The Gopher brings the charm of New York’s Prohibition era bars to Sydney. Burrowing under The Corso in Manly, The Gopher offers a distinctly old world charm, which departs from its breezy, coastal neighbours.

Designed by Studio PULP, The Gopher takes its cue from the notorious Gopher Gang, which dominated Manhattan’s west side from the 1890s to 1910s. Known for operating largely underground (in the literal sense), the Irish-American gang created a network of basement saloons and cellars below Hell’s Kitchen where they would smuggle contraband and hide from police.

Less inspired by the crime and more so by the design ingenuity, The Gopher is a marriage of Manhattan and Irish hospitality venues from a bygone era. Hints of green and touches of traditional Irish tartan nod to the Emerald Isle, while subway tiles, exposed brick and pressed metal ceilings bring the sublime grittiness of New York to the fore.

A sense of nostalgia is established through rich materiality and detailing. Rather than a pastiche, the interiors bring a sophisticated twist to traditional aesthetics. Custom-designed furniture, curved leather banquettes and velvet lounges are complemented by bespoke tables with sculptural turned bases.

Decorative panelling and curved partitions add to the cavernous, cosy feeling alongside textured glazing. Nooks and crannies balance open space with more intimate moments – you could almost see Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway pulling up a chair.

Layers of rich velvets, marble and brass bring a refined edge to the space, contrasting the distressed plasterwork and exposed brick. The duality of the design continues in the intricate mosaic floor, which follows the curve of the bar joinery before transitioning into floorboards.

Lighting adds the finishing touch to the subterranean saloon, with wall sconces, opaline glass pendants and globe lights providing a soft, warm glow to the speakeasy atmosphere. Integrated strip lighting beneath the banquettes draws attention to the timber detailing and adds depth to the dark joinery.

Studio PULP’s interiors feel as though they’ve always been there, as if the Gophers themselves burrowed all the way from Battle Row to Manly and set up shop over 100 years ago, albeit with the modern touches of Australian hospitality. Grab a pint of Guinness and let The Gopher transport you back in time.

Photos: Jacqui Turk.