The Cloakroom Bar - CLOSED

Overview

It looks like a scene plucked straight from a James Bond film — the protagonist peeks down a laneway and spies a lone doorman standing silently under a fire escape. Upon entering the hidden venue, they're whisked to a dimly lit bar located conveniently behind a suit shop. A hot or cold towel is offered upon arrival, alongside a complimentary seasonal palate cleanser. There is no menu, instead the bartender, talking in hushed tones, discusses the perfect drink to help soothe an irksome day.

Much like its sibling venue in Montreal, The Cloakroom Bar is handsomely appointed. A marble bar top runs across one side of the room and the remaining space is split into two cosy lounge rooms. The soft furnishings are richly upholstered in neutral tones and the main source of colour comes from the glittering spirit bottles perched behind the bar. There's a small adjoining outdoor area, too, but this is not the place for raucous dance moves — the house rules states that you must be sitting to participate.

Cocktails are the main game here, but there is a neatly curated beer and wine list also available (which changes frequently). Even the ice is bespoke, with the bartender hand-chipping squares from a large block. It's the kind of imbibing that Sean Connery himself would be proud to take part in.