If you are looking for a relaxed clubbing atmosphere, and love vodka and cocktails, then this venue is definitely one to try.

The Venue
Just opposite the castle, but not too far from the bars in town, Revolution in Cardiff is part of the massively popular UK chain. As you walk in, it is clear that this venue is more relaxed than others close by. In the first room there is no dance floor, only tables, seats and a long bar. In the next room along is another bar, which juts out of the back wall, and there’s space for a DJ by the dance floor, behind which is a large screen.

Upstairs is the club room, which is not as expansive as you would expect, but there is another bar and more seating, maintaining the club’s relaxed feel. The decor in the club room is a little bit gothic, with black chandeliers and decadent mirrors. Downstairs is more contemporary, with large mirrors on the walls and a good degree of wood panelling. Outside there is a small covered lounge area with chairs and heated lights, beyond this, there’s is a decent sized smoking area that’s dotted with tall tables.

The People
The general type of clientele it attracts is the laid back kind of clubber who would rather sit and sip cocktails and go for a quick dance, than spend the whole night fighting for a place on the dance floor.

At the beginning of the evening, the service is relatively quick but, as the club fills up, the bar staff are a little rushed off their feet. This is mainly because so many people want cocktails, so be prepared to wait at least twenty minutes at the height of the bar rush. In addition to this, the bouncers are pleasant enough, as long as you play by their rules. Overall, Revolution is mostly a place to enjoy relaxing with a group of friends after a long day, but at the same time it offers some good music to dance to.

The Music
Monday night’s at Revolution offers a mix of party classics, dance, electro, chart music and RnB. The dress code is more relaxed than at weekends. Entry is free all night. Tuesdays is more student-orientated. Chicbeat is hosted by Roughill. Here, you will find old skool hip hop and funk downstairs, electro and house upstairs.

Other nights range from acoustic sessions on Sundays to peak time party sessions on Friday and Saturdays. At weekends you can book a booth for your party as long as you arrive by 8pm.

The Drink
Some of the must try drinks at Revolution are the cocktails. The strawberry Woo Woo is very sweet, but refreshing at the same time. There are shed loads of flavoured vodka shots that range from sickly sweet to rocket fuel, they start from about £1 a pop depending on what night you visit. Each night has deals on drinks; quieter evenings like Monday and Sunday obviously offer cheaper deals than at peak times.

The Food
As expected, the food is average and the prices are good. On a Monday it is two-for-one on burgers (homemade burgers as well). Wednesdays is steak night, where it is only £8.95 for one steak and a free drink of choice or two steaks and a bottle of house wine for a credit-crunching £19.95. You even have a choice between an 8oz sirloin, 10oz rump, or tuna steak.

The Last Word
Revolution has revolutionised the clubbing experience in Cardiff. The abundance of seating allows you to enjoy your cocktails, whilst giving you the opportunity to go and have a good old dance if you so choose. The food is also a bonus and pretty good value too.