The Gopher Bar

Overview

A new late-night basement bar has opened beneath the Manly Corso, and it's swapping beachside brightness for old-world Irish pub energy, for all those North Shore expats or anyone who likes to share that their great-granny was an Irish ratbag.

The Gopher is designed to feel half a world away from its coastal surroundings. Downstairs, the venue's vibe is all in on early 1900s Ireland with worn textures, reclaimed century-old lighting, vintage fixtures sourced from the UK and a dimly lit fit-out built for long nights, live music, and slowly-poured pints.

The venue comes from designer and co-owner Matt Clifton, a Manly local whose hospitality background spans Los Angeles, New York and Sydney bars including Donny's Bar, Henry G's and the Cumberland.

Food-wise, the Gopher is taking cues from Irish pub classics, but with a more share-style approach because that's how we do it Down Under. You'll find stick-to-your-ribs dishes like pulled beef Yorkshire pudding pies and black pudding Scotch eggs alongside late-night drinks and regular live bands playing from early evening through until late.

Behind the bar, Irish pours sit alongside signature drinks like the Hells Bells (a butter-washed martini) and The Sinner (a pineapple and habanero margarita). Guinness and Kilkenny are both on tap, with a rotating UK beer of the month to shake things up.

The venue takes its name from the Gopher Gang, an Irish-American street crew from Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen, with the reference threaded throughout the space via menu details, an honours board and a "100 Pint Club" for regulars who stamp their card with each session.

Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.

Imagery: Supplied