If, like me, you have recently 'outed' yourself and needed a place to take your straight mates for their first venture with you to Canal Street, pick Velvet. It is extremely mixed, and you would never expect Velvet to be a primarily gay restaurant. The menu is very wide and varied, the staff are exceptionally friendly, the food is huge and cheap, and the house champagne is well-recommended if you can afford a bit of bubbly. Even if your friends hate the food (which is impossible anyway) the ambience is fantastic. A waiter came to one of my mates who had dropped his wallet on the floor in order to retrieve it for him - so they're honest as well. Overall, great staff, fantastic food and variety of it, generous portions, and extremely good value for money. My favourite is the Spicy Chicken, but the Turf n Surf is equally delicious. I have yet to work my way round Velvet's entire menu (and this is being typed by someone who really isn't into food) but you can't go wrong with Velvet. Much Love to Velvet from Jake

BEAUTIFUL food, brilliant service and a great atmosphere. I like to try new places to eat out but I just cant seem to get away from this place! The Chocolate Cheesecake is better than sex (don't tell my wife I said that!)

great bar nice people x