? Why not get locked in a big perspex box with them and tackle time-sensitive challenges? Nothing more romantic on a date than that.

Host your next hen do, birthday party or work night out at THE CUBE Live and see who comes out on top! With challenges updated for the live event, you're guaranteed a unique experience that you and your friends will never forget. So get booking - THE CUBE is in Manchester and it's time to take it on!

Urban Playground's got it all - thrilling games, fun and interesting mini-golf, an Instagram-worthy restaurant that serves even more Instagram-worthy food, and world-class bars to top it all off. You can go from a high-octane game show to a few rounds of crazy golf, from a luxury dinner to an atmospheric cocktail night, and from "normal life" to an "amazing night!" all at Urban Playground - so what are you waiting for? Get to Urban Playground for the best party nights out Manchester has to offer!


Couple playing on date night playing mini golf in Manchester.

The secret to making the first date slightly less painful

Let’s face it, first dates totally suck. You only have to swipe right and the nerves start washing over you thick and fast. Will they like what they see? How much is the right amount of eye contact? What should you do if the conversation dries up? Who picks up the bill? Should you go in for that terrifying first kiss at the end of the night? Yep, these seemingly endless philosophical questions have been puzzling singles since the dawn of time. We might not have all the answers - but we can let you in on one little secret to making that all-important first date slightly less painful.

First date success - it's all in the location

As Shakespeare once said, the course of true love never did run smooth. Just count yourself lucky you’re not planning a first date in Elizabethan England – the venue options were much more limited. And that brings us to the heart of the matter: the secret to minimising those universal first date fears and hang-ups is to pick the perfect environment. Choose wisely, as the right location will help you impress your crush, spark plenty of conversation opportunities and set the tone for many more dates to come.

Fun things to do in Manchester

Whether you’re just getting back into the dating game after a breakup or you can’t bear to show your face at the same old bar with yet another new squeeze, never fear. We’ve got you covered. There’s a brand new spot in Manchester that’s absolutely perfect for stoking the fires of love. Urban Playground, situated in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre, is a dazzling entertainment venue that has all the right ingredients to make your first date memorable rather than meh.

Experience the hottest new Manchester attraction

With so many amazing things to do and experience under one roof, first dates will never be dull again. For a truly unforgettable romantic rendezvous, challenge your date to take on THE CUBE Live. The award-winning hit show has left the studio and made a home in Manchester’s shiny showstopper of a venue. When it comes to separating the wheat from the chaff in the world of dating, attempting seemingly easy tasks within the high-pressure confines of the iconic Perspex box is a sure-fire way of testing compatibility.

Win their heart with mini golf

If you fancy something more easy-going then the answer is always crazy golf. Putters tech-infused mini golf at Urban Playground delivers one of the best putting experiences in the world. Challenge your date to three exciting themed challenges that are guaranteed to keep the laughter rolling. And remember to keep your eye on the scoreboard if you attend this Manchester mini-golf extravaganza. If the date is going well and you’re keen to keep it going a little longer, suggest the loser buys ice cream afterwards.

THE BUTCHER: The hottest new Manchester restaurant

As well as premium activities, Urban Playground offers a slew of incredible bars and restaurants ideal for a chilled out first date. THE BUTCHER is a brilliant place to grab a delicious bite to eat – they only work with high-quality meat and the signature sauces are *chef’s kiss*. If your date isn’t down for a big meal and would prefer to keep things breezy for that daunting first meet-up, forget boring coffee dates, magical milkshakes from THE BUTCHER bring everyone to the yard – ensuring each first date is as fun and frothy as can be.
The best Manchester bar for date night

Of course, you might want to stick to the traditional. Break the ice over a stiff drink and see where the night takes you. Instead of suggesting a pint at your underwhelming local boozer, put an exciting twist on first date drinks and peruse the cocktail menu at Urban Playground. Crammed with classics and curiosities, this is no ordinary drinks list, so why not take it in turns to choose a tipple for each other? Impress them with an elegant Aperol Spritz, melt their heart with a Caramel Coffee Martini or turn up the heat with a Flaming Passion – a tropical Urban Playground special.

There you have it. The secret to a great first date is all in the venue, and we’ve got the perfect one for you! Book Urban Playground today.


Christmas Party venue hire at Urban Playground Manchester. The best Christmas party venue

Your recipe for the perfect night out

It’s hard to create a night out that will keep all your mates happy. There are going to be people who don’t want to drink, people who want to join in late and people who want to leave early. When it comes to things to do in Manchester, Urban Playground is a great bet as a night out that all your pals can enjoy. Here are the top reasons why...

