New bar with set of rules where men can’t talk to women first has opened in UK

A new bar has opened its doors in the UK with strict rules forbidding blokes from approaching women they don’t know, while women are encouraged to ‘lift your chin slightly and ignore’ any fellas who try and chat to them.

Dear Sailor opened up last weekend (24 November) in Manchester’s Spinningfields and is described as ‘a beautiful cocktail bar inspired by the speakeasies and jazz bars of 1930s Tokyo’ offering up a list of fancy drinks for patrons to enjoy.

However, alongside the swish drinks, Dear Sailor also comes with a rather extensive list of rules, including ‘no shouting’, ‘no name-dropping’ and strict orders to not ‘bring anyone unless you would leave that person alone in your home’ - that counts out most of my mates, then.

Men, who are told to remove hats once inside, are warned not to introduce themselves to any women at the bar, but women are free to do so or can ask a bartender to make an introduction.

Co-owner Christian Coates told the Manchester Evening News that the rules are slightly tongue in cheek, but says they’re all intended to encourage customers to be respectful of each other and the venue.

Dear Sailor

Speaking ahead of the bar's opening, he added: “It's a case of people knowing what to expect when they arrive but we’re also expecting a level of conduct from them too. So everyone comes in the same frame of mind.

“They will be ever evolving and there’s a few more to be added after this weekend. But rules are made to be broken too.”

Dear Sailor’s rules in full:

1. No name-dropping, no star f**king.
2. No shouting, or other loud behaviour.
3. No fighting, no play fighting, no talking about fighting.
4. Gentlemen can remove their hats. Hooks are provided if necessary.
5. Gentlemen will not introduce themselves to ladies. Ladies, feel free to start a conversation or ask the bartender to introduce you. If a man you don’t know speaks to you, please lift your chin slightly and ignore him.
6. Do not linger outside the front door.
7. Shoes off when dancing on the furniture.
8. No sports wear/caps.
9. Do not bring anyone unless you would leave that person alone in your home. You are responsible for the behaviour of your guests.
10. Exit the bar briskly and silently. Please make all your travel plans and say all farewells before leaving the bar.