This was the very first Revolution bar to open its doors way back in 1996 and, a few refurbs later, it’s looking better than ever.

The Venue
When Revolution launched a vodka bar in Manchester 12 years ago, it must have seemed like a bit of a gamble. Now with branches all over the UK, it’s paid off handsomely. This bar, in Oxford Road, was the first one ever and since those humble beginnings has maintained its standing in the ever-changing landscape of city bar life.

The template is all here - a cool modern look, chandeliers over the bar, exposed brickwork and a highly polished solid wooden floor. There's one high table in the middle of the bar, otherwise there are booths and low sofas for lounging around on. There’s also an upstairs area which gets into full swing in the evening and at the weekend.

It’s funky looking with those round plastic space-age chairs and low sofas and a glitter ball dangling from the ceiling. It’s open till 2am every night apart from Friday and Saturday when the fun continues till 3am, fuelled by decent DJs playing crowd pleasing tunes.

The People
Revolution pulls in a fairly mainstream party crowd. Bods from the BBC (just across the road) come down to unwind after a hard day’s editing. And on the other side there’s The Met University, so it’s ideally located. ID is recommended is you look under-age as they do check.

The Food and Drink
As well as, of course, vodka, you can also get the usual draught lagers such as Stella, Carlsberg and Kronenbourg and the rather tasty Polish beer Okocim (5.7% abv). But you’d be mad not to try one of the many types of vodka (over 40), which come in all shapes, sizes and flavours. The vodka cocktails all cost around £5-£6 and their vodka-based raspberry mojito is one of the most popular. There’s an extensive choice of starters, mains, sandwiches, burgers and desserts and the portions are generous.

The Last Word
The impromptu extracurricular party atmosphere can be infectious, especially if there’s a birthday party going on or it’s a girls night out on the town. Go on, don’t be afraid, you say you want a revolution?

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