Manchester After Dark
Venus (Club)
Venus Details:
Where: Deansgate
Venus, 42 Maybrook House, M3 2EG
Contact:
ben@venusmanchester.co.uk
Related information:
Clubs at this Venue:
- Bitch Saturday
- Collective Friday
- Love To Be Sunday
- Venus Saturday
- Venus Saturday
Venus Review:
During 2009 it was noticed that planning had been sought to open a new nightclub at Maybrook House on Blackfriars Street, which we rightly assumed was the venue formerly known as Sound Garden and as Havana Bar before that. The licence application called it ‘The Basement’, but around September the internet chatter started and the property owners let slip that that they were going to call it Venus.
“Hold on”, we cried. “There’s already a well-known Venus event that is entrenched in the minds of Manchester’s club-goers.” We told the building owners that it would be commercial suicide to call it Venus. Hey landlord, do your research first.
Little did we realise that the Venus event was to leave Club V and set up its own home. It’ll never happen, we naively thought. One is synonymous with the other. Some people even mistakenly call the Deansgate nightclub Venus when they mean Club V. There are sure to be people out there that don’t keep abreast of Manchester clubbing news who might even think that Venus is still at Club V.
To assure ourselves of the reality, we took a trip down to the Venus Classics event in March at the new premises. The new location for this party is unmistakeable. Banners adorn the street level area, attracting the city’s funky house faithful down the handful of steps. The organisation on the door is precise, with staff on hand to greet and inform if you’re trying the new venue for the first time. It’s somewhat less claustrophobic than the entrance to Club V has previously been, with a paved area outside the doorway also acting as a smokers’ zone.
The interior is essentially two rooms connected by a wide corridor, with a lounge and the toilets on either side of that corridor. Both rooms have their own DJ booth. The night starts in the back room which is where the bar is located, along with the cloakroom and an amber-glowed, circular seating area that has a mini-dancefloor at its centre. This is where the warm-up occurs but it’s a cool enough spot to be considered a club in itself. There’s a fair amount of drinks branded marketing signage, including a big Smirnoff mural, and the hidden light features create a subtle look.
The warm-up was a bit pacier and littered with anthems than we expected, but it was a Venus Classics event, so it’s perhaps to be expected. After midnight, access is granted to the main room. The room is multi-levelled and oval, putting us in mind of Applejacks, where Venus first began before moving to Club V. Here’s where you have a bit of a health and safety issue. Clubbers + drink + steps = a few tumbles. We’re talking no more than three steps (and you’ll have bodies to cushion your fall) and all the steps are marked with yellow stripey tape, but dancer beware, watch where you’re going!
The light and sound are up to task, with plenty of modern LEDs, but the speakers tend to get overstretched by DJs that need to aim for clarity rather than volume. We can hear the music, it’s just a tad distorted and causing people to have ringing ears the next day. There’s no doubting the Venus crowd love their tunes, whether the sound is optimised or not. During the warm-up, the uplifting vibe is infectious, there’s an enthusiasm and optimism about it that’s impossible to deny.
The fault lies when the tunes hit a repetitive grind with no variation. It’s one Brit/Euro, uplifting, funky house anthem after another. No peaks or troughs, too many jangling pianos, too many vocal samples. Every track has a thick bassline. The effect becomes relentless. It was difficult distinguishing one DJ from another, aside from a bit of scratching and their physical appearance.
Add to that the fact that the jocks are pitching up the varispeed too far. The BPMs are at a rate which is more common to D’n’B. Sexy dancing is easier when house music is around 126 – 132 BPMs at the most. We didn’t get out the stopwatch and start measuring, but we’re certain the pace is faster than that. Observing the crowd, we saw only a handful genuinely throwing shapes to the tracks in rhythm with the beats. There’s a lot of shuffling and swaying going on because keeping rhythm with the BPMs would be exhausting over a few hours.
The club’s design and décor is superb, but the style and pace of the tunes suggests DJs living in a bit of a bubble, slavishly playing what they think their crowd want without pushing it forward. The whole Hed Kandi style was cool 10 years ago when it was fresh, but time has moved on, taking house music with it. If Venus were ours, we’d make a new start by shaking up the sounds for 2010 as well as moving into a new venue.
