Overview
Knock three times on the brass pineapple and wait. Then head through the door, down a staircase and along a dark corridor. Enter the bar and drink. For those who were able to experience the Scandinavian affair that was Norsk Dor, you'll know what we're talking about.
Unfortunately, Norsk Dor is no more — well, the concept, anyway. In its place is Door Knock, a similarly hard-to-find cocktail bar that has a distinctly different feel to its predecessor.
The current project of Natalie Ng (Mojo Records) and Justin Best, the new cocktail joint offers a different pace to the outside world. "We think of it as a hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the CBD," Ng says. "If you're after a quick bite to eat and a beer — or just have some fun over a cocktail — Door Knock will be able to cater to all."
Jonno Carr is the bar manager, and you're in good hands here; he's worked at Archie Rose and Kittyhawk, and came runner-up in the 2016 Australian Bartender Awards. The fortified wine and sherry-heavy drinks list includes seasonal cocktails, such as the zero-waste Hey Macadamia, a refreshing kiwi spritz, and the Finogroni, a concoction for two served in a coconut. In sync with Sydney's current taste, there's also a wide selection of natural wines.
And just because this venue is more of a bar doesn't mean the team is flaking out on the food. Voltaire Silva (ex-Fratelli Fresh) serves up lightly smoked beef tartare with egg yolk confit and crispy onion, barbecued pork belly burnt ends with cauliflower puree and watercress, and fried chicken with salted daikon.
Door Knock is located at 70 Pitt Street. It's open Monday to Saturday, from 4pm midnight. For more information, doorknock.com.au.