The Cumberland

Slip past the deli counter—straight through the vintage fridge door—and you're instantly transported away from the Manly beach hustle. The Cumberland is a subterranean prohibition dream. Dimly lit. Buzzing. Unapologetically intimate. Cocktail purists clear their weekend schedules just to navigate this menu. The backbar is a serious flex: over 250 whiskies and a hyper-focused cocktail list laced with foraged native botanicals. Trust the floor staff. Mixology maestros like Pete and Oliver act as your liquid sommeliers—let them curate your night. Pair a razor-sharp vodka martini with pristine freshly shucked oysters, or demolish an overflowing charcuterie board before your two-hour seating vanishes. It’s loud, theatrical, and mercifully free of TVs. Just brilliant music, old-world boîte energy, and masterclass drinks that demand your full attention.