FIRST Dates is back with Fred and his team, but this time they are in a new restaurant – and they are heading up north.
The hit Channel 4 series will once again be matching singletons of all ages with their perfect partner over a gourmet meal.
Where is the new First Dates restaurant in Manchester?
The new series of First Dates is moving away from the Paternoster Chop House at St Paul’s in London.
It is now taking place in The Refinery, a chic cocktail bar and restaurant, based in Spinningfields, Manchester City Centre.
Situated close to the city’s various upscale bars and restaurants, you can find the restaurant at 1 Hardman Blvd, Manchester M3 3AQ.
Once lockdown is over, and restrictions on going to restaurants has been lifted, you too can enjoy a meal there.
On it’s website, The Refinery is described as: “A laid back, chic drinking and dining destination in Manchester.
“A unique space with a carefully crafted seasonal menu, quirky cocktails and fine wines, The Refinery is a sanctuary in the city, your escape from the everyday.
“Featuring a bar, lounge, restaurant and outdoor terrace, The Refinery a variety of spaces that can be used as they are or rearranged to suit all needs.”
Why is First Dates not being filmed in London?
Many will think the big move up north was due to the pandemic, but actually the decision to change things up was made in January 2020.
At the time Channel 4 and First Dates production company Twenty Twenty said: “This is part of Twenty Twenty’s commitment to the UK regions, alongside Channel 4’s commitment to their new regional hub in Bristol.”
A show spokesman told The Celeb Report in June 2020: “Fred will be joined by some of the existing First Dates team at the new restaurant in Manchester, and there’ll be some new faces from the local area.”
This series of First Dates was filmed in September 2020, before the second lockdown was announced.
When is First Dates on TV?
First Dates is back for series 16.
The show kicks off tomorrow (January 19, 2021) at 10pm on Channel 4.
You can catch up with all the past episodes now on the Channel 4 website, or if you have a BritBox subscription you can watch them ad free.
