Voyeur

Hidden down what feels like a shadowy tunnel off Oldham Street, Voyeur is the creation of Dom Gold — a barman with a deep love of both photography and punchy drinks, not to mention a flair for drama.

Inspired entirely by The Park, a cult 1980s photobook by Japanese lensman Kohei Yoshiyuki, this drinking den brings together political provocation, sexual edge, and sleek, pared-back design in a way that feels unlike anything else in the city.

Yoshiyuki’s book, originally controversial for its grainy, flash-lit depictions of clandestine sexual encounters in Tokyo’s parks, plays a key role here. You see it not only in the name of the place, but in the details: the menu comes bound like a monograph, black and white photography dominates the walls, and there’s an intoxicating sense of subversion just below the surface. It’s noirish, seductive, and unmistakably grown-up — a place where every object, sound and drink has been chosen for maximum impact.

The drinks list is no afterthought. Quite the opposite. The house favourite, The Voyeur, is a bold mix of coriander-infused tequila, chilli tincture, syrup and a sharp slap of citric acid. It’s as punchy as it is herbal, and it sets the tone for a menu that rewards the curious. Meanwhile, Too Old To Die Young – mezcal, Cocchi Americano, cacao and lemon oil – comes with a theatrical twist: a Polaroid taken of its purchaser and printed on the spot, either taken home or pinned to the bar’s growing wall of fame. It’s playful, immersive, and just a little bit exhibitionist.

Beyond the drinks and design, Voyeur leans into the louche decadence of the late 70s and early 80s. Think Talking Heads on the stereo, shadows across every surface, and a nod to the risque. You don’t stumble into a place like this — you’re drawn to it.