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Tickets for Venus
- Collective @ Venus The Club - 02/07/10
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Venus's User Reviews:
2008-03-01 sal
rating on reviews from above sounds the dogs, gona av 2 pay a visit on a sat it seems, never been b4 but may b 2 night5 out of 5
2007-12-05 Randolph
Still can't get my head round the recent change of personnel in the DJ booth... What sort of k******d puts second rate wannabe's ahead of proven genius like John Steward??5 out of 5
2007-11-30 Veronica
Veronicaout of 5
Helena
Absolutely top club, just a shame the Angel Deelite Night has gone :( :( that was toooooop!!!!!5 out of 5
zaf
this is a good club fit galz. good place to have a great time5 out of 5
jane
first night at venus after reading the reviews on the web site.it was made to sound as the best club in manchester. being a sankys gal i thought i needed a change sankys you have done me proud and all ways will sorry venus was totally uninmpressed.it was obvious that the same clubbers went every week2 out of 5
STEADMANSCOTT
Well what can i say?....im one if the regulars there! ;-) ive been goin to this event for 2years now and hardley missed a sat nite, This defo gets 5/5 from me the music the place is Brilliant! and most of all the people! they are so friendly.... ive met so many good friends due to this club. Big thanks to Dave for running the night and al see you guys on sat5 out of 5
carlie
my fav club in manchester, can't have a proper nyt out wiv out a visit to the old Vxx got all my m8's on it n met sum of the nicest people in there.... GO ON...AV IT...ha ha ha xx5 out of 5
Adz
An absolute legendary club night and by far the best place to be on a Saturday night. The tunes are wicked especially when John Steward and Tony Walker are playing. This club has by far the best atmosphere in Manchester5 out of 5
Brian
Club is awful, staff seem like they have been picked out of the rejects pile of checkout workers. Go there if you need to be supplied not if you have any class about yourself.1 out of 5
Bren
Out last night with my son great club and oh my god a club where the door staff use integrity and common sense. A big thank you for making an acception to my son,s dress code the night was Banging the people great the music out of this world thanks again espesially the door staff5 out of 5
Rusty
Thought the night was good. Music was excellent people inside were great as well. No trouble in there whatsoever. Door staff are a little stringent. When we got there they said it was 'members only', but when we started walking off they let us in. Just a way of seeing if they will get a hostile reaction out of you which i reckon is a good idea. They make a thing of keeping the club cool by giving out fans and ice lollies for free. Tenner entry is worth it.4 out of 5
Chris
This night is amazing,went to the venus all nighter 0n 30/11/04 and the gravy boys played 1 of the best sets i've heard in a long time. If you like funky house you'll love it here!5 out of 5
Kate carpenter
Fantastic club, really friendly atmosphere, never any trouble, staff are polite and friendly, brilliant music/djs5 out of 5
JD
The music here is quality! very funky vocal house. buuuuuut...the people who run this place are awful to say the least! Hard to get in with large groups of lads or when it's late (even though the doors are still open!). Always best to have girls with you. But still, can't fault the tunes!3 out of 5
a&n
i met the promoter in baa bar think he was called steve sinclair???? i dont agree with thecomment 'steve made' he wasnt a w***er. will be visitingnone nite to check out the club nite!1 out of 5
Rich
Awesome night on Sat, first time I have been to Venus for a long time, the place, the people, the music...very sexy!!4 out of 5
Claire
Fantastic again on Sat night. The music gets better and better everytime. Seriously need to sort out the toilet situation and the air conditioning though. It was far too hot in there!4 out of 5
Naz
Best place on a saturday night if you are a serious clubber5 out of 5
james agar
sweet night, sweeter music, sweetestwomen nuff said5 out of 5
steve
top club and top music shame about the promoter and the door staff who are total w***ers.3 out of 5
Jordan
Venus is officially the dream!!!!! never fails to impress me!!! ive been going for about 5months and i attend nearly every week. The funkiest people, to the funkiest house!!! live the dream at venus!!!!5 out of 5
davetherave
This club is simply mint. The crowds great, the atmospere's electric, the DJ's are banging out mint funky house choons non-stop. Jenny Harrison does a set and everyone just goes wild. That place is what Saturday nights are designedfor.5 out of 5
Stein
Possibally the best night in Manchester!! If ur looking for an up beat yet chilled out atmosphere then Venus is the place. Its a tenner to get in but worth every penny! The chill out rooms... chilled (but warm) and the dance floor is funky.4 out of 5
FreyBentos
Mint atmosphere, quality tunes, especially when 'Sweet Thang' comeson. Then when you want a rest how's about asking people random questions and chatting s**t on a crate. Al4 out of 5
craig
Tip Top!! Absoluty top night, friendly people great music classy dress, all in all a great night, if you havn't been go!! No problems ever always had a top night and thats what Saturday is all about5 out of 5
CG
Great club & music but wouldn't exactly call the club "GLAM" inside, in need of some redecoration and certainly some improvement on the toilet situation. The ladies loos are situated right next to the bar and queues are horrendous! But apart from that it's great!3 out of 5
