Whiskey Down: Manchester ‘gentlemen’s club’ inspired by Playboy Mansion has licence renewed

An ‘inclusive’ gentlemen’s club in Manchester city centre has had its licence renewed. Whiskey Down on Lloyd Street, which is run by the team behind nightclub Factory 251, can continue operating as a sex entertainment venue.

The club, inspired by a visit to the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles, opened in July 2019 following a £2.5m investment into the building. This is the fourth year its sex establishment licence has been renewed by Manchester city council.

It comes after councillors renewed a lap dancing club’s licence despite claims that its prominent location next to Deansgate train station makes Manchester look ‘seedy’. However, speaking on behalf of FAC251 owner Tokyo Industries at a licensing hearing this week, operations director Chris Bateson said that Whiskey Down’s entrance is only illuminated at night.

Explaining the origins of the club, he told the licensing panel: “In 2017, the company’s owner felt that the idea of a gentleman’s club had become a little jaded and seedy. Our company was doing some work in Los Angeles and we had the opportunity to visit the Playboy Mansion’s exclusive Halloween party.

“There were loads of all these photos of sixties clubs in London, New York and Miami – extremely cool, classy and exclusive – and it’s here where he came up with the idea of creating a safe late night space with great drinks, bartenders and a better class of immersive entertainment. In July 2019, following a £2.5m investment into the building, we flew in from the US the world’s most renowned burlesque performer for the opening night – Dita Von Teese.

“Whiskey Down, as the name suggests, focuses on Manchester’s largest collection of whiskeys and bourbons. We have over 100 different styles ranging from £7 to £35 a shot with one worth over £10,000 – a real collector’s collection.

“Of course we also have an incredible range of gins and perfectly paired tonics as well as specialist vodkas, quality beers and champagne is always available.

“In terms of [sex entertainment venue] performance, it is never forced upon or required by the guest. It is quite possible to attend the venue and normally enjoy a dance.

“We try very hard to be fully inclusive of both male, female and the LGBT community, featuring dedicated burlesque shows, corporate events, fundraisers, fashion shows and immersive intimate forms in a well-presented boutique venue.”

The venue is located in the lower ground floor and basement levels of the Lloyd Street building. No objections were received to the renewal application.

Manchester city council’s licensing panel renewed the sex establishment licence.