Accessibility

People are lazy, and if travelling to a venue is complicated, there will be a few who bail on the night in favour of a quiet night in. Urban Playground is based in The Arndale Centre in Manchester, making it a public transport dream. The Manchester attraction is accessible via train, bus and tram giving your pals no excuse to miss out. Both Northern and Cross Country train lines pass close by, as well as the pink and blue tram routes. And of course, there’s a full multi-story car park for any drivers, and a taxi rank to ensure everyone gets home safely after your night out.

Mini golf

Putters at Urban Playground is an unforgettable Manchester crazy golf experience. The Playground’s unique technology creates an impressive golfing experience that your whole group can enjoy. Players can split into groups of 6 to tackle 3 different courses – each one with hidden surprises to keep you on your toes. Feeling competitive? You and your mates can take each other on with live scoreboards showing who’s coming up top and who’s dragging behind. If some of your mates aren’t keen, don’t worry - there’s a bar for others to sit back with a drink and watch the competition unfold.

THE BUTCHER

Food is a crucial make or break factor for many people. It’s hard finding somewhere that everyone will find a dish they like with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets being a common trend. Fear not, THE BUTCHER is a franchise, popular in locations across Europe and one of the best places to eat in Manchester. Urban Playground has it's own THE BUTCHER location serving up a range of delicious burgers and sides to suit even the fussiest of appetites – and you can even accompany your burger feast with a delicious milkshake (booze optional).

THE CUBE Live Experience

You probably would have seen or heard of THE CUBE on TV and now is the chance for you and your mates to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Feel the pressure in the iconic perspex box as you and your pals choose from a range of games to face. It might look easy when watching it from the comfort of your sofa, but when you’re placed in the centre of the action, it becomes a whole different ball game…

The bars

Manchester bars are renowned for being vibrant and entertaining, and the bar at Urban Playground is no different. Serving up a range of cocktails, beers, ciders, wines liquors and spirits, you’ll be certain to find something for everyone. There is also a wide selection of soft drinks for those driving or looking to have a more sensible night out on the town.

The people

Of course, the people you’re with on your night out is key. At Urban Playground, you can be assured that we want you to have a good time and you’ll see that our friendly staff are there to make sure that happens every step of the way. With the ability to team up into groups of up to 6 for the mini-golf, and up to 4 people for THE CUBE Live Experience, you can make teams and ensure that all your mates are able to get involved in the fun – whatever their ability.

There are bars for the drinkers, burgers for the eaters, golf for the putters and THE CUBE Live for the puzzle solvers. Here are Urban Playground, there’s something for everyone and we look forward to welcoming you and your mates to a fantastic and unforgettable night out. Book HERE!


THE CUBE Live Experience at Urban Playground

Date night or mate night?

Whether you are looking for a fun night out with your friends or hoping to impress your latest Tinder match, Urban Playground has you covered.

Thanks to COVID, we have had far too much time apart from our loved ones. Nights out spent with family or your best mates are such a treat that you are bound to want to do something a little more special now. Equally, the dating lives of most of us took a hit too, so making that first date (in real life) something to remember has to be high on the priority list right now. So get ready to make Urban Playground your go-to when you are looking for nights out in Manchester.

Here are a few ideas on how to make the most of our brand new entertainment venue:
The Putters mini golf experience at Urban Playground

Putters

Is there anything more fun than a little competitive flirting? Take your new beau to Putters, the ultimate Manchester mini-golf challenge. With three themed nine-hole courses to take on and a live scoreboard reminding you how well you are doing, you can either flex your mini-golf skill to impress your companion or make fun of yourself every time you just miss that hole-in-one… three or four times.

At Putters, you can play in groups of up to six, so why not grab your mates to let off some steam on the course? Each of the three themes is decadent and totally unique. You will never have bantered over mini-golf quite like this one before. Then you can hit up the 19th hole and grab enough drinks to celebrate or commiserate in style.

THE CUBE Live

Over the course of an hour and a half, you and up to three of your friends finally get that chance to prove just how easy it is to win THE CUBE (or so you’ve been thinking). We have all watched furiously from our sofas as a contestant has fumbled a task so easy it seems ridiculous. So here is that golden opportunity to step into the iconic Perspex box and put your money where your mouth is. You might want to pick your friends more strategically that night.

Stepping up to THE CUBE Live might be a little much for first date jitters, so instead get to the bar and grab a couple of drinks and watch everyone else attempt it first. People-watching has never been so fun. And in terms of picking interesting things to do in Manchester, your date is not likely to have been part of THE CUBE’s audience before. That second date is pretty much guaranteed.

THE BUTCHER

Bored of the usual places to eat in Manchester? THE BUTCHER takes it up another notch. Combining good music, good games, good art and, most importantly, excellent food, THE BUTCHER will be your new favourite Manchester restaurant. With the choice of the ultimate burger made from Aberdeen Angus beef or beer-battered fresh blue cod with chips that will make the humble potato your new God, you will finally sate that friend who never seems to stop eating. You can even share a rom-com moment with your date when you share one of their mouth-watering milkshakes. But be warned that you will probably want a whole one to yourself.

