Behind Closed Doors
Demi Sheridan, Editorial Assistant
Behind Closed Doors is not your typical bar. It might not be the place for a quiet drink on Wednesday night with your work colleagues (or it could be, depending on the colleagues in question). Tucked away on Oldham Street in the busy Northern Quarter, behind a seemingly unambiguous brown door, lies a basement cocktail bar dressed top to bottom in vintage erotica.
Due to the hidden nature of this particular establishment, it’s the kind of place you get told about. If you did not know where to look, it is unlikely you would be able to find it on your own. This word of mouth method of advertising is something that was inbuilt into the bar’s character right from the start. It’s the kind of place you hear about but are not quite sure what to expect when you enter.
Once through the speakeasy-esque doorway, you’re presented with a narrow staircase lined with dark reflective tiles, still not completely certain of what you are about to experience. The dimmed lighting and tight corners evoke privacy in an underground den of debauchery and indulgence.
Warning, nudity is to be expected on site. Not by the customers or staff. Do not undress on the premises. But you can look. Retrostyled or just genuinely retro pornographic posters, clippings and magazine pages cover the walls, the tables and even the ceiling. With cheeky nooks and enclosed sections, along with private phone lines in every booth – requiring your discretion – the theme hints to allow mischievous and sinful conversations.
Whilst you are there, be sure to try their new speciality cocktail ‘The Chocstar Martini’. A playful twist on the classic Espresso Martini, using vanilla vodka, kahlua coffee liqueur and topping it all off with a big dollop of whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate swirls. Or choose something from the list of options with all your well known favourites, but remember, Happy Hour ends at 6pm so at least get two for £16 while you are at it.
With a regular playlist of upbeat funk, soul and bougie as well as vinyl DJs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, you will not be short of dancing opportunities. If that all sounds good to you then I have some more good news. BCD have just announced that they will now be open until 4am everyday so now there is no reason to cut the party short.
