Manly’s new underground speakeasy, The Cumberland has revealed it’s location at 17-19 Central Avenue. The prohibition inspired bar is accessible via a spiral staircase hidden behind a fridge door within the Cove Deli, also just opened.
The boutique deli, featuring a small selection of Mediterranean cured meats and cheeses is a fully functioning establishment in its own right. Lying beneath, The Cumberland will serve a selection of more than 250 whiskies, natural wine, craft beer and an extensive themed cocktail menu designed by Merivale veteran and general manager, Pete Ehemann and creative consultant, Petr Dvoracek. Each cocktail has been designed to hero the history of the County of Cumberland, with themes including locally ‘Foraged and Found’, ‘Pre-Temperance Movement Favourites’, and ‘19th Century County Tipples’ from Sydney and surrounds.
The Dandelion Espresso Martini features locally sourced ingredients, as does the Wild Fennel Calling with foraged fennel from a region near Sydney’s Centennial Park. A Sazerac, a French 75 and more adorn the list of prohibition classics. A take on the classic vodka martini made with sheeps whey vodka and served wrapped with sheep’s wool from owner Matt Clifton’s family farm has been dubbed the Camden. The Cumberland is a signature whisky cocktail served in a smoking cloche, while the Pickleback — a swig of whisky chased with pickle brine — is also locally inspired and pairs perfectly with cured deli meat.
The food offering features a selection of signature boards showcasing the range of cheeses, Spanish cured meats and antipasto available for sale at Cove Deli. A vintage dumbwaiter has been custom designed for the space to transport provisions from the deli to the bar. Another small kitchen within the downstairs speakeasy is responsible for producing a tapas menu that includes melted raclette, Spanish meatballs, duck terrine and empanadas.
Designed by AZB Creative and conceptualised by Donny’s and In Situ owner, Matt Clifton, the 75-seat venue houses a series of ornate and vintage furnishings, dark mood lighting and leather banquettes while the European inspired Cove Deli is an upscale bodega, accented with a white-washed teal facade, penny tiles, a central glass display cabinet and a 1920s fly-wheel meat slicer.
Cove Deli and The Cumberland are both open for trade 5pm–12am Sunday to Thursday and 5pm–1am Friday and Saturday.