The Bars

Serving an extensive range of cocktails, liquors and anything else that will make that morning-after hangover worth it, Urban Playground’s bars have something for everyone. Find something comforting after completely failing to win mini-golf or to triumph after beating THE CUBE Live and keep the night going.

A night out at Urban Playground promises to be a touch spicier than going to your usual haunts. Book now! www.urbanplayground.co.uk


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

Things to do after dinner with friends

Saturday night has rolled around again and you and your friends want a night filled with good food, good drinks and good times all-round. Urban Playground is a revolutionary entertainment venue, and one of the best nights out in Manchester (if we do say so ourselves) because we have got you covered for fun all night long.

After your crew has sunk a few drinks in one of our bars, where to next? Do you have a friend group with lots of personalities that makes finding a night out to suit you all tricky? Well, at Urban Playground there's something for everyone.

Here are some things to do in Manchester.
The CUBE Live Experience at the Urban Playground, Manchester

THE CUBE Live

Bring your favourite gameshow to life and take on THE CUBE Live! Urban Playground has brings the show that sees contestants completing deceivingly simple tasks under intense pressure to life. THE CUBE Live features loads of your favourite games from the original series to test your nerve against. In teams of up to four, you will compete in seven games, both single and two-player. THE CUBE Live provides a night out in Manchester like no other, and will no doubt prove even more of a challenge after a few cocktails.

Mini-golf

If high-pressure gameshows aren't your thing, have no fear! Our tech-infused mini-golf course is the perfect addition to your friends night out. With every hole comes a different experience, brought to life with dazzling animations and sound. The course culminates in 'The Loop', are you tough enough to take it on? Putters have three different nine-hole challenges for you to take on family and friends in groups of up to six. Each putting session lasts 45 minutes and is available up until 10:15 pm on Saturday nights.
Places to eat in Manchester - The Butcher, the best burgers in town!

Dinner at THE BUTCHER

After all that mini-golf and manoeuvring action in THE CUBE, you will have all worked up a pretty hefty appetite by now right? Why not finish the night off in one of the top places to eat in Manchester: THE BUTCHER. This restaurant speaks for itself when it comes to meat, the chefs here work only with the best quality products. The Aberdeen Angus beef burger proves an absolute hit for this very reason. For those less carnivorous, there is also a selection of vegan and veggie options to suit every member of the group.

At Urban Playground, we want to bring you and your friends a night out like no other. With our selection of unique entertainment, your next night out with the squad is certain to be one you'll never forget. So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us or book online and start planning your next night out in Manchester at Urban Playground.


Urban Playground's The Putters mini golf in Manchester

How long does crazy golf take?

If you're looking for something fun and a little different to do on a night out in Manchester with your friends or family, crazy golf is a great option. But what is crazy golf and how long does it take? Let's take a look.

What is crazy golf?

Crazy golf is a type of mini-golf where the holes are found within the slopes, mounds and hills of the golf course. Unlike a normal game of golf, each Manchester crazy golf player has a turn to complete the entire hole before the next player is allowed to begin. In the final round, all of the players play at the same time, which can be chaotic and a lot of fun!

Crazy golf doesn't take itself too seriously, making it a great activity for an evening out. Grab a drink, grab a club and get ready to have some fun!

How long does crazy golf take?

The amount of time it takes to complete a game of crazy golf depends on three factors: the size of your group, the number of holes and your ability. If you're an experienced crazy golfer or have a natural talent for the sport, you'll complete the course a lot faster than someone with less-than-perfect aim.

An 18-hole crazy golf course can take about 45 minutes to complete, but this can vary widely. If the crazy golf venue isn't as busy as usual, take your time, but if there's a queue of people waiting behind you to finish the course, try and finish it as quickly as possible. Crazy golf isn't nearly as fun when you're waiting around for too long.

Top tips to improve your crazy golf skills

Create a strategy

In a game of crazy golf, you will be faced with a series of obstacles to overcome to complete the course. It takes a lot of strategy and focus to overcome these obstacles to hit the ball into the hole, so give yourself a minute to devise a strategy before diving in.

Be gentle

Crazy golf is all about precision and aim, not power, so the best way to guide your ball in the right direction is to hit it gently. Be strategic with each shot you take, as your goal is to get the ball into the hole with the least number of shots.

Book crazy golf in Manchester

If you're looking for unique and unforgettable things to do in Manchester, Urban Playground is the place to be. From revolutionary entertainment with cutting edge technology to premium food and drink, we've got it all. Book your tickets today!


The best cocktails for girls’ night

Sure, a night out with your partner can be romantic, but sometimes, you want to get the girl squad together and treat yourselves to a night around town.

