A Hefner-inspired burlesque club is coming to Manchester – and social media will be banned

Manchester is getting a new after-hours playground for the wild and uninhibited as a raunchy new cabaret venue comes to town.

Called Whiskey Downs, it’s the latest concept from the Toyko Industries team behind Impossible, and we can say without a shadow of a doubt it is certainly not going to be suitable for the prudes among us. 

There will even be a social media ban in place to stop clientele sharing details of performances at the club online with friends.

Boasting interiors inspired by Bruce Wayne’s Gotham Manor House and the 70’s grotto at Hugh Hefner’s LA playboy mansion, the club will be split over two floors with a large cabaret space upstairs and a maze of private rooms beneath. 

Taking influence from glitzy late-night haunts The Box in New York and London, and Crazy Horse and Moulin Rouge in Paris, Whiskey Downs will offer nights full of intrigue, secrecy and sexuality to the adventurous men and women crossing its risque threshold.

Upstairs, the main space will feature an adult cabaret stage surrounded by opulent leather booths, dark woods and floor-to-ceiling bookcases.

There will be a range of performers serving champagne, prosecco and whiskey and, behind the bar, you can expect to enjoy a world-class selection of whiskey and gins.

Downstairs, a naughtier basement space will be fitted with themed rooms, perfect for enjoying exotic private dances or indulging in raunchy group party bookings.

Here, long wood-panelled passageways will form a hidden labyrinth beneath the cabaret lounge where dark corners will lead to secret rooms. No touching is allowed, but your imagination can run wild.

“Whiskey Down is all about intrigue, combining high-end bar tendering and table service, incredible drinks, luxury interiors and world class performers.,” says founder Aaron Mellors, the night time guru behind Manchester venues FAC251, Impossible and South.

Following an exclusive women-only preview, held for a select few of Manchester’s power women, the new late-night playground will open to the public on Saturday 6th July. Find it on Lloyd street.

Whiskey Down will open Thursday 9pm – 4.30am, Friday and Saturday 5pm – 6.30am, and Sunday 9pm – 4.30am.