chris
class club. great people. great music mixed to an ok standard.there are loads of gorgeous girls and a few mingers 4 gud measure.also there r some gimps who go like dev out of coronation st wearing a pink thrilly shirt wiv da top button open. wot a turd. avoid people like him and the minging girls and the nite will go well.5 out of 5
Antony M
HMMMN, well what can we say, very glam interior , not so glam exterior, music is so so , door staff are ok , value for money me thinks not. Thank the Lord for Ascension and Ampersand . At last Manchester has 2 REAL nightclubs. unfortunately V Bar just doesnt compete!!2 out of 5
beau
Venus, Saturdays is the business, funky chunky almonds till you couldn't eat another thing. NEW YEAR - oh what a night!!! Carry on for a messy luna landing at the after club. need i say more? these boys have got it sewn up. What really stands out about mark "the hater" is that hes an arse and that he probably tried to get in with his ben sherman shirt tucked into his best chinos. we dont want you anyway. keep up the good work "monkeys".5 out of 5
Sharpy
If you want funky tunes, funky people and funky dancing then this is defo the place to go at the weekend. Venus on a Saturday is the dogs. Great place to have a few dance fights and even better place to meet sexy ladies who are up for a good night. Go in a crowd or just a couple of you, I guarantee either way you will have a belter.....c'mon lets have this tune!!!!5 out of 5
fish
over the past 6 months ive been venus several times n i just cant get enough. the tunes are so funky and the girls so sexy. thank u for some of the best nights of my life!!!!!!5 out of 5
Jenny
I now live in Atlanta Georgia U.S.A i moved here a month ago, they have wicked clubs in the states but i miss VENUS big time and all my crazy nights out that ive had there.Venus is the place to be and i just wish i could fly home just for a Saturday night.IT ROCKS!!!5 out of 5
Danny B
Beautiful girls, funky guys, this place has it all! Excellent atmosphere and the funky, chunky house keeps the party go'ers dancing all night!!1 out of 5
em,kel n em
we go every other week n ave a mint nite! best place to go for tunes!!! if ya get to hot just go outside n chat sh*t 2 strangers! wot more dya want!4 out of 5
Mark
What really stands out about this venue is the door staff. They are a pure example of what gives them a bad name. I've lost count of the stories I've heard and seen the attitude in action myself. No one wants a club with hired thugs in your face. The music is OK and the venue is average but the monkeys could bring this place down :(2 out of 5
Mark
Sadly, Club V is what happens when a dive tries to be classy. Music is OK, especially with the Angel Delight crew. Another thing though, having been to all the venues and clubs in Greater Manchester, I have to say that I have never come across more 'attitude' with the staff. The doormen are beyond hostile - very off putting. Wannabe gangstars? this one's for you! :)1 out of 5
Mark
Sadly, Club V is what happens when a dive tries to be classy. Music is OK, especially with the Angel Delight crew. Another thing though, having been to all the venues and clubs in Greater Manchester, I have to say that I have never come across more 'attitude' with the staff. The doormen are beyond hostile - very off putting. Wannabe gangstars? this one's for you! :)1 out of 5
Stu
Words simply can't describe the superb and, at times, often overwhelming atmosphere that is 'Venus'. The music, the people, the good times everyone has can only be found here. May these days never end and may Venus always be as it is now - the best night out to be found on earth.5 out of 5
ian
Went to Venus for a night after hearing about it off a mate. An absolutely wicked night out. Music is funky, wicked atmoshpere, dance all night. Recomend it to anyone looking for a night out. Will definately be back.5 out of 5
michelle
If you have class, style and you know how to dance the night away venus is the place for you. I have only been to venus a couple of times but I will certainly make sure it is the only place I go now on a saturday night.. just make sure u have your dancing shoes on .5 out of 5
terri
I love Venus and since the Refurb the club is miles better inside. Only problem is queing for the ladies, but it's that good i don't care!5 out of 5
Sarah
This night has just the right combination of stylish people, talented DJs, funky upfront tunes and a friendly atmosphere. Venus just keeps getting better and better -a top night out!5 out of 5
c & b
Awesome music, awesome vibe and the sexiest chicks in manchester!5 out of 5
claire
I go to Venus every Saturday night without fail. The atmoshphere is top, men are gorgeous and the music is funky!5 out of 5
jonny
I've been going to Venus for about 2 yrs now and for me it just gets better and better! It has improved so much over the past 6 months, the music is brilliant and the afterparty's are icked too!5 out of 5
Ant Massey
Loved the night, and the chill out room! Better dress code then Angel Deelite. Quality night again Ant4 out of 5
Kelly
This club is fantastic! Guaranteed a good night every time. The atmosphere is classy and friendly - you'll definately have a great experience here!5 out of 5
Gary Daw
This club is a 5 out of 5 every saturday, great Friday too at Angel Delight, well worth the 200 mile trip I make every week to go to this club. Cool people, sizzlin hot music,100% sweet4 out of 5
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