The number one killer of romance isn’t terrible banter or a poor choice of shoes, but constantly taking your crush on boring dates. Thankfully, our friends at DesignMyNight have compiled a list of quirky bars, ridiculous shows, and mind-altering cocktail classes that’ll make the sparks fly quicker than any bump and grind in the club.

Liverpool - Eccentrico Cabaret of Dreams at Circo

Spice up your typical dinner plans with Circo, Liverpool’s circus bar; not only will you be treated to a delicious three-course meal, your minds are set to be blown as well. As you eat, you’ll witness death-defying jumps, swinging trapeze artists and even freaky clowns roaming the venue. A night to remember? You can count on it.

Glasgow - Dr Sketchy Glasgow

You don’t have to walk through a dusty old museum on a date anymore; Dr Sketchy is here to change the way you think about art classes. Instead of still models, you draw burlesque stars, contortionists, fire-jugglers, sideshow freaks and tattooed muscle-men. With a solid soundtrack, performances, and even a competition or two, you’ll win artistic points and see an amazing show while you’re at it.

Cardiff - Dead Canary Bar

Cardiff’s cooler-than-cool bar isn’t just easy on the eyes; the cocktails are deliciously made from ingredients created in their own lab, it’s moodily lit, with live music that spans from smooth jazz to folk and ‘50s. It’s table service too, so expect less time spent at the bar and more time making sexy eyes at each other.

Brighton - Digital Forest Cocktail Masterclass

At this space-age masterclass, your personal bartender will teach you how to shake up three quirky cocktails inspired by the sights, sounds and smells of a woodland that is video- projected around you. Forget pretending to like muddy walks through the countryside; you’ll get to see live British butterflies hatching and flying, all while you enjoy something fantastic to drink.

Leeds - Tiki Hideaway

When your summer holiday to Marbs seems way off, you’ve always got this little slice of tropical South Pacific in Leeds. But here, think less sipping cocktails out of a coconut and more bartenders wearing Hawaiian shirts shaking up drinks with rum and fire, beach hut bars, and cute booths with adorable hanging trinkets that are perfect for you to hide away in.

Birmingham - Brum’s Big Fat Pizza Festival

Pizza lovers have found their heaven: this pizza festival promises everything from margheritas to meat feasts, all guaranteed to put pizza-shaped hearts in your eyes. You can dance the food off as their DJs spin tunes from day into night, while you wash it all down with prosecco and cocktails. For dessert? There’s Nutella marshmallow pizzas...

Edinburgh - The Rum Festival

The Rum Festival is a pure celebration of the world’s funnest spirit; follow your rum guide and explore all kinds of different drinks, with mixers and garnishes of your choice. Taking place this September, the event will let you feast on tasty food, listen to live music and enjoy talks from rum industry experts, if you both want to get especially geeky.

Bristol - Kongs of King Street

Nothing quite says ‘romantic night’ like scissor-kicking your date on Street Fighter II. No, seriously, if the love of your life shares a passion for eating different coloured ghosts or beating down street thugs, this nerdy arcade bar is for you. The retro and trendy venue has a great selection of craft beers, while those that like their activities a bit more active can enjoy a few games of ping pong.

Manchester - Dog Bowl

Dog Bowl brings the highs, lows, and cheap thrills of everyone’s favourite ten-pin game, but with the fancy interior of a funky bar and a menu packing giant American treats. That’s right, after letting your date win at bowling, you can feast on a combination of pizzas, burgers and hotdogs, chased by beers, wines and cocktails.

Newcastle - Showtunes and Filth with Tom Harlow

Showboy, stripper, boylesque dancer and self-confessed ‘real life merman’, Tom Harlow is the ticket if you want a weird and wonderful night with the one you love. This show from the award-winning performer mixes classic musical numbers with sexy dancing and belting ballads to create a truly filthy performance. Add in a selection of craft beers, cocktails and hard liquor and you’ve got yourself a date.

For more info on what’s on in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.