A new late-night venue is opening beneath Manly Corso this week, with The Gopher launching on Friday, May 15.

The Irish-inspired basement bar brings an immersive atmosphere and live music to the heart of Manly. Guests descend into a low-lit space that pulls them back in time – an early 1900s vibe, with worn textures, aged finishes and carefully sourced details like reclaimed century-old lighting and internationally-sourced vintage fixtures.

Designer and co-owner Matt Clifton said: “We wanted to create something that feels transportive. Not just a bar you walk into, but a space that shifts your mood the second you step downstairs. It’s about atmosphere, detail and creating experiences people come back for.”

Clifton is a Manly local whose background spans hospitality and property across Sydney, Los Angeles and New York.

The venue takes its name from the Gopher Gang, an Irish-American street crew from Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, known for their rebellious nature and strong sense of character. That narrative runs throughout the venue, informing design details, menu references and in-venue storytelling elements, including an honours board and a 100 Pint Club.

The food offering has been inspired by Irish pub classics, reworked into a share-style format. Dishes such as Pulled Beef Yorkshire Pudding Pies, Black Pudding Scotch Eggs, Slow-Cooked Roast Lamb Shoulder, and Irish Spice Bags are presented in smaller portions, encouraging guests to settle in and stay longer.

The beverage program balances traditional Irish pours with a creative cocktail offering. Signatures include the Hells Bells — a butter-washed martini — and The Sinner, a pineapple and habanero margarita, alongside Guinness, Kilkenny and a rotating UK beer of the month.

Live music is central to the experience, with bands playing most evenings from early until late.

“There’s a long history of late-night music in this space,” Clifton said. “What we’re doing is building on that energy and giving people a reason to stay out again. Nights that feel effortless, but still memorable.”

You’ll find The Gopher at 40 The Corso, Manly NSW.