Velvet - Manchester

My favourite village drinky place. Not too expensive, decent atmosphere and great service. For extra pointage, it sells white Rioja by the glass which is both unusual and a massive winner. Went today in the sun and well, the team were on form and made sure we were well watered. I didn't eat there but the look (and smell) of the roast dinner was almost tempting to ditch my plans and eat there. Best place in the village for all round gayness. Love it.

Hmmmm i have a very mixed review over Velvet, it use to be one of the most nicest bars around, with awesome service and 5 star quality but over the past couple of years it seems a little run down and could do with a makeover, it still has quality about it,its all dark and intimate inside the bar, with all velvety chairs and backgrounds, its a bit like a 5 star luxury hotel bar, there is a spiral staircase which takes downstairs to the basement Velvet Restaurant, we have hit and miss meals in here sometimes they are fantastic sometimes not so good, thats the problem with this place one minute it will be really great the next time not so but its a lovely restaurant and a nice romantic place. They also have a few tables and chairs outside, but be warned this place can get extremely popular in the summer months outside and Velvet does seem to attract a nicer crowd than some other establishments on Canal Street, Its waiter service and style makes it better than other bars on Canal Street they just need to get the balance right and they will have a fantastic bar and restaurant.

I can't really say enough good things about this bar. Located on Canal street, this establishment is everything you'd expect given its namesake. Lush, velvet upholstery and chaise longues perch on a backdrop of flocked wallpaper and decadent light fixtures. The music is laid back, the lighting is low, overall creating the ultimate boudoir experience. Don't let the fact that its in the Gay Village intimidate you should you be straight it's one of the most welcoming bars in the town centre: the doorstaff are very friendly and the bar staff are expert cocktail makers happy to indulge you in your every whim. Not only that, but the drinks remain reasonable with all cocktails at £5.45, Champagne cocktails at £6.50 and a cocktail pitcher at a mere £14.95. Velvet's eccentricity continues up the stairs and into the toilets the former being a live fish tank, the latter housing TV screens in each cubicle. I haven't tried the restaurant yet, but my friends that have all concur the quality remains despite the very reasonable prices (including a two course meal offer at £12.95). A great hang out.

When suggested by a good friend, on the last day of work before the Christmas vacation period, for us to go for Pizza Prosecco , I thought, why not! It sounded like the perfect way to end the working year, and t 'was the season, after all. It had been a fair few years since I last visited Velvet, which was six years ago or so, and probably a work related Christmas meal, but the décor hadn 't changed but still quite quirky. It was recommended to me to try the crispy duck pizza, which I had never tried before, and it was delicious! The pizza toppings were shredded duck with hoi sin sauce, cucumber spring onions. Splendid! The restaurant is in the basement area, but also has a bar on the ground floor, which is a great area to have a couple more casual drinks after eating.

Not been here for a long time but 'plus ça change ' as the say. It 's slightly vaudeville decor still has it 's appeal and it has an atmosphere (mid week at least) of an intimate speak easy. Happy Hour wine a Tempranillo adds to it 's charms. If you 've not been, try it. If you remember it 's heyday you might feel its run it 's course. It 's a little too dark and feels old fashioned for my current taste.