Located in Spinningfields, Manchester, Dear Sailor draws inspiration from the prohibition-era jazz speakeasies of 1930’s Tokyo, evoking the heady romance of Japan’s underground drinking dens…
The idea of a ‘secret bar’ might seem outdated in our age of social media, but Dear Sailor, Manchester’s latest addition, managed to maintain an air of mystery prior to its opening. Designed by AXI Architecture & Interior Design Studio in collaboration with Telegraph Furniture, Dear Sailor’s interior beautifully captures the opulent and atmospheric ambiance of a moment in time.
The inside space has a towering, illuminated bar with a golden wave of fabric hanging overhead. Newmor’s blue waves digital wallcovering provides the perfect backdrop to the leather banquette twisting around the bar creating intimate spaces for conversations over cocktails. Telegraph Furniture’s bespoke pouffes designed to match the glamour of their copper tabletops add the perfect finishing touch.
Image credit: Newmor
“The concept design was focussed around the Japanese prohibition and the secret underground jazz cafes that sprung up, trading in contraband and enjoying cocktails in secrecy,” explained Lucy Atwood, Interior Designer at AXI Studio. “The ambience strived to achieve a place where old meets new, that was considered but not formal and vibrant but not gimmicky. The bespoke design for the wallpaper came from the desire to create a backdrop that both referenced the link to the sailors that would inhabit these types of spaces, but also to establish a wallcovering that incorporated a subtle texture – leaning into the warmth and rich colour palette used within the scheme,” continued Atwood. “The split design also really helped in creating that sense of intimacy and closeness around the soft curved banquette seating”.
Image credit: Newmor
Describing itself as ‘The whisper of the town,’ Dear Sailor avoided press releases and sneak peeks prior to opening, it wasn’t even listed on Google Maps until now. Adding to its mystique, Dear Sailor operates under a set of ten unspoken house rules. Amongst these, guests are discouraged from name-dropping, and men are not allowed to approach women; instead, women are encouraged to ‘lift your chin slightly and ignore him.’ However, dancing on the furniture is allowed as long as shoes are removed first. And visitors are politely reminded, “Do not bring anyone unless you would leave that person alone in your home. You are responsible for the behaviour of your guests.”
Image credit: Newmor
“Dear Sailor’s allure lies not just in the mystery around its launch, but the promise to transport us to an enchanting era of intrigue and romance,” added Rose Campbell, Design and Marketing Manager at Newmor. “We loved working with Axi Studio to create a bespoke wallcovering fitting for this unique venue.”
“We were delighted to work with AXI Studio on this brand-new luxurious bar concept in the heart of Manchester city centre,” summed up Kim Pinnington, Managing Director of Telegraph Furniture. “Dear Sailor offers an unparalleled adventure for those looking to embark on a luxurious journey into the heart of 1930s Tokyo. Telegraph Furniture created bespoke pouffes upholstered in durable Ultraleather, complete with copper effect base plinths which match the tabletops, creating a warm, inviting & intimate experience”.
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Main image credit: Newmor
