The Cumberland Is the New Speakeasy-Style Bar Opening Behind a Fridge Door in Manly

The hard-to-find bar will have 250 different whiskies, wheels of baked camembert and melty raclette.
Marissa Ciampi
July 23, 2019

Manly is set to gain a very secretive new addition when The Cumberland opens its doors. This August, you'll be able to head through a 1920s-style fridge door and wind down a spiral staircase into this underground speakeasy-style bar.

The new northern beaches spot comes from owner Matt Clifton, who is the manager director of MJC Group of Companies, which is also responsible for Manly's Donny's Bar and In Situ. He's signed on general manager Pete Ehemann, too, who has worked at the likes of the Ivy and Coogee Pavilion.

Behind the bar, over 250 whiskies from around the world will line the shelves. This serious spirit collection will be accompanied by signature cocktails that use local botanicals, along with organic Australian wines and craft beers from both local and European makers.

For eats, there'll be Spanish cured meats and cheeses, as well as pork rillettes, baked camembert and plates of hot, melted raclette.

Surry Hills' AZB Creative is responsible for the fit-out — images of which have been kept well under wraps, for now. But, we're told to expect ornate and vintage furnishings, upcycled timber, marble bench tops, hand-carved sandstone and clay brickwork. Plus, antique brass and copper accents, including the beer taps — an original set, dating back to 1902. A leather banquette will also wrap around the space, which will sit 70 all up.

The Cumberland will open at a yet-to-be-announced address in Manly this August. Keep an eye on this space for more details.

Published on July 23, 2019 by Marissa Ciampi
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