Velvet

Velvet, a gay night for women, was once populated by the slightly older crowd, but now draws a wider range(roughly 20-40). The music is varied too, from the usual pop classics to more 'serious' dance music. There is a slightly intense vibe, with the club packed by 12.30, and a strict policy about admitting men - they're allowed if accompanied by a woman, but signs suggest management would rather they didn't come at all and, mostly, they don't. It's less of a meat market than might be expected, though, possibly because there are more couples and fewer hunting packs than at nights like Blaze. Mariners is a great space: booths for couples, couches upstairs, and a good-sized dance floor. Unfortunately it's in the depths of Leith, requiring a night bus or taxi which adds to the expense of what is already not a cheap night out, especially since it closes at 2am. [Cate Simpson]