If lifting the books in the bookcase doesn’t work, nor your secret knock or code word, you might want to try looking inside the vintage fridge at new northern beaches bodega, Cove Deli. Pull the silver handle and head on down the spiral staircase to The Cumberland, Manly’s new top-secret speakeasy.

Located on street level, Cove Deli sells a selection of Mediterranean-style cured meats and cheeses. Either stock up for home or head through the fridge for wine and charcuterie down below.

The European-inspired deli channels an upscale bodega with penny tiles, glass display cabinet and a 1920s fly-wheel meat slicer. Meanwhile downstairs, The Cumberland, keeps it local with its hand-carved sandstone blocks, original convict clay brickwork, reclaimed timber and antique brass and copper accents.

Supplied by Cove Deli, diners can order charcuterie boards laden with Spanish-cured meats, antipasto and cheeses, which are transported to the bar via vintage dumbwaiter. A small kitchen in The Cumberland will also pump out snack plates like Spanish meatballs, cheesy raclette and empanadas.

The basement bar serves a selection of over 250 whiskies, natural wine, craft beer and a Prohibition-style cocktail menu, made up of locally sourced ingredients like sheeps whey gin, foraged dandelion and wild fennel. The house specialty is the Pickleback – a swig of whiskey chased with pickle brine (not recommended for first dates).

Cove Deli and The Cumberland is located at 17-19 Central Ave, Manly. It opens Sun-Thu 5pm-12am and Fri-Sat 5pm-1am. For more details, head to cumberlandmanly.com.au.