Get ready for 1920s sophistication hidden behind a seemingly inconspicuous fridge door.
Tucked away in plain sight and hidden in the heart of Manly lies The Cumberland, an underground hidden bar with a classic European twist. Named Australia’s Small Bar of the Year (Australian Bar Awards 2021), the speakeasy can only be accessed through a secret entrance – a low-key ‘Cove Deli’ fridge door that winds its way down a spiral staircase and into a basement bar.
Following 9-months of extensive renovations, The Cumberland is now ready to transport guests into another time and place. The interior seats an intimate 70, with ornate and vintage furnishings throughout. Luxurious marble bench tops sit across hand-carved sandstone blocks, original brickwork, repurposed timber, and a series of brass and copper accents. The best part? An original set of working 1902 brass beer taps lies behind the bar, a nod to The Cumberland’s rich history and impressive interior detail.
Whisky lovers will be pleased to hear there are over 300 impressive whisky varieties to choose from, spanning Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Australia, America & India. Classic cocktails will be given a Northern Beaches twist, with many locally foraged botanicals used as key ingredients. The remaining beverage list will showcase organic wines from growers across the country and a selection of boutique craft beers.
As for the food menu, The Cumberland draws inspiration from native ingredients found around Manly to form a shared-style tapas offering. Cosy up with cocktails from the bar and enjoy dishes like melted raclette, Spanish meatballs, duck terrine, and empanadas. By day, Cove Deli upstairs sells a selection of signature cheese and cured Spanish meats, which can also be transported downstairs to the hidden venue. A vintage dumbwaiter has been custom designed for the space to transport provisions from the deli to the bar.
Cove Deli and The Cumberland are both open for trade daily, and until late from Tuesday through to Saturday. And yes, that means you can purchase a midnight cheese wheel to go.
