I first experienced this branch of the ghastly Vodka Revs chain when Classy Friend and I were out shopping. We'd just laden ourselves with sale purchases in Kendal's, and I was wearing stupidly uncomfortable shoes that kept falling off. We decided a drink was the only way forward. "Come on, dear, let's go to Revolution" she said. I was shocked. Classy Friend is, well, classy. She's not the sort to suggest a trip to a downmarket student hovel when we're in the middle of a grown-up shopping trip. "No, no," she reassured me "It's totally different, trust me" And it is! This branch of Revs is lovely.
The design aesthetic of Vodka Revs is supposed to be a sophisticated modern take on the opulence of Tsarist Russia, or something. A Revs barman told me this once and I stil hold it up as a true fact. Anyway, I have always found Vodka Revs' decor a little on the underwhelming side, bringing to mind bad-Changing-Rooms-bedroom rather than Tsarist Russia, with its half-hearted upholstery and shabby chandeliers. This branch, though, is really well turned out. Now, I'm still on the fence about Tsarist Russian influences, because the idea of the Romanovs sipping a Scarlet Miss Charlotte cocktail whilst listening to Rhianna is uncomfortable to say the least. Still, this branch manages to couple luxe fabrics and opulent chandeliers with bare brick and stripped wood, and the effect is really quite pleasing. Then, as Emma-Louise said, there's the lovely view of Parsonage Gardens, a little green gem in the midst of a grey city.
Because of its location near the posh shops, during the day the clientele are pretty subdued and respectable. Of course at night, nowhere is safe; there'll always be some bunch of braying 'laddo' boys or a shrieking bunch of tarted-up girls with their knickers flashing. But for daytime, it's grand.
The food and drink, I won't spend too long on, as everyone who's been out of the house in the past is probably pretty familiar with Revs' repertoire. Expect pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, that sort of thing. All reasonably priced and with some BOGOFs if you have a Revs card (£3 or so from the bar). The drinks are OK too, with a large vodka selection (flavoured vodka, why oh why?) and a bunch of vodka cocktails, most of which are decent if you fancy something refreshing, but don't score any major points on my discerning cocktail scoreboard. One thing; the G&T I had here was exceptionally good, clearly the staff are trained well enough to know that there's more to a G&T than just G and T.
All in all, a nice little place to while away a few post-shopping hours away from the hubbub nightmare that is Market Street. Just try and avoid it after dark. read more