A new basement bar has just opened on The Corso, and it's the most interesting drinking room Manly has had in years. The Gopher opened its doors on Friday 15 May 2026, taking over the basement at No. 40 The Corso — a few steps from the ferry wharf, a few more from the sand.
It's an Irish-American concept built around the story of the Gopher Gang, the 19th-century Hell's Kitchen crew who ran the back alleys of Manhattan's west side. Down the staircase, past the daylight, the room leans into that mythology: low ceilings, dark timber, brass, soft red light, and a long bar built for leaning on.
What to drink
The headline pour is stout — the bar's whole pitch is "a good night starts with a stout" — but the menu runs wider than that. Cocktails are classic-leaning with a few house twists, the beer list covers Irish, local and craft, and there's a tight wine list for the table next door who didn't come for Guinness.
Food is bar food done properly rather than a full restaurant menu: things to share, things to soak up a second round, designed to keep you in your seat.
Live music in the basement
The other reason to know about The Gopher is the live music programme. The basement runs gigs most weekends — solo acoustic sessions early evening, then full bands from 10pm. The opening weekend lineup featured Matt Evans, Seedy Mackerels, Kamran McAdam, Toxic Dolls and John Wild, and the venue has flagged a rolling weekly schedule of stripped-back sessions and late-night cover bands.
Entry to the music has been free during the opening run. Follow @gophermanly for the current week's lineup.
How to get in
For the opening weeks The Gopher is walk-in only — no standard reservations. The room is designed to feel spontaneous, the kind of place you slip into for one drink and leave four hours later. Function enquiries and larger group bookings can be made via the contact form on their site.
The basics
- Where: Basement, 40 The Corso, Manly NSW 2095
- When: Tuesday to Sunday, 4pm until late. Closed Mondays.
- Style: Irish NYC basement bar — stouts, cocktails, live music
- Bookings: Walk-in only for now; functions on request
- Website: gophermanly.com.au
Why it matters for Manly
Manly's late-night scene has historically leaned beachy and bright — surf bars, brewery taprooms, schooners on a sunny deck. A proper basement bar with a music programme is a different proposition, and a welcome one. If the opening week is anything to go by, The Gopher will quickly become the go-to for a winter drink, a post-dinner second round, or a Saturday night that you didn't quite plan.
Walk down the stairs. Order a stout. See where the night goes.
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