A  new speakeasy-style bar is set to grace the shores of Sydney, hiding behind a vintage, 1920s fridge door in Manly. The Cumberland is Sydney’s latest basement venue, which will soon make waves on the Northern Beaches.

Once you descend the spiral staircase, you’ll be transported to another time and place, courtesy of the unique fit-out. The 70-seater venue is filled with ornate furnishings including reclaimed timber, handmade leather banquettes and brass beer taps.

Keen to visit more bars around Sydney? Check out Sydney’s top 10 whisky bars. Then, see here for the city’s 10 best rooftop bars. 

While the location is yet to be announced, the food menu may hint to the entry point. Guests are invited to snack on slow-cooked pork rillettes pate and gooey raclette as a vintage custom dumbwaiter delivers Spanish cured meats and cheese between floors. Perhaps the hidden location is underneath a Spanish restaurant? 

If all this food talk has got you thirsty, the bar offers a global dram list over 250 whiskies long. The spirit lineup will be accompanied by a cocktail which combine classic techniques and local botanicals, along with a range of boutique and organic Australian wines and European craft beers.

The design has been conceptualised by Matt Clifton (Donny’s, In Situ) and brought to life by AZBCreative. Merivale veteran Pete Ehemann (Hemmesphere, Coogee Pavilion) will be managing the venue, with twelve years of industry experience under his belt.