Velvet

Visited Velvet during the April Bank Holiday and it seemed to be the place to be during the sunny day time. We did not go inside, as for some reason only the outside was open, but during a quick visit to the cigarette machine inside the bar, I thought that it looked like a great place.

As for the outside, the waiters were very welcoming, relaxed and friendly. As other reviewers have menioned, it was difficult to get their attention - I did have to get up and ask for a menu instead of them coming over, which I didn't mind, but I did have to wait quite a while for drinks. They just need to teach their staff to look around a bit more, as on quite a few occassions they were just standing outside the bar gazing down Canal St instead of looking around to see if anyone needed anything. But their attitudes when they did come over made up for it.

The main thing that drew us in was the atmosphere, even outside. External speakers played music, unlike some of the other bars down Canal St, and it was one of the busiest places.

It isn't cheap but it's not ridiculous - a main course costs about £10 and smaller dishes are about £6.50.

When I next visit Manchester I'll be taking my friends there for lunch most definitely!

Sparkle's profile     Other reviews by Sparkle     Sparkle likes    

cannot comment on the service or the food as we had only just sat down when STUART the bouncer accused our party of stealing his tip from the table! police were called and we we re branded thieves.my advice to anyone is DONT EAT OR DRINK AT VELVET.my two friends(both from oversees) were not too happy and i assured them that this was an isolated case...although i will not be going back for a repeat performance.

terrible

karl's profile     Other reviews by karl     karl likes    

Lovely food and enjoyed the atmosphere

barry's profile     Other reviews by barry     barry likes    

I have eaten at Velvet a couple of times, and on both occasions the food was OK, but the service was rubbish. We had to ask for our bill about three times on each visit, and it was really hard to get the attention of the waiters /waitresses. They do some good offers on the food, and the menu has a nice selection, but those are pretty much the only good points. Also, on our second visit, my partners steak (supposedly medium) was rare to the point of being blue! It took so long to get the attention of the waitress that I'd finished my meal already so we couldn't be bothered sending it back. Not good! It's a shame, because we used to eat at the Velvet in Leeds all the time when it was open, and the food / service was always brilliant.

emma's profile     Other reviews by emma     emma likes    

went for sunday lunch last weekend. Food was cold, service terrible. Staff just seem to look past you. Waiter had to be asked to clear the table of plates. Have been going to velvet of 5 years but it has went downhill. Not going back.

mc's profile     Other reviews by mc     mc likes