Urban Playground in the Manchester Arndale is a brand-new entertainment haven with plenty of things to try: from Manchester mini-golf and a live game of THE CUBE (yes, the one from the TV show!) to a burger restaurant and bars where you can try some delicious cocktails (including the ones below!).

So why not take some time out of your busy schedule and plan that catch-up you’ve been talking about for ages?

And what better way to start a girls’ night than with cocktails? From fruity and colourful to elegant and refreshing, be sure to give these a try:

La Vie en Rose – Slightly French

Emily in Paris doesn’t know what she’s missing! This refreshing blend of fruit and vodka will certainly get you in the party mood. The Slightly French combines the punchiness of vodka with the sweetness of lychee, blackberry, apple, a dash of lemon and sugar syrup.

'Sex and the City' (with a twist) – Kiwi Cosmo

Next up on our list is the twist on the ‘Sex and the City’ classic: the Cosmopolitan. This one has tangy kiwi and lychee but includes the original Cosmo flavours of vodka, lime, and cranberry juice. Remember when Carrie asked for a “cheeseburger, large fries, and a Cosmopolitan”? At Urban Playground, you can try the brand-new restaurant THE BUTCHER and pair your Kiwi Cosmo with a delicious burger and fries!

Classy A.F. – The Negroni

Invented in Italy more than 100 years ago, legend has it that the Negroni is a variation of another classic drink, the Americano, made with lemon peel instead of orange. The Negroni has been a beloved choice for decades and is perfect for those who enjoy the bitterness of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.

More innocent than it sounds – The Pornstar Martini

The UK-born cocktail is like summer in a glass: fresh passionfruit is mixed with vanilla vodka, Passoã (passionfruit liqueur), sugar syrup, fresh lemon juice and a shot of prosecco. Don’t let the cheeky name deceive you though - it’s more innocent than it sounds! The passionfruit just makes it… irresistible.

Feeling bold – Flaming Passion

Rum, passion fruit, lime and pineapple are combined for a tropical eruption of flavours. This is an Urban Playground original, but it’s already sure to become a classic.

Are you tempted?

Join in the fun at Urban Playground and start your girls’ night out in Manchester the right way.


How to play Putters to win

Putters - the interactive, themed, light-flashing, craziest Manchester mini-golf experience - may appear to be a game of chance. But the competitive types among us don’t believe in fortune. Nor do we just play for fun... we always play to win.

It doesn’t matter to the would-be winners out there who they’re playing. Be it an 8-year-old niece, ‘too big for their boots’ teenage kids, or elderly aunts, the pro-style Putters participant will not accept second place. A glorious final hole shootout snatched by a flukey opponent at the death or a defeat that’s really a moral victory may be tolerable to some - but not to us winners.

Losers say that it’s the taking part that counts. Winners say that it’s only taking apart your opponents that counts. Here are some tips on how to turn your fun Manchester night out into one that concludes with a journey home carrying the trophy.

Every shot is a shot at goal

Unlike a par-5 at The Belfy, Putters is a game of deft touches rather than thumping the ball in a demonstration of brute strength. So, soft controlled precision putts aligned with careful tactics on every hole are required. You can still shout ‘fore’ if you wish - just remember that a ball bouncing off the ceiling has as much chance of thwacking you on the bonce as anyone else.

Stand up and be counted

In golf, the stance is the dance. Tour golfers know this. It's the equivalent of a boxer staring down their opponent (just that golfers stare down at the ball rather than eyeballing the competition). That’s why Tiger and Rory bend their knees and stick their bum out a bit. Select a club that reaches belt height from the floor for maximum comfort. Spread your feet to about a foot apart for supreme stability. Then remember to wiggle the club before you take the swing. This adds an element of showmanship to the display - just don’t make contact at this point or you’ll look like a fool.

It’s all in the mind

You have two opponents in a game of Putters - the other person who’s not bad at it/lucky and yourself. Even in a large-ish group of mini golfers, there are rarely more than two competitors who are any good. Everyone else will be making up the numbers (make sure they realise this). So, positive self-talk and psyching out the soon-to-be runner up are essential.

Visualise the ball gracefully entering the cup at the first time of asking at every hole. Some players like to noisily exhale two or three heavy breaths before every shot. That way everyone else knows you mean business. If you believe you’re the finest putter player in the building, it will come true* (*most of the time).

Remember to wallow in the victory celebrations and, if you’ve been wise in the pre-match build-up, you’ll have settled on a prize for your inevitable win. We’d recommend a burger from THE BUTCHER as a most suitable reward. Oh, and remember to have fun - but recall the wise words of Roger Federer (aka the 'Tennis GOAT') - “Clearly when you win everything, it’s more fun”.

Get on down to Urban Playground to experience one of the latest things to do in Manchester. Not to toot our own horn, but we think we're among the best Manchester attractions ready to rival the biggest.