If it’s glitz and glamour you’re after, Velvet has it in spades. Outside there’s a vast purple-hued terrace with VIP cabanas dotted in amongst the palm trees and Polynesian statues, and inside there’s more purple, in this instance accompanied by shiny faux snakeskin furniture, patterned wallpaper and wild lighting: it’s full-on fabulous. Peruse the menu (clad in purple snakeskin, naturally) and choose from sushi, South-East Asian, European and local dishes. There’s an extensive cocktail list featuring staples such as frozen margaritas, mojitos, bellinis and shooters as well as several of Velvet’s own creations, but most refreshingly Velvet boasts a special wine list offering 14 different wines for less than 10,000 KZT – nothing short of miraculous in this part of the world. With its programme of DJ sets and live jazz at weekends it’s just the place for both relaxed post work drinks and raucous group get-togethers.