It’s rare these days to have a genuinely covert new opening in Manchester, but one new bar that’s aiming to pull it off is Dear Sailor, Spinningfields’ latest (and most mysterious) addition. Although the opening has been pretty hush-hush, we do know that Dear Sailor is a beautiful cocktail bar inspired by the speakeasies and jazz bars of 1930s Tokyo.
The Dear Sailor Instagram page is private, and no marketing campaigns or press releases have been sent, giving the opening a distinct intrigue and sense of mystery. The bar is not even on Google Maps.
Supposedly, Dear Sailor will operate under the house rule of women taking control in the bar environment, where men aren’t supposed to talk to women first… the plot thickens. Serving opulent long and short drinks that are bold and experimental in an atmospheric and nocturnal environment, highlights from the menu include a Pecan Mai Tai and a Yuzu Meringue Martini.
The food menu is broken up into three parts:
The first menu section is Import – a fusion of flavours and colours from the East, a twist of the West, whilst respecting the traditions of the past. The design is inspired by artefacts and smuggler documents connected to the seizure of contraband goods by the authorities from the ‘Wokou’ or Japanese Pirates. These daring seafarers introduced new delights – from alcohols to spices – while embracing a bohemian lifestyle.
The second menu section is Naval & Tidal – a selection of signatures inspired by the sea. These libations are for the curious, the bold and the adventurous that intend to challenge, excite and delight all who try. Dear Sailor is excited to charter lanes rarely sailed to navigate brave flavours, umami and texture to draw their guest’s favour.
The third menu section if Export – a series of late night finishers that are a continuation of the voyage concluding in the twilight hours.
As for the house rules (which can be subject to change)… Dear Sailor does not allow name-dropping, shouting, fighting, lingering outside the front door, hats/caps and sportwear. Plus, ‘gentlemen’ do not introduce themselves to ladies, and if a man you don’t know does, Dear Sailor encourages ladies to “lift your chin slightly and ignore him”.
Dancing on the furniture is allowed as long as you take your shoes off first, and guests are asked to leave the bar quickly and silently. Dear Sailor asks that you “do not bring anyone unless you would leave that person alone in your home. You are responsible for the behaviour of your guests”.
Dear Sailor is nestled right beside the loud and proud Sexy Fish Manchester in the centre of Spinningfields, so we’ll see how the covert nautical operation goes as the bar reveals itself in due course.
You can book a table at Dear Sailor here.