Revolution

Ploughing a lone furrow against the plethora of bars overflowing with stag and hen weekends in the Bigg Market, we’ve got Revolution. The name could hardly be more appropriate. Although part of the well-known chain, it doesn’t feel at all like a ‘cookie-cutter’ bar. This really is a spectacular drinking space, with 22ft-high ceilings, ornate marble pillars and original artwork adorning the walls, making it one of the most beautiful venues in a city that is blessed with an abundance of impressive drinking dens. But Revolution isn’t style over substance: there’s plenty for the enthusiastic drinker to like. There are over 90 different vodkas on offer here including 30 home-made flavours and a host of premium brands. There’s also a very impressive cocktail list to choose from. Order one of the ‘jam jar’ cocktails for a dose of quirky cool – try the Louisiana Jam (Chase Marmalade vodka and Southern Comfort shaken with apricot preserve, fresh mint, lemon and apple) or the Cranberry Fizz (SKYY raspberry vodka and Cointreau orange liqueur with fresh lime and cranberry juice, with sparkling soda). Groups can order a pitcher to share, or even a ‘teapot’, should you want to capture that speakeasy vibe try the Prohibition Punch. The seasonally changing menu is the usual bar food fare (including sausages and mash, pies, sandwiches and the like) but even this hasn’t escaped the vodka bug: try the pizza with the chilli glazed vodka chicken, or the burger with the vodka salsa if you simply can’t get enough of the stuff. Add to these delights a growing reputation for its house and hip-hop DJs and you can see why it stands out from the crowd.