MARK Cain and Sunni Syal, the team behind Velvet Central have struck lucky. They've craftily timed the launch of their new bar, restaurant and sun terrace to coincide with our first proper summer in five years. A table in the sun is hot property right now, and they've got a whole stretch of them.
Downstairs there's a large area with a bar for private parties and wedding receptions
Stroll down Mount Street, behind Central Library, and you'll see what we mean. There's a real pavement cafe feel to Velvet Central, with lunchtime crowds devouring fast-serve salads, and after-workers missing their buses home to order another bottle of wine.
It's probably just what Mark and Sunni hoped for when they obtained this grand old building, once home to Beluga and before that Citrus. It's their first move out of the Village, where they run the Canal Street Velvet and the Velvet Hotel, and they're keen to make it work.
There's plenty to like here, whether you're a fan of the originals or new to the Velvet vibe. Good, crowd-pleasing food, flamboyant décor, and friendly service.
The inside is decked out with mirrors, murals and drapes, and they've opened up the mezzanine balcony area to create a rococo-styled space for private parties of up to 30 people. Downstairs there's a large area with a bar for private parties and wedding receptions which can hold 100 standing or 40 seated.
The menu features old favourites from the Canal Street Velvet along with a small plates menu and a build-your-own sharing platter section. There's also a cold servery with a daily changing selection of tarts, cold cuts and salads for a fast lunch to eat in or take-away.
Velvet Central is open daily for food from midday-10pm, and for drinks from midday-11pm (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays).
To enquire about private parties, please email info@velvetcentral.co.uk.
