New secret bar with entry via a fridge door is opening in Manly

A new secret drinking den accessible via a fridge door is set to open in Manly, as the owner reveals some tantalising clues as to where it will be.

A clue to the whereabouts to a new secret bar in Manly called The Cumberland. Picture: Dan Gosse

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A secret basement bar hidden in the heart of Manly will open later this month.

Patrons will have to try and find the entrance through a 1920s fridge door, which is inside another venue.

The door will lead to a spiral staircase down to the bar.

Matt Clifton, owner of the new underground secret bar, The Cumberland.

The owner, Matt Clifton, who also owns Donny’s Bar and Insitu said it would be a prohibition inspired drinking den with vintage furnishings, marble benchtops, original convict clay brickwork and reclaimed timber.

Inside the new secret bar in Manly called The Cumberland. Picture: Dan Gosse

A handmade leather banquette seat will wrap the walls of the 70 seater venue.

Mr Clifton told the Manly Daily he wanted to create something unique for Manly and bring some fun and surprise back into a going out.

“We want to take people on a bar experience with a difference, showing them a snippet of a different time and bringing a sense of surprise and fun back to a night out,” he said.

The Cumberland will have a speakeasy vibe. Picture: Dan Gosse.

The bar’s name, The Cumberland, is inspired by Manly’s history. Previously, the parish of Manly Cove was in the County of Cumberland.

Billed as a speakeasy, the bar will feature an extensive selection of over 250 whiskies, cocktails and boutique and organic wines, as well as local and European craft beers.

Is this door colour a clue? Picture: Dan Gosse

The food menu may give a hint of where you’ll find the entrypoint, with a vintage, custom dumbwaiter delivering boards of Spanish cured meats and cheese between floors.

Managing the new establishment will be Merivale veteran, Pete Ehemann who is coming into the role of general manager off the back of more than 12 years’ experience at Merivale’s Ivy, Hemmesphere, Level 6 and Coogee Pavilion.

While there are no more details around the location of the new bar at this stage, there is extensive work next door to Donny’s, as well at a couple of other nearby sites including Central Ave.

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